by Dora Hiers
He nodded and pressed his forehead to hers. “Go with me.”
That woke her up. Her shoulders reared back, and fear darkened her face. She turned her back to him. “I…”
He waited, unwilling to let her off the hook this time. He wanted her there, and he knew she longed to be there, too. Could she do it? Would she say yes?
He rubbed her shoulders, loosening the panic that tightened her muscles.
After what seemed like an entire thirty seconds, she swiveled, forcing his hands to drop to his sides. “All right. I’ll go. But I can’t leave today. Can I come on Saturday?”
Joy exploded in his chest and spilled over to his face. He pumped a fist along his side. “You bet! I’ll send Sam for you. Do you mind riding in a small plane?”
Her head dipped as if shamed. “I’m not afraid of heights. Only people.”
“Hey.” He hooked her chin with his thumb and nudged it up. “You don’t need to be frightened of Sam. He’s worked for me going on ten years now. He wouldn’t say or do anything to hurt you. You have my word.” A fierce, protective urged welled up inside. He didn’t think he needed to warn Sam, but he would if it meant shielding Remi from any more pain.
She nibbled her upper lip. He longed to tease the worry from her lips, but he was running out of time. Now that she was coming, he’d have to work tonight to clear some time for her this weekend.
“I trust you, Mason.”
“That means a lot coming from you.” He would move heaven and earth not to damage that fragile thread of trust. Which brought up another issue. There was no way she could stay in his RV. He wouldn’t risk shredding her reputation, giving the media something new to gnaw on.
“Uh, Remi…” He scraped fingers across his whiskered jaw.
“Yeah?”
“As far as sleeping arrangements—” His boot tapped a nervous rhythm on the floor.
“I can’t stay with you.” Was she asking? Or telling?
“I was just getting to that.” He nodded his agreement. “You can stay with some of my friends in their RV at the track or I can get you a hotel room nearby.”
Her lips pressed together in a thin line as indecision flitted across her face. Would she change her mind about coming?
“I’ll stay with your friends.” She squared her shoulders, determination straightening her spine.
“Thatta girl. You’ll like Michelle and Geoff.” He allowed himself one last lingering kiss, something to hold him until Saturday. Reluctantly, he pulled away, his fingers sliding around the cold door handle.
“Goliath, come.” Mason needed to get going. He had a ton of work to do now that she was coming. Plus he figured it would be a good idea to leave before she changed her mind.
****
She should change her mind. Could she really do this?
Remi glanced at the time on her phone. Five thirty on a Friday night.
Should she try calling Camdon at the office? He definitely wouldn’t be at home, yet. With all the city functions he attended, the man never kept normal hours. She tapped the screen to connect. It only rang a couple times before he picked up.
“Hey, Remi. What’s up?” Papers rustled in the background. As she’d expected. Still at work.
“I’ve decided to go.”
“Yeah?”
She’d surprised him. His office chair squeaked, and she pictured him leaning all the way back, giving her his full attention now. His dark eyebrows would be well up on his forehead, and right about now he was probably rubbing his temple. She smiled at the image.
“I’m impressed. When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow.” A tiny snake of fear slithered in, casting doubt on her decision. Had she experienced a temporary moment of insanity when she’d said yes to Mason? What had she been thinking?
It all came back to her. The loss she felt every weekend at not seeing him. The dread that he might be involved in another accident, and how long before she knew that he was safe.
Or it could have been from that kiss. He’d set her limbs on fire, sparking tingles from her toes to her heart.
“What time?”
“Huh?” Her mind snapped back to now. She rubbed her arms, warming the shivers that spiked.
“What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Oh. About nine. Mason’s sending his pilot to get me.”
“I’ll be there.”
She smiled. She knew he’d say that. It was just like her brother to make sure she’d be all right. And to celebrate a milestone.
But, did she really have the courage to go through with this?
****
“You can do it, Remi.” Jillian glanced over at her from atop Lightning’s back, her tone soft and encouraging. They’d ridden Lightning and Pocono hard, and now were taking their time heading back to Remi’s barn.
“I hope so.” Remi sighed, enjoying Pocono’s peaceful, easy gait after their gallop session and the quietness of the countryside as the sun began its ascent, bringing the day to life. Awakening the panic that she’d done her best to bury since agreeing to go to the race.
She tugged some chocolates from her pocket and held out her palm to Jillian. “Want one?”
“No, thanks. Did you say Camdon was coming?”
“Yeah.” Remi glanced at her watch, squinting through the glare to make out the time. “He should be here soon.” She unfolded the wrapper and tossed the chocolate piece in her mouth, stuffed the soiled wrapper in her pocket.
“Between the two of us, we’ll make sure you get on that helicopter.” Jillian nodded once.
Fear crashed into her tummy like a boulder avalanche. Could she really do this? Leave the refuge of the sanctuary and surround herself with…people? People she didn’t know? People that might—
She took a deep breath, corralling the fear. God, if You’re there, please help me get on that chopper.
They reached the barn and swung down from the horses. Remi removed the saddle and brushed Pocono’s back.
“I’ll be right back.” Remi led Pocono to his stall while Jillian finished grooming Lightning. Her best friend had agreed to stay at the sanctuary and attend to the animals. Camdon would assume animal duty for Jillian’s shift at the fire department on Sunday.
As she latched the door, hooves clomped through the barn behind her as Jillian escorted Lightning to a stall.
“Be a good boy for Jillian and Camdon while I’m gone.” She buried her face in Pocono’s neck, taking small comfort in the horse’s strength.
Jillian came beside her and gave her a one-armed hug. They laced arms around each other’s waists as they exited the barn.
The tires of her brother’s silver car scrunched through the gravel and grinded to a stop. One long jean-clad leg appeared then his entire body popped out of the car.
Remi couldn’t contain the chuckle, a familiar reaction upon seeing her brother get out of his car. He was just too tall a guy to drive such a compact sedan.
“Looks like reinforcements have arrived.” Jillian smiled at Remi’s brother.
“Good morning, sweet brother of mine.” Remi planted a kiss on his cheek, inhaling the familiar notes of cedar and basil from Camdon’s cologne.
“Morning.” Her brother’s early morning voice rumbled close to her ear.
“Work late last night?” With so many evening functions to attend for the job, Camdon wasn’t usually an early riser.
“Not too late.”
“I see you didn’t come dressed to work today.” Jillian teased, running her gaze down to Camdon’s white tee, covered by a suit jacket.
Frowning, Camdon glanced down at his attire. “What do you mean? I’m wearing jeans and boots.”
“This is as close as he comes to casual wear, Jillian. You should know that by now.” Remi giggled. When the twins were younger and tried to pull their occasional prank, she could always tell them apart by how they dressed. Even casual, Camdon pressed his jeans and wore a dressy shirt. Carson, on the other hand
, didn’t mind looking scruffy, even down to the shirttail that hung out. In high school, Carson wore his hair longer and rarely shaved.
“Funny girls.” Camdon scowled and linked arms between them. “So how are my two favorite gals this morning?”
Fear reared its ugly head again. Remi swallowed and licked her dry lips.
“Someone has a bad case of nerves.” Jillian cocked her head at Remi.
“Figured as much.” Camdon smiled, sweet and encouraging. “Is your bag packed?”
She nodded, still not trusting herself to speak. Would she be able to spit some words out by the time the pilot arrived? Or should she just call this whole thing off right now?
Her hand slid into her pocket and gripped her phone.
An unusual noise disrupted the normal sanctuary sounds of animals munching and the occasional swishing of horses’ tails. She tilted her head, listening.
A chopper’s rotors. And judging by the sound of it, almost here.
“It’s time.” Camdon said quietly, halting the trio’s walk to the house. He chucked her chin up with his thumb. “You sure you’re okay with this?”
Her lips quivered. Was she?
An image of Mason popped up. The contagiousness of his grin, the confidence in his shoulders, the encouragement in his voice. His promise that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.
So far, he’d kept that promise, including getting rid of that pesky reporter.
She sucked in a breath, expanding her lungs and puffing up her chest. Determination lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “Yes. I’m going to do this.”
“Aww! I’m so proud of you.” Jillian squealed and tugged her into a hug, twirling them around in circles. When she finally let go, Camdon deposited Remi’s bag on the ground.
The chopper approached the landing zone, kicking up dust and making it impossible to hear what Camdon was saying.
Remi held up her hand, motioning for him to wait, that she couldn’t hear. The rotors finally stopped spinning, and the engine cut off. She turned back to her brother. “What did you say?”
“I said, ‘I knew you could do this.’” Camdon kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry, Remi. Mason’s a man of faith. He’ll take great care of you.”
She nodded, squashing back the fear and swiping at the moisture collecting on her cheek.
“And if he doesn’t, he’ll have to answer to me.” Camdon’s lips thinned, eyebrows narrowed.
“And me!” Jillian added.
A loud bark snagged Remi’s attention back to the helicopter. What?
Goliath hopped out and bounded her way. A man wearing an olive green jumpsuit followed, but at a much slower pace.
Remi waited until Goliath sat, and then squatted to scrub the dog’s ears and neck. When his big tongue lapped her cheek, she giggled. “Goliath, you crazy dog. What are you doing here?”
Remi’s stomach knotted into tight coils as the pilot’s boots crunched through the gravel. She hugged Goliath then stood as the man caught up to them.
“Sam Wilson.” He held out a hand.
Remi studied his leathered, worn-looking face, looking for malice and curiosity, but saw only kindness. She shook his hand. “Remi Lambright. This is my brother, Camdon, and my friend, Jillian.”
Sam nodded, shaking hands all around before returning his attention to her. He flicked his head toward the dog. “Mason asked me to bring the pup, so you’d feel more comfortable.”
Her lips formed a silent ‘oh.’ “That was so sweet. How thoughtful of him.”
Sam scratched the back of his head, trying to keep the grin from sliding across his face, but failed. “I agree, but you might not want to say that to him in front of the guys, ma’am.”
Camdon laughed. “He’s got a point, Remi. You might want to save that just for him.”
She smiled, but nerves made her head wobble and her knees buckle. “Would you excuse me for a minute?”
“Sure. Take all the time you need. We’ll be a few minutes getting back to the airport, and then about another hour in the air.”
“Thanks.”
Remi bolted for the house, knots bunching in her stomach. Footsteps crunched behind her, but she ignored them. She needed a minute to think. Was she doing the right thing? Could she go through with this?
She reached the bathroom and closed the door, her fingers gripping the cool enamel of the tub as she sank onto the edge.
Oh, God, sending Goliath along so I wouldn’t be so frightened was such a thoughtful thing for Mason to do. Help me go through with this, to show him that I trust him. I can’t do this on my own. I need Your help.
There. She said it. Finally admitted the truth, that she needed God, what she suspected she’d known all along.
A small knock sounded on the bathroom door. “Remi?”
Jillian.
“I’m all right, Jillian. Give me a minute, and I’ll be out.”
She could do this. She would do this. Not just for Mason, but for herself. She stood and splashed cool water against her hot cheeks. Tucked her hair back in a ponytail.
She took in a deep, calming breath. Exhaled. Better. She opened the door to Jillian’s concerned look.
“You gonna be okay?”
She took another breath. “Yeah. I am.”
****
Beef scented smoke drifted into Mason’s face as he stabbed the potatoes with a fork and lifted them off the grill and onto a platter to join the steaks. He swiped a sleeve across his eyes then lowered the lid to the grill and turned back to the cluster of chairs situated around a small table outside his RV.
Some of his closest friends were here. One of his drivers, Geoff, and his wife, Michelle. His pilot, Sam. His car hauler, Mike, and his wife, Kristin.
And Remi. Someone special. Someone he hoped would become more than a good friend.
Next to him, Goliath panted in anticipation of scooping up any juicy tidbits that might fall his way. Mason set the platter on the table, and Goliath plopped down on the ground with a disappointed huff.
“Looks like we’re good to go.” With a wink at Remi, he sank into the lawn chair next to her and downed a long swig of water. He set the bottle on the ground and reached for Remi’s hand, twining their fingers. Hers, so soft and feminine against his calloused ones. How was that possible when she worked so hard outside every day?
He looked up and caught the knowing smile between his longtime friends, Geoff and Michelle. They’d been married a good ten years, but no kids yet, so Michelle travelled with her husband during the race season.
“Pray with me?” Mason bowed his head and said a blessing over the food, his fellowship with God drowning out the sounds of motors revving around the track as the drivers prepared for the Saturday night race.
Was Remi having a good time? Or was she still nervous? When Sam had finally arrived at the track, Remi had stepped out of the rented van, as frightened as a skittish cat, her face as pale as a sheet of paper. He’d worried about leaving her alone when it was his turn on the track. But, Michelle had curled her arm through Remi’s, taking the newbie under her wing and giving a rundown and tour of the track. He made a mental note to thank Michelle later.
Reluctantly, he released Remi’s hand to pass the platter of steaks.
“Mmm, this smells wonderful, Mason.” Michelle carved off a piece.
“And tastes better than Louis’s,” Geoff said, around a bite.
“Ouch. Don’t let Louis hear you say that.” Mason cut into his steak and slid a sideways glance at Remi as he speared the piece and aimed at his mouth.
She swallowed, concentration furrowing her smooth forehead. “Who’s Louis?”
“Mason’s chef,” Michelle answered.
Remi’s jaw dropped. Those sweet green eyes shot to his. “Your chef?”
He narrowed his gaze at Michelle. Maybe he wouldn’t thank her after all. The chunk of beef clawed all the way down his throat. He took another swig of water and rubbed the back of his nec
k. “It’s not how it sounds.”
“No?”
He shook his head, debating his next words.
Mike saved the evening. “Louis cooks for the entire team. Most of us don’t have the time or the proper facilities to cook so he does it for us. It’s more efficient that bringing food in or everyone having to leave the track.”
“Oh.”
Remi’s shoulders seemed to loosen up a little more with every bite. By the time they finished the meal, she reclined in her seat and pressed a hand against her middle. “That was delicious, Mason. Thank you.”
He took hold of her hand again and smiled. “You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.” And he hoped there would be plenty more meals like this together.
Geoff stood and stretched his arms above his head. “It was mighty good, Mason. Thanks for inviting us.”
Michelle stood, too, along with Kristen and Mike. Sam started clearing the table, tossing paper plates and crumpled napkins in the trash can behind the RV. Goliath trotted after Sam, his fluffy tail waving. Before they made it around the trailer, Sam tossed a chunk of beef to his canine buddy, who snatched it out of the air.
“Hey, I saw that!” Mason chuckled as he stood to wish his friends a good night.
“Remi, we’ll leave the door unlocked for you. It won’t be hard to find your bed.” Michelle laughed, her arm snaked around Geoff’s waist.
****
Alone. Finally. With a man who was quickly becoming a necessity in her life. Someone she needed to see and be near every day.
What was she thinking coming here this weekend?
Mason turned to face her and his palms cupped her cheeks. In the soft light of the moon and the glow from the track’s floodlights, his brown eyes blazed warmth and appreciation. Her heart pounded so loud that it almost drowned out the growl of the racecars in the background.
His lips feathered a touch against hers for a second, sweet, but oh, much too short. When he grabbed her hand, her lashes fluttered open. Had she just dreamt his kiss?
“Come on. Let’s sit for a bit before I take you back to Geoff and Michelle’s.” His grip was strong, but gentle, as he led her to a chair. Goliath lifted his head from his spot in the grass then plopped it back down with a moan.
