Page 65 of When I Had You

My childhood isn’t something I think about often. “Single mom who worked all the time didn’t have money for things like that. Even my karting was sponsored by a few of the local businesses since we couldn’t afford it. I worked my ass off doing shit chores for every dollar they’d pay toward my fees or equipment. I outgrew my helmet every year. Stuff like that is expensive.”

She’s quiet, but I can tell by the slight of her breathing that she’s still there. “I guess this is another downfall of not doing my research.”

“I appreciate that you haven’t. No one needs to know that much about someone else.”

“It’s just . . . my heart, Cash.”

“Don’t feel sorry for me, okay?” I hate that I snap, but I never needed anyone’s pity. I especially don’t want hers now.

Taking a deep breath, she shuffles the phone by the noise on her end and then says, “I’ve been feeling a lot of things, but not sorry for you. I’ve met your mom. I know what a support she’s been. You have each other and Cullen. Your family is . . . not everyone is so fortunate. I feel the same about my family. They’ve been there for me no matter what.”

When I stare through the open curtains and into the night, yachts dot the harbor like stars in the water. “That’s my mom. If there were more hours in the day, she would have been sweeping the deli and the corner store floors with me.”

“My heart wasn’t hurting for you. I was taken by your story. When you’re ready, will you share more with me?”

This woman has me opening like an oyster presenting a pearl for her. I don’t understand these feelings I have for Marina. My chest always tightens when I think about her, or I have a damn erection. There’s not much in between, so I don’t understand what’s happening. I just know it’s not like how I’ve felt about others. I feel good. She feels good, more than good.

With the qualifier being tomorrow, I’m going to bed earlier, but there’s still time to talk to her. Depending on the time difference, I usually talk to Cullen in the mornings, but my nights are reserved for Marina. “How much time do you have?”

“Two hours until I return to set, so I have time.”

I click the remote to close the curtains and turn out the lights. “None of the kids I used to race with made it to this level. Some moved over to Rascal Racing, though. They’ve done well on that circuit—”

“But it’s not the same as Principle Racing.”

“P1 Racing has more money and prestige. They never did know what to do with a guy like me. I had more street smarts than pedigree.”

“I think you’re pretty smart,” she says, adjusting and sounding more relaxed. “You’re dating me.” She starts laughing again.

I don’t. Not because I don’t think she’s ridiculously cute because I do. More so that she’s right. I was smart enough to see through the act she puts on that everyone else falls for. “One of the smartest things I’ve done in a long time.”

“Aw, Cash. I was just teasing, but that’s so sweet.”

“I know you were, but it’s true. Hey, Marina?”

“Yeah?” She’s breathier now. “What is it?”

“I’m not seeing anyone else.” She says she doesn’t look people up online, but sometimes reputations precede us. “I just want you to know that we talk about our dating even though we’ve only gone out once, maybe twice if you count Miami.”

“I count Miami.”

Smiling, I shift to my side to get more comfortable. “I do too.”

There’s a pause, our breathing keeping us company. “I’m not seeing anyone either. Since you’re not and I’m not . . .” she whispers, leaving it open for me.

I don’t need time to think about us. It seems that’s all I do lately. “How about we don’t see others together?”

“You’re such a sweet talker, Mr. Warren. You got yourself a deal.”

“Sweet like candy.”

“Mm, my favorite, like you.”

The woman’s insatiable for me. It’s all good since I feel the same about her. “I have just the thing for that sweet tooth of yours.”

“Oh yeah?” she purrs, knowing exactly where I’m going with this. “When do I get to taste it?”

“Soon, I promise.”

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