Page 63 of Wrecking Boundaries

“That’s a complicated question.”

“The hell it is.” I know the answer, too. If it were complicated, Sarah wouldn’t have trusted me with her past or invested so much of herself into my career plans.

She frowns at my vehement response. “We texted while watching reality shows. He doesn’t follow sports and is content to live a typical life. The hassle of life on the road, the constant spotlight, all of it would be gone. I’d never have to question why he’s with me. You ignore every boundary I set.”

“That’s because I know we belong together.” That earns me another glower. It’s the same expression Boone wears, and it doesn’t scare me, either. Her narrowed eyes show the gold flecks in them. I smile right back at her. “So, answer my question then. Is that what you want?”

Sarah rubs her lips again. “I think he’s stood me up, and I don’t even care.”

Her blunt statement surprises me. I expected a sharp answer and deflection, not a vulnerable truth. I take her hand and squeeze. “Thanks for telling me.” I lean back and smile. “This works out well. I get to come to my princess’ rescue again. Bonus: I get to play the prince who nobly forgives you.”

She rolls her eyes. “There you are.”

“Here I am, the perfect man for you.”

“Here you are, running right over my boundaries again. Istill need time, Jake. You showing up like this doesn’t change that.” Sarah pulls her hand from mine. “Why are you here again?”

“Call it fate.”

Her eyes narrow. “Were you following me?”

Her question is eerily close to the truth. “No.” A flat denial seems best. If I flounder around, she’ll keep on sniffing.

Sarah’s eyes narrow further. She’s frowning now, too.

“Random chance,” I say. “It happens. I wasn’t in the mood to eat at home. Now that I’m here, let’s have dinner together. It’s not a big deal.”

A server comes, and we each order a glass of wine.

Sarah doesn’t explicitly accept my offer but peruses the menu. It’s progress, and I’ll take it.

“Now that I’m here, I’d like to explain about Sunday’s wreck. You haven’t given me a chance to do that yet.”

She asked me to leave her alone, which I ignored. She also asked me to retell the post-wreck argument. Neither Boone nor I emerged looking spectacular, so I rate it as a draw.

Sarah looks away, confirming my suspicion that she blames me for everything. It’s not unfair of her, either. “I thought there was a good chance of squeaking out a win, so I moved quickly to the inside lane and lost control. It took your brother out, too, and I’m sorry for that.”

After rewatching the tape, my gamble looks even worse. If it were another driver, I would have yelled at the screen and called him an idiot for even attempting something so dumb. It was apparent I would only cause both cars to wreck out so neither could finish the race.

The part that bothers me most is that Boone Rivers is right. I am a better driver than that. He may dislike me, but he acknowledged my skill, or he did until we yelled at each other in the back of an ambulance.

“Wrecks happen, Jake. It’s part of the job; I’ve grown up knowing that. I told Maddie about us right before it happened. I told her everything.” Sarah pauses and takes a deep breath. “She promised to help make everything right with my brother. She offered to host dinner for us if you can believe it. Then, you pulled some crazy move, and his car flipped eight times. Maddie started crying, and she never cries. She promised help and was paid back by seeing him wrecked out. That feels oddly symbolic, don’t you think?”

“Symbolic of what?” I’m confused again.

“Will it always be like that? Are you two going after each other forever and ever? Will our entire relationship require her to run interference for us?

I get it, I do, but that’s Sarah letting her guilt speak. “I think that’s bullshit.” Sarah’s chin stubbornly juts out. This conversation is quickly veering off-course. “I get why she was upset, and I understand why you feel guilty,” I start, wanting to try again. “All I can say is that it won’t get better if you’re unwilling to try. Can’t we forgive each other and move on?”

“Forgive each other for what?” she asks with genuine confusion.

“I know you told Boone thatBP Racingis closing shop, and it’s fine. You care for your family; I get that, too. I’m not angry.”

Sarah stills. “I didn’t tell him anything; I wouldn’t.”

“We messed up, but so what? You and me, we’re it. You’re it for me, do you get that? You’re the one.”

“Jake.”

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