Page 73 of The Player Penalty
She feels like she belongs with me.
∞∞∞
My stomach did growl. Snacks and appetizers were available after the race, but neither of us wanted to stay long enough to eat.
Cleaning the dishes doesn’t take long, mostly because I firmly believe in shoving everything in the dishwasher, no matter what. My cleaning service can take care of whatever needs extra scrubbing.
“You’ll need to take me home soon.”
That won’t happen. “You’re staying here with me tonight. It’ll make tomorrow’s conversation with your father even more exciting, and I meant to cause a scandal by pulling you away from everyone. Hold on.” I grab a tshirt from my bedroom dresser. “You can wear this until it’s time to come off.”
She traces the gold 33 on the back. “It’s one of yours.”
“It’s from my win at Martinsville last year,” I say. The explanation sounds insufficient, even if it’s true. “You’re the first woman I’ve given my shirt to.” The only.
“We’re collecting firsts tonight, Julian. Are you keeping track of our points? We need to know who’s ahead.”
I snort at the racing reference. “Plus, our repeat win.” I shake the little plastic trophy. “We won the season. The prize is you putting on my shirt while I watch.”
Lily eyes the shirt and then me. “I don’t think I will.” Wild laughter takes her as she turns and runs to the bedroom.
My place is a guest house, so it’s not that big. I catch her next to the dresser and launch us both onto the bed.
“Did you actually think I’d let you escape?” I sit astride her hips and pull her arms up over her head so she’s trapped beneath me.
“I expected you to catch me sooner. You race for a living, Julian. You should have faster reflexes than that.”
“Is that how it is? One evening, and I’m already taking insults from my girl.”
Lily bites her lip in a hopeless effort to contain another laugh, but it doesn’t work.
I pull my shirt and pants off while managing to keep myself on her.
“Wait. Wait. My turn.” Lily squirms out of my grip to pull at her shirt’s edge. I help pull it up and off. Her skirt is next, and then we’re both naked. “Get one.”
I open the nightstand drawer and fumble around. Where is the damn box? Finally, it appears, and I grab one of the remaining condoms. How did we use that many so quickly? Lily strokes my leg, and I know exactly why.
I’ll never tire of this woman.
∞∞∞
Rivers Motorsports Headquarters, North Carolina
“Where’s my daughter?” Pete asks the very moment I appear in his doorway. Years of regular use have frayed the edges of his trucker hat. He pulls the brim up to stare me down. It doesn’t work, but his grim smile leaves an impact.
“She’s in class until this afternoon. I promised to get her there, didn’t I?” She was a little late, but he didn’t need to know that. After making love, homemade omelets, a shower, and taking her home for clean clothes, it’s not unexpected. “Lily asked that I let you know she remembered her medicine.”
“She told you about that, did she?” He crosses his arms and leans back in his chair.
“Why wouldn’t she?” I sit down in one of the guest chairs. Pete Webb doesn’t think highly of me, making this conversation more difficult. His opinion of me on the track matters a great deal. Off of it, Lily’s opinion matters more. “You know why I’m here.”
“Out with it, Murphy. Say what you’re going to say.”
“I’m dating your daughter. I confessed my feelings to her last night, and, lucky for me, they were mutual.” Pete stays silent. “I care deeply for her; I have for a very long time.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
