by Dora Hiers
“Why did we wait all week to come see her, boy?” Mason muttered, glancing back at Goliath. The mournful glaze in Goliath’s eyes condemned him even more.
Because he’d let his stubborn pride get in the way, when he should have been loving and supportive, that’s why.
He could kick himself, but then, Jumbo would probably take care of any necessary humbling measures.
Slowing, he flipped the blinker to turn into the sanctuary’s parking lot but was forced to stop in the road. Cars were parked haphazardly, tightly squeezed together, lining the drive from the barn to the road.
Mason rubbed a hand across his face. The excitement over seeing Remi curdled in his gut. What was going on?
He slammed the truck in PARK, barely allowing the vehicle to stop before he took off jogging for the house, Goliath scampering beside him. Whatever was going on, he should have been here for Remi. He sprinted around the barn and stopped cold in his tracks.
“Whoa, boy!” he commanded, and Goliath obeyed, sitting on the grass, panting with his tongue hanging.
Remi stood on the front porch, surrounded by Camdon and Jillian, and two others, and a mass of people— media? —huddled at the foot of the steps.
His heart plummeted to his toes. What happened? Why hadn’t she called him? He could have interceded, taken the pressure off her. He would have handled this for her. Gladly.
“So, although we’re currently filled to capacity, last week we were awarded grant funding and we anticipate additional grant monies to be awarded soon. That means we can accept more endangered animals to protect and love, more animals that can call Forever Family Animal Sanctuary their permanent home.” Remi spoke into a microphone, her arm encompassing the pastures.
Her gaze landed on him, and her jaw dropped. She locked her lips, swallowed, and continued. “You can see we already have many animals to take care of, and volunteers are always appreciated.”
Her gaze stayed locked on his, as if she spoke directly to him. He refused to release her eyes, drawn like a honeybee to a beautiful, fragrant flower.
And she was. An inner beauty glowed, not only from her face but in her confident poise, surrounded by her loved ones.
He should have been up there with her. He fit in that category. But then, if he had, he would have tried to shield her, and she wouldn’t experience the freedom of unshackling the chains of terror that had confined her for so long.
His heart soared, proud of her for taking the first step to conquer her fears. And it was a giant one.
Did this mean she was giving them a chance? That she’d changed her mind about him? About them?
A smile lifted the corners of his mouth, and he felt better, lighter, than he had all week. He winked at her.
She smiled and finally dragged her eyes away. “I’ll accept a few questions now.”
Reporters fired questions at her, and she responded with grace, her enthusiasm for the animals contagious. All around, men and women smiled as she talked about the llamas.
“One more question,” Remi announced, flicking a long strand of dark hair behind an ear.
Mason longed to touch it, to run his fingers through the silky mass.
“How did your father’s suicide influence your decision to run this sanctuary?” Malice edged Nan Greenway’s tone.
Remi’s chest heaved as if she struggled to breathe. The smile slipped, and her lips moved but no words came out. Her brother and the other man huddled closer to her, circling their arms around her back.
Mason pushed through the throng of reporters, skirting to the outside, bypassing the cameras, Goliath right on his heels. He should be up there, fielding their questions, protecting his girl—
Remi’s sweet voice broke through the anxious murmuring of the crowd.
Mason halted next to the bottom of the steps and glanced up at her.
She lifted her chin and pressed her lips together, her expression solemn. When she spoke, her voice came out steady and firm. “Twenty years ago, my father took his life. I’m not proud of that, but I won’t apologize for it, either. Taking his life was his choice. His decision doesn’t reflect me, or the value I place on life. It’s part of my past and a key factor in who I am today.”
Her gaze locked on Nan then skittered to him. She didn’t need his protection. This spectacular performance was all her. Pride puffed his chest, and joy exploded across his face.
“But, my future, my today,” she thumped her chest, “is my life, and what I make of it and how I respond is my choice.” Her shoulders dipped slightly, as if all her energy and courage had been depleted. “Thank you for coming.”
It took him two strides to reach the top of the stairs. He squeezed in beside her and gathered her in his arms, delighting in the feel of her, the scent that was all Remi. Farm and family, roses and cinnamon.
“Great job, sweetheart,” he whispered.
How he’d missed her! Why had he thought giving her time and space was a good idea? Nothing came to him, definitely not with her hair tickling his cheek.
Thousands of cameras clicked. White lights flashed.
He released Remi only to cup her elbow. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
He kept his body in front of Remi, shielding her, but angled back to Camdon. “Can you take care of these people?”
Camdon nodded, respect in his eyes. “Sure. If you take care of my sister.”
“You got it.” Happily. He’d take on that responsibility for the rest of his life. But Remi probably wouldn’t be interested in that proposition just yet. Especially since he hadn’t kept his promise to protect her, to be here when she needed him.
He ushered her inside the house, along with Jillian and another lady. Judging by her body build and dark hair, he’d guess this was Remi’s mom and the other man outside with Camdon, her stepfather. After Goliath trotted inside, Mason closed the door behind them, leaving the two men to manage the crowd. The dog sauntered over to the fireplace and plopped down on the hardwood to scratch his neck.
“Mason Mulrennan.” Smiling, Mason extended a hand to Remi’s mom.
“I’m Lessa Worth. Remi’s mom.” Ignoring his hand, she wrapped him in a warm hug instead.
Over Lessa’s shoulder, he saw a tear slip down Remi’s smooth cheek. She swiped at it with her arm.
He caught her gaze and held it. When Lessa backed away, he held out his arms for Remi.
She didn’t hesitate. Just stepped right into his embrace. A peace, a sense of rightness, nothing like he’d ever experienced, filled him from his toes to his head.
“You came.” Her cheek and both palms pressed against his cotton shirt, muffling her whisper.
“I should have been here sooner.” He settled his temple on the top of her head, relishing the silkiness of her hair.
She shook her head. “No. Your timing was perfect. Just when I needed you.”
Thank You, God.
He held her in his arms until her limbs relaxed. Because he really didn’t want to let go.
“You did great, honey.” Lessa’s voice sounded as if it came from far away.
Possibly because he’d drifted into a vision of the future. Sharing successes like this with Remi and her family, her friends, and those wacky animals she considered family. Sharing hugs and kisses and…life.
Remi pulled away, her hair mussed from his whiskers. She looked adorable. “Thanks, Mom.”
“I knew you could do it.” Jillian bobbed her blonde head, sporting a confident smile.
Remi took turns hugging her mom and best friend. “Thank you.”
The door opened and the men walked in. Remi introduced her stepfather.
“They’re all gone. Every last one of them. Great job, Remi.” Camdon gave his sister a one-armed hug.
“Yeah. Especially with that last reporter’s question.” Ryan shook his head. “There was absolutely no need for her to attack. You handled it exceptionally well.”
Mason agreed. He wouldn’t have done as well if
he’d been the one up there answering the questions. He might have hopped off that makeshift stage and—
Lessa glanced at her watch and nodded at Ryan, flashing an unspoken message. “Well, we need to be going. We promised Judy we’d stop by and relieve her for a couple hours. Call us if you need anything, honey.”
“Yep. Me, too. Got a full day ahead still at the office. See ya, sis.”
“Wait for me.” Jillian trailed after the family.
The door closed behind them, a blend of shoes and boots clomping down the front steps. Then, silence descended on the room. Except for Goliath’s soft snore.
“I was waiting for Jillian’s excuse, but she didn’t offer one,” Mason said, smiling. “I think they just wanted to give us some time alone.”
Remi’s chin dipped, shyness prevailing over spunk this time. “Probably.”
He nudged her chin up. Staring into those beautiful green eyes, he lost himself in the specks of amber twinkling back at him.
A sigh lifted his chest, and a moan erupted from his throat as his lips sought hers. He kissed her, deep and long, a kiss that parted the skies and gave him a glimpse of what heaven on earth would be like. A kiss that made him long for more than what he had now, more than just the huge empty shell he came home to half the week, more than just a career that was meaningless if he couldn’t share it with her. So much more than just a kiss. It was a powerful meeting of their hearts.
When he finally pulled back, her lashes draped those stunning amber flints. He rested his forehead against hers, waiting for her to open her eyes, knowing she felt the connection as deeply as him.
Finally, her eyelids fluttered open.
“I’m glad they did.”
“Did what?” Her eyelids shuttered again, and her breathing was ragged.
He smiled at her breathless tone. “Left us alone.”
“Oh.” She blinked and flashed a dimple. “What? No chaperones today?”
He held her hand and tugged her to the couch. “Come here.”
She sat, and he sank down next to her, leaving no space between their hips. He curled his arm around her shoulders, and she settled her palm and head against his heart.
That was better.
His entire week righted itself. Went from downright lonely and miserable, to warm and comfy just from being in her presence.
He wished he didn’t have to leave tonight. He’d wasted a whole week without her.
“What was that big old sigh for?” Her words came out husky.
“I would pay an exorbitant amount of money to redo this week.”
Her head lifted from his chest. She flashed him a hazy, dreamy-eyed look, as if she’d almost drifted off to sleep. “Why?”
“Because I spent all week alone when I could have been here with you.”
“You honored my wishes.” Was that regret in her tone, too?
“Yeah.” He angled his head to study her. “But did you mean it?”
“Which part?”
“That a relationship between us would be impossible. Because from where I’m sitting it’s a done deal.” He grinned, feeling suddenly playful, not wanting to waste another minute of regret.
“At the time.”
“What changed?”
“I did.”
He hiked his brows, waiting for her to elaborate.
“I discovered that saying yes is so much sweeter than saying no.”
“You’ll have to explain that one.”
Smiling, she tilted her head up to look at him. “I missed you. Plain and simple.”
He couldn’t resist another kiss. “I like plain and simple.”
She chuckled. “I bet you do.”
“I missed you, too. What do you want to do about it?”
A puzzled expression crossed her cute face.
“Come with me tonight,” he urged.
Her brows furrowed. Was she going to say no?
“Remember what you just said about saying yes.”
“Camdon’s getting ready to go out of town, and Jillian has a shift tomorrow. The animals—”
Ah. How could he forget her family? “Sunday then. It’s the last race of the season, and I’d like for you to be there.”
He wanted her to be there for every race, not just the last, but he’d settle for this one.
18
A tap bumped the back of his car. Fighting the natural instinct of the tires to spin, Mason wrangled the car into submission.
If another driver wanted to take him out, it would be here, curling around the final turn. He couldn’t spare a glance in the mirror. “Who is it?”
“Salinger. Don’t worry about him. Just give it all you got.” The spotter’s voice came through the radio with only a hint of worry.
Another tap, this time much harder, and Mason wrestled the steering wheel to keep from wrecking. Salinger’s car zoomed alongside. Mason glanced sideways to catch the man’s wicked grin as he rocketed by.
He should have known Salinger would try to take him out. The guy couldn’t win by hard racing alone. No. He had to resort to pushing and shoving to be the first one under the checkered flag.
Well, Mason wasn’t playing that game and not just because Remi watched him from the pit box. He was known for racing hard, but fair, and he wouldn’t tarnish that image just to get a win.
He tamped down the urge to turn the steering wheel into the back of Salinger’s car and mashed the gas pedal to the floorboard. This was it. Just ahead, the flagger leaned over the track, poised to wave the coveted flag.
His car gained some traction, but he wasn’t going to make it. The tires were shot.
The checkered flag waved over Salinger’s car.
“Great job, guys! You worked your tails off this week. Sorry I couldn’t get the win for you, but it was a great season.” Easing his foot off the accelerator, Mason removed his gloves and unhooked the window shield. He whacked a glove against the steering wheel and turned onto pit road.
With Remi watching, he’d hoped for a win. But she might not be so frightened on pit road like she had been about winner’s circle. The media didn’t swarm like an angry beehive here, and it cleared out fast. Actually, now that he thought about it, second place was a blessing this week.
He tossed the gloves aside and killed the engine. He pulled himself through the open window, stretched and turned—
A body slammed into his chest.
A warm female body.
He didn’t have to look to know who it was. Her signature scent, cinnamon and citrus with just the slightest hint of jasmine and roses, only minus the scents of the farm, drifted up, smelling so much better than oil and rubber. Her face settled against his chest, and he could feel her heartbeat even through his layers of fireproof clothing. Silky strands of long dark hair blew in his face and tickled his cheek.
Remi.
“I was so worried about you at the end when that guy was trying to make you crash, but you did great.” Arms wound around his neck, and he pulled back far enough to gaze into the most beautiful face he’d ever seen. Joy and excitement mingled with worry.
If he lived to be a hundred, he would remember this moment forever. He sighed, contentment and joy filling his soul.
A win on the track didn’t matter tonight. This was the true victory.
She tugged his head down and her lips connected with his. Her kiss was just like her, sweet and undemanding, gentle and unassuming. He deepened it, and she didn’t seem to mind.
Cameras clicked and lights flashed through his subconscious.
He pulled back, his lips a whisper away. “You good with the cameras? An interview or two?”
She nodded, and he didn’t see the least bit of hesitation in her expression.
“That’s my girl.” Pulling back, he slung an arm over her shoulder, holding her close. He didn’t want her to pull the disappearing act. If she’d let him, he would help her through this.
A reporter stepped up to them and jabbed a microphone in M
ason’s face. Remi shifted under his arm, trying to detach herself.
“Stay with me?” He slid a strand of hair away from her eye.
“Stay with you?” Fear flashed across her face.
“This interview won’t take long, and I’d like to see you home this time.”
She pressed her shoulders back and nodded, clamping her lips together.
He smiled and tightened his grip, holding her snug to his side.
Finally, he’d met a woman who so obviously didn’t care about fame or fortune. Remi cared about him, for who he was inside. Thank You, Lord.
****
Remi bit her bottom lip. What had she just agreed to? Had she just opened herself up to another round of pain and humiliation from the media?
Mason tugged her close to his side and she closed her eyes, praying for the strength and peace that she now understood only came from God.
She inhaled deep of gasoline and burnt rubber, but she also caught of whiff of pure Mason, some blend of wood and soap that mingled with the cool air. Her arm tightened around his waist for support, bolstering her courage.
Mason answered all the reporter’s questions with his customary confidence and humor, earning a few smiles from the reporter. Just like he’d won her heart.
“And I take it this lady is someone special?” the reporter asked, hinting around for a scoop.
She caught her breath and looked up.
Crinkle lines fanned out from Mason’s warm brown eyes, and his gaze never wavered from hers. His lips curled up, soft and cute, as if keeping a secret. “Oh yeah. She’s special all right, but we’ll save that for another day.”
Could he feel the frantic rhythm of her heartbeat underneath all the layers of his racing uniform? Her legs threatened to give out on her. His grip tightened.
When the interview finally concluded, Mason tugged her to a secluded area near the pit box and hugged her. “Thank you for sticking with me, sweetheart.”
Special? Sweetheart? A longing started in her toes and raced all the way up to her heart. Was sticking with him a real possibility?
“Ready to go home?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
He slung an arm around her, and they ambled toward his RV, their pace slow and easy.
