“Micah,” he said, shaking his hand. “Sorry for being a dick at your tryouts. It was all part of the plan.”
I snorted. “Tell that lie to someone who believes it.”
Richard chuckled. “It looked believable. If I didn’t know you two were partners, I would’ve thought you were enemies. You’re a good rider. Donnie was impressed with you.”
“He’s the owner of DB Racing, right?”
I nodded. “Yep. He’s a good guy.”
Richard opened the back door. “Donnie’s excited to see you again. He’ll be by the track tomorrow. We have a race to practice for. Think you can be ready in a week?”
Micah grabbed my bag and clapped my shoulder. “He’ll be ready. The boy’s been dying to race for years.” He winked at me and disappeared inside the shop.
“I’ll be ready,” I said, stepping past him into the building. “Where’s our first race?”
“Virginia speedway.”
I’d ridden at that track more times than I could count. “Excellent. I’ll make sure my bike is race ready.”
“You know we have mechanics who do that, right?”
“I know, but if someone got to my bike before, they can do it again. If I’m going to race, I’m going to be the only one allowed to work on it.”
He nodded in agreement. “As you wish. I’m just glad to have you back . . . even if it’s only temporary.”
The words made my chest ache. I hadn’t realized how much I missed being a part of the team, or being on this side of the state. Charlotte, North Carolina had been my home for so long, I’d grown accustomed to city life. How was I ever going to go back?
The answer was simple . . . I didn’t want to.
Kassidy
“I can’t believe he’s back,” Madison squealed.
I had to hold the phone away from my ear. “Yes, unfortunately.”
“How can you say that? You’ve been in love with him forever. Now that you know he didn’t actually want to break up with you, that has to mean something, right?”
“No. That’s where you’re wrong. He’s been gone for eight years. Things have changed.”
“You’re single as fuck, sis. The only thing that’s changed is that we’re older. Do you know if he’s seeing anyone?”
Blowing out a sigh, I leaned my head against the couch. “Why, so you can play matchmaker? No thanks.”
“No worries. I’ll ask him myself when I come into town this weekend. You might be mad at Logan, but I’m not. What he did years ago sucked, but he did it for you. I’m sure he has reasons why he never came back, right?”
“I guess. I don’t know.”
She scoffed. “You didn’t even ask him?”
“I did, but he never answered. Besides, all of this is easier said than done. You weren’t the one who had her heart broken.” I bit my tongue as soon as I said it. The line went quiet and I felt horrible. “Sorry, Maddie. I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s okay. I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to see him all the time. Luckily, this weekend I get a break. It’ll be nice to spend time with you.”
“I feel the same way.”
Maddie had been dating Dallas Easton, one of the NHL’s star goaltenders for the Charlotte Strikers, on and off for a little over a year. She’d wanted to be exclusive, but he couldn’t handle the commitment. With her being a sports reporter, she had no choice but to still interview him after the games. I’d seen her on TV with him, and as her sister, I could see the pain on her face. I couldn’t imagine having to do that with Logan.
“I’m sorry I didn’t make it to Levi’s funeral. I know you needed me.”
I did, but I understood she had a job to do. “It’s okay, I had Sean. And speaking of Sean—you’re never going to believe this—Angela knows about me and him.”
She gasped. “Oh my God, are you serious? What did she say?” Maddie was the only one who knew we had an intimate past. She’d walked in on us making out on more than one occasion.
“She gave us permission to see each other if we wanted. Of course, I said no. Sean and I are over. I love him, but not like that.”
“Holy shit, that’s insane,” she exclaimed. “I wonder what he’s going to say when he finds out the truth about Logan?” I groaned. He wasn’t going to like it. “Do you think he’ll get pissed? I’ve seen the way he still looks at you. You might not be in love with him, but I can’t say the same for him.”
“I don’t want to think about that. I’m actually trying to set him up with Janie. You remember her, don’t you?”
“Oh yeah, she’s nice. I think she’d be good for him, if he can get over you.”
“I agree. Wish me luck on it though.” I glanced at the clock and it was getting late. “All right, Maddie, I’m gonna head to bed.”
“Okay. Can you do me a favor though?”
“What?” I had a feeling it was going to be more of a demand than a favor.