I pushed off the wall and made my way over toward Trey. All the happiness and feelings I had just experienced vanished with the sound of his voice. “Sorry, I needed some fresh air.”
“We should probably check out a few other things before heading up to the box seats.”
Nodding in agreement, I said, “Sure.”
Trey placed his hand on my lower back and guided me back past the open garage. Stealing a glance, my green eyes were caught by Malcolm’s intense stare. Lifting my hand, I waved as he flashed me that crooked smile I was positive I would be dreaming about tonight and many future nights.
My heart felt heavy the further we walked away from the garage area. Once we were in our box seats, I searched the program until those blue eyes were staring up at me from the page.
Malcolm Wallace.
He raced for Elliot Racing and was twenty-six years old. He won the Daytona 500 last month and was ranked as one of the best drivers in NASCAR. The car he drove was number twenty-four. My new favorite number.
When they started their engines, I became an instant fan while the rumble from the sounds of the engines moved through my body. “Who you going for, babe?” Trey asked.
My eyes zoomed in on his car. The blue and white paint theme would be easy to keep track of as they raced around the track. “I think I’m going with my lucky number. Twenty-four.”
“Ahh . . . Wallace. Good pick.”
Keeping my eyes focused on the number twenty-four car, I took a sip of beer before saying, “I think so.”
WHAT. IN. THE. HELL. JUST. Happened?
My heart was racing as I tried to keep my breathing under control. Glancing up, I saw her again. This time some asshole had his hand on her, leading her away. When she lifted her hand to wave goodbye, my heart felt like it jumped to my throat.
“Dude, are you okay?”
Turning my attention to Dalton, I brushed the feelings away. I was probably just tired and it had been too long since I’d actually had sex.
“Yeah, Deuce and I ran into someone and . . . you know what. Never mind,” I said, waving my hand to dismiss the conversation.
“How’s the car looking?” I asked.
Dalton went into his normal spiel about how the car was and how he thought it would run. I watched him intently as he talked, but I didn’t hear a damn word he said. My mind was thinking of a beautiful, dark-haired beauty with flawless skin, sensual lips, and emerald eyes. Damn, her smile about knocked me off my feet.
Deuce whined at my feet and I was wondering if he was missing her as well. The way her energy rushed through my body when I held her. I hadn’t experienced anything like that before with anyone else since Casey.
My heart ached as I focused on the race and not Paislie.
Paislie. What a beautiful name. It suited her.
“Malcolm? Did you even hear what I just said?”
My eyes snapped up as I gave him a nod. “Sure I did, just trying to get in the right frame of mind.”
His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. “You okay, dude? You seem like you’re preoccupied with something.”
Paislie. Her soft lips . . . a voice like an angel . . . and she fucking loves dogs. Lucky ass, Deuce, getting to lick her.
“Nope. I’m fine.”
Dalton slapped me on the shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Good. You know what you need?”
Lifting my brow, I asked, “What’s that?”
“A good lay. When was the last time you were with anyone?”
“Too long.”
Ashley popped into my head as I pulled my phone out and said, “I’m taking Deuce back to the bus.”
“All right. Try going for a quick run. You’ve got to burn some energy.”
With a wave of my hand, I started off toward my bus as I sent Ashley a text.
Me: How’s it going?
It didn’t take her long to reply.
Ashley: Good. You?
Me: Wondering if you’re missing me yet.
Ashley: Awe. That’s sweet. I am.
I wanted more than anything to tell her I wanted her . . . but I knew she was trying to move on and start a relationship with someone, and for some ungodly known reason I couldn’t stop thinking about Paislie. I was using Ashley as a means to distract my thoughts.
Me: Miss you too, Ashley. How is the new relationship going?
Ashley: It’s going good. Are you okay?
I clenched my jaw while I picked up my pace. I was happy for Ashley. I honestly was. At the same time I was jealous as hell that some fucker was getting her all to himself.
Me: Doing great. About to get focused. Was thinking about you.
Ashley: Good luck today, Malcolm.
Me: Thanks, Ash. Talk to you later.
I needed to clear my head. As I approached my bus, I saw a few girls hanging out talking to Tom, the rookie who took over Emmit’s spot.
He glanced up and smiled as he motioned to the blonde with his head. “Malcolm, you’ve got a die-hard fan here who’s been wanting to meet you.”
With a smile, I walked up while she looked down at Deuce. “Oh my goodness! He’s adorable.” When she looked back up at me from a squatting position, she licked her lips.
“Why don’t you come in and get to know him better,” I said with a wink.