Quarter Mile Hearts

by Jenny Siegel

  “Well?”

  “Surely you know I’m not going anywhere.”

  Max’s eyes widen with surprise. Did he honestly think that I could leave him again?

  “You’re really not going.”

  “I’m staying right here,” I promise.

  His mouth claims mine in a ravenous kiss, and he picks me up clear off the ground. I barely have time to wrap my legs around his waist before he spins me in a circle, dropping me to my feet, not giving a shit that the rest of the bar, including my dad, have just witnessed our very public display of affection.

  “I love you.” I finally tell him what I’ve been trying to fight all this time.

  “And I love you.” His mouth curves up into a wide smile, his eyes hold mine as he lowers his lips to brush them over mine.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Beth and Aaron have moved their wedding up so she can still get away with not looking pregnant in her photos. Granny Betty was not for letting them wait until after the baby was born, and when she decides something, there is no going against her. Sugar is putting the finishing touches on her hair and make-up before the cars come to pick us up. I’ve not been much help this morning and my only responsibility was to show up and put on what I was told.

  At last she is ready and I stand at the bottom of the stairs with Granny Betty as she and Sugar walk down the stair, careful not to trip on her dress.

  She looks stunning. Her ivory dress is long and flowing, gathered under her bust, and hides her growing baby bump. The neckline is higher than she would normally wear, but it was something that Granny Betty wouldn’t budge on. Our dress, on the other hand, is a different story. Beth’s blond hair is piled on top of her head in a complicated style, with diamond grips and the odd loose curl.

  Not normally sentimental, even I get a lump in my throat when I see her, and can only nod as Granny Betty gushes about how beautiful she looks. Dad walks in from the kitchen and does a double take. If I’m not mistaken, his eyes have a slight sheen to them as he comes over to her and holds out his hand. Beth flashes me a nervous smile and takes his hand to walk down the last of the steps.

  “You look beautiful,” he says. “Aaron will be blown away.”

  “Aaron will cry like a little girl,” I mutter under my breath. I love him, but my cousin is far too chicken-hearted. Beth knows it because she laughs and gives a little nod.

  A honk sounds from outside, and I peer out the window and freeze.

  “Ah Beth, did you let Aaron arrange the cars by any chance?” I look over my shoulder at her.

  “Yeah, why?” A puzzled look passes over her face, and she moves toward me.

  “Thought so.” I open the door and we all step outside to get a better look at the cars Aaron has arranged.

  Fortunately, one is a limousine because there is no way Granny Betty would get into either of the other two. One is a brand new black, top-of-the-line Mustang, which better be for me, and the other is a Subaru WRX STI, which has got to be for Sugar. Causey is at the wheel so I guess it is. The door to the Mustang opens, and Kyle climbs out. Walking around, he opens the passenger door and gives a little bow.

  “Max asked me to come get you. Aaron is freaking out, so he had to stay and calm him down. He’s like a little kid.” He gives a wry smile, and I can just imagine.

  After we help Beth down to the limousine, along with my dad and Granny Betty, Causey helps Sugar into the Subaru, running an appraising eye over her dress before flashing her a smile that makes me turn away with embarrassment.

  “Don’t suppose I get to drive?” I raise my eyebrows in a hopeful look, but Kyle laughs and shakes his head.

  “I’m under strict instructions to drive you straight to the church, no detours, and you’re not allowed behind the wheel.”

  “He’s a spoilsport,” I mutter because we all know who gave him those orders.

  • • •

  Kyle drives very sedately to the church, and I have to sit on my hands because I’m itching to grab the steering wheel. When we pull up, Max is out front looking frazzled. God knows why—it’s not his wedding day, but his face brightens when he sees the Mustang pull up in front of the church. The dark suit and white shirt that all the guys are wearing looks even better on Max complete with his perfectly styled hair. For a moment, I sit and watch him. Our eyes lock and a slow smile spreads across his face before he bounds down the steps of the church and yanks open the door.

  Taking my hand to help me out of the Mustang, his eyes travel the length of my body, but the smile morphs into a frown as he takes in my bridesmaid’s dress.

  “Just as well that I’m the best man ‘cause no one else is getting to dance with you,” he mutters, his jaw flexing.

  “It’s not short.” I look down at the knee-length hot pink satin dress with full skirt, thanks to the numerous underskirts. It’s long by Beth’s standards, but that’s not what’s got Max’s panties in a wad this time. It’s the halter neck that pushes up my breasts, creating impressive cleavage, which he can’t take his eyes off. Thanks to Sugar, my hair is loosely curled, gathered to one side, and secured with a diamonte comb.

  “It’s not the length I’m worried about this time.”

  “What the problem?” I ask but bite the inside of my cheek to stop from laughing.

  “Fucking hell, your chest... it’s...” he splutters as he continues to stare at me.

  “Sugar picked them,” I explain as she comes to stand beside me, wearing an identical dress.

  “What’s wrong with them?” She cocks an eyebrow, trying to keep a straight face.

  “What are you trying to do to me?” He casts his eyes skywards.

  “I like seeing you get all riled up.” She winks at her little brother and links her arm with Causey, who can’t wipe the smile off his face as he leads the way up the stairs.

  Max steps closer, making me shiver when he runs an appreciative eye over my body.

  “You look gorgeous.” He brushes his lips over my forehead.

  “And you look too fucking sexy for your own good in that suit.” I lean forward, not caring about Sugar’s warning about messing up my lip-gloss and kiss him. With a growl, he takes me in his arms and holds me to him, kissing me harder.

  “Come on, lovebirds,” Sugar shouts, suppressing her laughter.

  “Later…” he promises me, “it’s all coming off.” And he gives me one last kiss before taking my hand and leading me inside.

  • • •

  Beth decided that my dad should give her away. She has known him all her life and there was no one else she wanted. Even though Uncle Pat, and Max, offered. The whole ceremony is a blur of kisses, camera flashes, and the odd tear, but that was just Aaron. Finally, I am relieved of my bridesmaid’s duties and can relax and have fun.

  “One dance with your dad?” He holds out his hand, which I take and let him lead me onto the dance floor. They are playing “My Girl” and unexpected tears prick my eyes. I’ve been spending way too much time with Aaron; I’m turning into a sap. We move awkwardly around the room, neither of us having much practice at dancing, but it is nice. Things have been so busy these past few months, what with the race and me deciding to stay and then the wedding, that I haven’t spent much time with him. Maria has practically moved into our house, and after Max helped my pack up my old apartment, I practically moved in with him, so I only really see Dad at work. Which isn’t the best place for father daughter heart-to-hearts because normally, he’s bossing me around.

  “I’m glad you’re staying.” This is the perfect way to carry out a heart-to-heart with my dad; neither of us looks at each other so it doesn’t get over emotional. “I’ve been waiting four years for you to come home.”

  “I’m sorry.” My voice breaks slightly. I never thought about how much my dad would miss me. Or how much anyone would miss me.

  “Shh. He’s a good person.”

  “I know.” And smile when I see Max sitting at the table, legs stretched out in f
ront of him, the top button of his shirt undone, god knows where his tie is. He catches my eye and smiles at me, melting my insides.

  “How are things with Nurse McCartney?”

  “Yeah, it seems to be going well.” He gives a little shrug, obviously as uncomfortable talking about this as I am.

  “Good, I’m glad.” I give him a peck on the cheek, and we finish our dance. Max is waiting for me as I walk off the dance floor. His arms wrap around my waist as he tugs me gently onto his lap. Resting my arms around his neck, I look down to press a kiss to his lips. Public displays of affection like this don’t bother me so much now. It’s a small town and everyone knows about Max and me. They probably knew about us before we did.

  • • •

  My final duty of the night is to help Beth get changed out of her wedding dress and into a simple maxi dress. Sugar takes her hair down and arranges it into a looser style, while I stand and pass her the hairbrush, as useful as ever.

  “So you and my little brother,” Sugar starts, and I catch the twinkle in her eye. She’s never said anything before about us; she always just watches with this knowing smile on her face.

  “It’s about time,” Beth adds, and I swat her gently on the shoulder, feeling a blush stain my cheeks.

  “I always gave him a hard time about his dating habits but seems like he was waiting for the right person.” Sugar winks at me.

  “It’s so romantic,” Beth gushes, and I shoot her a look.

  “Give it a rest.”

  “Well, it is. Max pined for you, dating other girls to hide how he truly felt, and then you show up again. And even though you felt the same way all along, you denied it to everyone, even yourself. Now you’re finally together and you’re staying. Happily every after.” Beth sighs dramatically.

  “Enough, you two.” I hold up my hands. “Okay, I admit it, I love him. As for happily ever after… we’ll see.”

  “Told you, it’s romantic,” she squeals, and Sugar nods her agreement.

  “Whatever. You ready, Sugar?” I hand over the last bobby pin, and Sugar places it in her hair.

  “All done, let’s go. Aaron will be wondering what’s taking so long.”

  • • •

  Going with tradition, Beth gathers all the women at the bottom of the steps outside to throw the bouquet. I try to slink away without being spotted, but Beth catches me.

  “Get back here,” she calls over and beckons me back. Laughing, I shake my head.

  “No way. I don’t want it.” And I edge slightly further away just to be on the safe side.

  “Ready?” she calls and all the women cheer, jostling for the best position with their hands in the air.

  Beth faces the front and raises her bouquet above her head and throws it. It soars over the head of the women standing at the bottom of the steps and into the outstretched hand… of Max. My jaw drops as his hand curls around the flowers, a triumphant look on his face. All the women glare at him. Since when did men catch the bouquet? Turning to face me, he drops to one knee and holds out his hand. All heads turn to look in my direction, and I stand rooted to the spot, my fingers twisting the material of my dress.

  No. What the fuck is he doing?

  Beth stares at him and then at me, her eyes like saucers.

  “Get up,” I hiss at him, but his eyes sparkle, the infuriatingly sexy grin widens as he shakes his head. “What are you doing?” I wail, wishing he would stand up.

  “Marry me.”

  Everyone is staring at us. Sugar grips Causey’s arm and swipes at her cheek while a wide smile spreads across Beth’s face. Shaking my head, I start to back up until my bum hits against the side of the limo. Finally, he gets up off his knee and stalks toward me while I edge around the car, trying to keep some distance between us. I can’t very well break into a flat-out sprint, certainly not in these heels.

  “Wh… what?”

  “You heard. Marry me.” I freeze at his words.

  “But…” He rounds the car and places the bouquet on the white hood. His hands slide around my waist and takes a step closer.

  “Come on, Storm. I’m asking you to marry me. How about it?” He stares down at me, confident and commanding. No trace of nervousness or hesitation, so sure of himself. How long has he been thinking about this?

  My chest heaves as I try to catch my breath. Still unable to quite believe what is happening. Marriage. I hadn’t even thought about it. But I do love him, I have for a long time, and he is part of the reason I’ve decided to stay. My heart soars when I look at him standing there asking me to marry him and in front of all these people. Everything slides into place when I’m with him, and I feel complete. I know without any doubt what my answer is.

  Biting my lip, I give him a swift nod, and a smile starts to spread over my lips.

  “You will?” His eyes glitter with happiness, and I nod again. It starts to sink in what I’ve agreed to, and my stomach explodes with a flurry of butterflies and excitement.

  “I will.” His lips crash into mine, and his hand rests on the back of my head, keeping me pressed to him.

  “I owe you a ring,” he mumbles against my lips.

  “I already have one.” My thumb runs over the ring he gave me before the race.

  “A diamond one this time.” His tongue brushed against mine.

  “Okay,” I murmur, distracted by his kissing.

  “There’s somewhere I want to take you.” He pulls back and stares deep into me.

  “Where?” I ask, breathless.

  He chuckles and brushes his lips against my neck. “You’ll see soon enough.”

  “Break it up you two and give me a hug.” Beth is the first one to rush over to us, closely followed by Sugar, who grabs her brother, tears spilling down her cheeks.

  “I’m so happy for you both.” She grabs me with her other arm to pull me into the hug, then Aaron comes over.

  “Group hug,” he cries and squeezes me before pulling me into a hug of my own.

  “Happy for you, cuz,” he says in a clipped tone, “but...” He pulls back and turns to Max, pointing a finger at him. “If you break her heart, I’m coming after you,” he threatens, and I have to bite my lip to stifle my laugh. It is sweet that Aaron is so protective, but there is no way he could take Max. Although they’re the same height, Max has way more muscle and would beat him to a pulp.

  “Duly noted, thanks for the warning.” Max grins as Aaron slaps him on the back in congratulations.

  My dad hangs back, and I rush over when I see him so he can envelop me in a tight embrace.

  “Congratulations. He’s a good man.” He beams at me, and my eyes fill with tears. I nod and dip my head, but he catches my chin, tipping it upward before planting a kiss on my cheek. “Shh, I told you that he was worth staying for.” He looks over at Max who at that moment catches my eye. The smile that spreads across his lips does something funny to my insides. My heart doubles its beats as I return it with one of my own. My dad chuckles, which reminds me that he’s still standing there.

  “I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.” He squeezes my shoulder and walks away, patting Max on the shoulder as he passes. They exchange a few words before he takes Nurse McCartney’s hand. Maria smiles and gives me a small wave as he leads her away.

  • • •

  By the time we’ve said good bye to everyone, my feet ache and my cheeks are sore from smiling so much. Thanks to Max’s surprise proposal, my head is spinning and I want him to myself. Aaron and Beth have left on some sort of road trip; Aaron was very vague about the details. The three of us had a debate about it, and I informed them that as much as I love cars, I want to kick back and relax on a deserted beach somewhere.

  After a final hug and kiss from my aunt and uncle, Max drags me out to the car and helps me in.

  “Have you not been drinking?” I ask as he holds open the door for me.

  He laughs. “No, have you?”

  “No. Stone-cold sober.” I wink at him; his eyes fl
are, and his lips crash against mine.

  “Good to know,” he mumbles against my lips as he fastens my seat belt.

  “Why do you always do that?” I’ve been wondering what his obsession with my seat belt is.

  “You have no regard for your own safety, so I’m making sure you’re safe. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” I kiss him on the cheek, like I do every time he fastens me in.

  “You’re sweet, you know that.” He turns to face me, and the look he gives me is anything but sweet; it sends a tremor of desire through me

  “Sweet? I’ll show you sweet.” Slamming the door, he runs around to his side, jumps in, and tears out of the parking lot and onto the road that leads out of town. I can guess where he’s taking us, but I sit back and enjoy the ride. It doesn’t matter that it’s pitch black and I can’t see any of the scenery that flashes past the window.

  Max’s headlights illuminate the road that leads to the quarter mile and a wide smile spreads across my face.

  “What are we doing here?” I ask bemused that out of all of the places he could bring me it’s here.

  “This is where it all began. You and me. When I first saw you and our first kiss.”

  “You remember.” It makes my heart swell to know that he felt it that night, too.

  “Of course, I do. You were beautiful.” He helps me onto the hood of his car and then climbs up beside me. “You didn’t even notice me.”

  “Oh, I noticed you all right. The way you smiled at me; it was hard not to notice. But you had all the girls’ attention.”

  “It was only your attention that I wanted, but I didn’t think I was good enough for you.” Something in his voice makes me turn to him, and I see a sliver of self-doubt.