Victory Page 12

  He snorted a laugh. “Wasn’t any kind of win I’d ever seen. But damn good thing you did. It’ll take that purse to fix the car—again. Two wrecks in a row.”

  “And neither one of them my fault,” she reminded him.

  But she’d seen the glazed over look in his eyes before—the one that said he didn’t even hear her.

  When his phone rang, he dismissed himself from the room and Sam turned to her.

  “I still don’t know how you put up with that,” he said.

  “I’m starting to wonder myself,” she admitted closing her eyes tightly and trying to take herself back to the moment Jake pressed his lips to her and told her what they had was more than one night.

  At that very moment, all she wanted was to leave the hospital, the wreck, and the race behind her and go to him. Perhaps that would satisfy her every need.

  Chapter Eighteen

  It was Bud who had told Jake that Missy had been released from the hospital two days earlier. So he wondered why she hadn’t reached out to him.

  He stood in the bay watching oil pour from the car he was working on, into the pan. Today, simple oil changes were all he could keep his mind focused on.

  In the mail had been the official invitation to his aunt’s party, the Walker Ball. She’d always been known for nice parties, but it did seem that as each of her sons married, or got engaged, the parties became fancier and more frequent. Jake chalked that up to her having girls in the family now. Susan, who had married his eldest cousin Eric, was a caterer. That seemed to seal the fate that parties were no longer pot luck. Gia, Dane’s fiancée, owned a store where she imported fine goods from her hometown in Italy. Now the decor of the parties was nicer too. Russell had married Chelsea, which had instantly given his aunt a grandson, as Chelsea had a young son, and they were expecting another—as was Susan. She had many reasons to celebrate everything now.

  The thought that his Aunt Glenda might have granddaughters had him chuckling to himself as he went to work changing out the oil.

  Jake had sent his R.S.V.P. right away. He figured he had the date lined up, and he could hold it over Missy’s head if she tried to back out. It was a month away, he figured she’d try to get out of it, and he’d talk her back into it.

  He was trying not to get worked up over not having seen her. Their lives, though balanced in their sport, didn’t coincide much outside the circuit.

  “Jake, your sister has a flat tire and called to see if you might help her out,” Al hollered across the garage.

  “That’s why they have husbands,” he shouted back.

  “This is the one without one.”

  Jake let out a huff and dropped his shoulders. “Audrey?”

  “That’s the one.”

  Jake wiped his hands on the rag that dangled from his pocket. “Did she happen to tell you where she was?”

  Al shook his head. “Didn’t think to ask. You can call her,” he said as he headed back into the office where Jake knew that if he were answering the phone then Jackie was on her sixth coffee break of the day.

  Pulling his phone from his pocket he noticed that Audrey had texted him three times and called twice. So much for hearing the phone.

  Then he noticed that Missy had texted him as well.

  He leaned against the counter full of tools and scrolled through his texts.

  Braves have a game tonight. Thought it would be fun to watch on your big TV. I’ll bring beer and a pizza. Interested?

  He wasn’t quite sure what it meant when his heart ached just seeing the text. He wasn’t much of a Braves fan, but damn he’d sit through extra innings if it meant just having her near.

  He replied. It’s a date. I’ll be home at six. I like pepperoni on my pizza.

  Letting the childish grin settle on his lips, he called his sister. “Where are you?”

  “I’m at the salon. Horrible time for this to happen, too. Damnit, tell me you’ll come and get me. Seriously, Jake. Long story, but come get me.”

  There was anger and tears in her voice. “Audrey, are you okay?”

  “Do I sound okay? When will you be here?”

  “Fifteen minutes.”

  “I’m parked out back,” she said and the connection went dead.

  He rubbed his forehead, and then took off his coveralls. After some sister drama, he certainly would be looking forward to a nice night of pizza and beer with a beautiful woman.

  Audrey stood, leaned up against her car, and it didn’t take Jake but a moment to notice his sister had been crying.

  When she worked she usually wore her hair back, but now it hung down as if she were hiding behind it. Even with sunglasses on, he could see the rose in her cheeks and nose, and the accompanying sheen from the tears.

  “That was longer than fifteen minutes,” she shot out as he climbed out of the truck. “You said fifteen.”

  He moved to her, letting his anger boil inside, but he knew she needed his comfort at that moment.

  “I can guarantee it’s been seventeen. Not enough to get raked over the coals about.” He reached out and held her arms, looking her over. “You want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “No. If I’d wanted to tell you what was going on, I’d have told you.”

  “Fine. Is your spare in your trunk?”

  Her lips pursed and she nodded.

  Jake went about pulling the spare from the trunk and changing the tire. Audrey paced the parking lot, chewing on her thumb, which was a nervous habit she’d always had.

  He couldn’t help but notice that her little Honda was filled with boxes. Trying to inconspicuously see what was in the boxes, he realized they were full of her salon tools. Perhaps he had an idea what had his sister in such a foul mood.

  “I’m going to throw this tire in my truck and take it back to the garage. I’ll see if it’s repairable.”

  “Fine.”

  “Your spare is full size. You’ll be just fine with it.”

  “Good.”

  “Are you heading home now?”

  “Yes.” She wiped at her eyes.

  Jake looked at his watch. It was three o’clock. “Can I buy you a coffee? We can walk over to the Starbucks, or I can drive through and bring it to you.”

  Her stance softened. “I appreciate that. But you have to get back to work.”

  “I know the boss. I can take some time.” He pulled her to him, and she didn’t resist. “I’ll meet you there. Should I get your usual?”

  “Make it a Venti though. And add whip cream. And whole milk instead of skim.”

  Jake tucked his lips between his teeth to keep the grin from forming. “Full-strength. Got it. I’ll be there in a half hour—or so.”

  Audrey opened her door and smiled at him. “Thank you. I’m sorry for being so bitchy.”

  “Get home safe. I’ll be there soon.”

  Jake sat in the lot and watched until his sister had driven away. So it looked as though she’d been fired, or something had caused her to pack her things and leave the salon she loved so much.

  It crossed his mind that he should call their sister Pearl and have her meet them at Audrey’s. But then he thought better of it. She’d called him first. Sure, he had the skill she needed at that moment, but he’d called her.

  Chuckling to himself, he decided that he’d made a friend of Missy Sheridan, he certainly could handle his sister for an hour.

  As he drove away from the salon, he pulled out his phone and called Bud.

  “Can you close up for me? I have some family business I need to attend to,” he said, but Bud didn’t answer right away.

  “Family business? What the hell do you got going now?”

  “This is Audrey. Just a meltdown. Should I be mad about something else?” he asked.

  “I’ll close up,” Bud said and disconnected the phone.

  Once again, Jake couldn’t help but wish he was from the other branch of the Walker family tree.

  A half hour later, he was standing on his s
ister’s front step, two cups of overpriced, fancy coffees in his hands.

  When she answered the door, he noticed she’d pulled herself together. Though very casually dressed now in yoga pants and an oversized T-shirt, she looked calmer. Her hair had been pulled back in a ponytail, and the makeup, she’d no doubt cried off, had been washed away.

  “Fully loaded, just as you asked,” he said as he handed her the large cup.

  “Thanks. You’re very good to me.”

  Of course he was, he thought as he followed her into her condo and to the living room where she set her coffee on the small table, and curled herself up on the couch.

  Jake poured himself into the recliner.

  Audrey tightened her ponytail. “I suppose you realize I got fired today?”

  He shrugged. “I can read a car full of boxes. So what happened? You’ve been there for years.”

  “She sold the damn salon out from underneath me. We’d had plans that I would buy it when she was ready to sell. Now new owners are coming in in two weeks and making all sorts of changes.”

  “How do you know they’ll be bad changes?”

  She narrowed her gaze on him as she picked up her coffee. “Because they won’t be my changes. Did you miss the point where I was supposed to buy the salon?”

  Audrey had her mother’s argument tactics. Snap and retreat. He was just waiting for the tears to come again. Though he didn’t like them, he could break through them easier.

  “Maybe it’s a good thing. This says it was time to move on. Do your own thing.”

  She sipped her drink and he saw the tears shimmering in her eyes again. “I didn’t even have time to pull my customer list. If I go somewhere else, I have to start from scratch.”

  Jake stood and moved to sit next to her on the couch. “You’re good at what you do. I have no doubt that no matter where you work, word will get around and your clients will follow you.”

  “Sure. In time.”

  “Clients are loyal if you were good for them. And you are good. Audrey, everything happens for a reason.”

  She snorted out a laugh. “Really? What’s the reason behind you getting knocked out of all the races? You can’t tell me that doesn’t mess with your ego.”

  And of all things she could bring up, this is what she chose?

  “I’ve learned there’s reason. And, things are looking up.”

  “What am I going to do?” Luckily she changed the subject to focus back on her. “I can’t afford this place without a job, Jake.”

  “There is a salon on each street. You have a good reputation. I think you…” He stopped, sipped his coffee, then set it on the table. “Lydia has one more space in that building. Sorry,” he corrected, “Bridal Mecca.”

  “You think I should ask her to open a salon so I could work there?”

  He shot her a look without saying another word. When her eyes grew wide, he knew she’d finally clued in.

  “You think I should open my own salon?”

  “It’s only a few blocks from where you’ve worked for years. And they have a built-in clientele that needs your skills. Hell, they send all the bridal parties to you anyway.”

  The tears had seemed to dry, and now there was a spark in them. “I don’t have a lot of savings.”

  Jake shrugged. “I’m a little lean on the finances.”

  “Well, you poured them into that amazing house of yours.” She gnawed on her thumb again. “My mom might be able to help me. Do you think dad would…”

  “Don’t even ask him. You’ll only end up wishing you’d never gotten involved.”

  Audrey reached a hand out and rested it on his knee. “What happened there?”

  “I don’t know yet. But it seems as though me getting in that accident and getting pushed out of those races might have something to do with his financing my garage. I’m still trying to figure it out.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t understand him.”

  “Yeah, neither do I.”

  He left her an hour later contemplating full self-employment, and making plans for a salon she knew she’d always wanted. He figured by the time he was eating pizza with Missy, Audrey would have Lydia on the phone and they’d be making plans.

  The thought had him chuckling to himself as he drove down the street toward his house. Lydia deserved a medal for being there for everyone when they needed her. For being such a little woman, she sure had a big heart.

  As he pulled up to the house, he saw Missy’s truck on the street. Then he saw her sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch, a large pizza box on her lap, and a six pack resting by her feet. A quick glance at his watch and he realized it was five minutes past six.

  So, she was a stickler for promptness. He could appreciate that.

  “You’re late,” she called to him as he walked up the front walk.

  “And you’re beautiful,” he retorted.

  The shock from his comment had her face brightening and a smile forming on her gorgeous mouth. “Okay, didn’t expect that.”

  He studied her as he took the pizza box from her and she stood. She wore her hair down and it flowed over her shoulders. Though she was dressed casual in jeans and a T-shirt, he thought she looked sexy as hell.

  There were the expected bruises under her eyes, and she stood slowly, which told him loud and clear she was sore clear down to her bones.

  A cast adorned her wrist. It shouldn’t have surprised him that it was pink. That seemed to fit.

  “Are you going to open the door?” she asked and he realized his gaze had lasted longer than he’d thought.

  “I’d really like to kiss you first.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip. “I’d really like that too,” she said and he moved in to press his lips to hers.

  Missy sighed, and he felt her sink against him. He certainly was glad she came to her senses. Why this woman, why now, he’d never know. But he wanted to be with her, and he couldn’t imagine there would be an end to that.

  Slipping his key into the lock, he pushed open the door, and caught her scent as she walked through.

  She walked straight to the kitchen and he followed, setting the pizza on the counter. “Should we put these in the fridge here, or in the TV room?”

  Setting his keys down, he moved to her, took the beers from her, placing them on the counter. Then he gathered her in close and took them both under with a slow, thoughtful kiss that had his head swimming with thoughts of the rest of the night.

  When they both surfaced, she stared up at him, her breath quickened. “Dear God, Walker, what’s gotten into you?”

  “I told you it wasn’t for that one night. I’ll admit, I’m certainly glad that you’re here.”

  He could see her searching for the right comeback to that, but she hadn’t spoken. Perhaps the right witty comeback wasn’t there. Perhaps she did feel the way he did, and if she could just let it be at that, tonight could be absolutely magical.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Missy watched his eyes. She was sure he could see right into her soul, but then again he always had been able to.

  The words they had exchanged over the years might have been nasty, but she wasn’t sure that either of them ever believed what they’d said. Now that he’d kissed her senseless, and she was damn sure she’d be wrapped in his arms while they slept, she wondered just how long she’d been in love with him.

  “Braves, huh? Big fan?” he asked her as he lifted his hands into her hair.

  “Aren’t you?”

  “Not my favorite sport. But I can appreciate it.”

  “Walker, I was looking for an invite. I couldn’t give a damn if we watched that or the Kardashians.”

  Now he eased back and narrowed his gaze on her. “You’re absolutely not serious.”

  “Do I look like a girl who would give a crap about them? I’m just saying, I want to be with you.”

  “Then we’re on the same page,” he said nipping her nose with a kiss before t
urning to pull two beers from the six pack. “Then how about pizza on the patio?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Bring the box and I’ll grab the roll of paper towel.”

  She followed as he led them out to the patio.

  Jake set the beers on the table, and then took the pizza box from her. He opened the umbrella, and pulled a chair out for her.

  “Thank you.”

  He only winked and then served them each a slice of pizza on a piece of paper towel. Then he twisted the tops off the beer bottles, and handed her one.

  “You look good. How are you feeling?” he asked as he eased into his seat and took a bite of his pizza.

  Missy lifted her broken wrist and looked at the pink cast. “This sucks. There is no other way to put it. I can’t shower or wash my hair without it just being in the damn way. Aside from that, every part of my body aches. I’m bruised from the harness. And since makeup is not one of my favorite things to do, covering up the bruises under my eyes doesn’t happen. There is the fact that my father has had Sam running in the other car so that he can run the next race, and…”

  He leaned in toward her. His hand came to her knee. “He didn’t really take you out did he?”

  “Priming the next opportunity, he says. I brought him the purse. I’ve come in second or third in most of the other races I’ve raced, so he’s not doing too shabby. But I was as much a gimmick as a real driver to him.” She reached for her beer, pressed it to her lips and took a long pull. “I have to be honest with you, Jake. I don’t even care.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  Setting her beer back down, she shook her head. “You know what I did today?” Jake shrugged and sat back in his chair. “I drove around looking at houses for rent. Until I walked through your front door, I hadn’t ever thought much about getting my own place. Twenty-eight-years-old and living in my parents’ house is—God, it’s asinine.” She chuckled to herself.

  “I think it’s more common when you’re part of a family business and you all work together. Russell lived on the ranch until he got married. Gerald still lives out there,” he said, referring to his cousins.