Page 95 of Wrecking Boundaries

His family scandal almost cost Julian Murphy a Cup career. Like many people, I followed it through sports news channels, but I was more caught up in my own career then.

Sarah’s voice lowers. “Are you talking to them yet?”

“It’s difficult to converse with people who act like you don’t exist.” Julian goes back to his sandwich. “This is amazing, the best.”

“Do you want another one?” she asks.

“Not enough time. Quals start soon,” Julian says.

He’s right. I’ll need to leave soon as well.

“One more thing for you,” Julian says as he prepares to go. “Boone is worried about you. He honestly thinks you’re being used. If this isn’t fixed soon, he’ll increase the attacks.” He looks directly at me. “You’ll lose your spotter if that hasn’t happened yet. You can expect some of your crew members to be next.”

∞∞∞

Sarah jumps at my entrance before tossing her book on the table. “I meant to start on dinner.”

“You can’t cook.” I sit beside her to slide off my shoes. “Coming back here instead of a hotel room is much better.”

“How did you do?”

“Sixth, not bad.” It’s a decent spot to start the race. I wait for her to ask about Boone or Julian, but she doesn’t. “He took the pole again, just like last year,” I say quietly.

“That’s not a surprise. Dad says some tracks were made specifically for a driver, even if it takes time to figure out which one. I guess this one belongs to Boone.”

If that theory is true, then which one is mine?

“Maybe. Do you still intend to wait until we’re home to talk to him again?”

“No, you were right about that. This isn’t the place for it.” Sarah leans on my chest, and our eyes meet. Her dark eyes shine, though no tears appear. She nuzzles against me with her chin as I pull her close. “An argument here in front of everyone would only cause more problems; plus, you two going at it again would make for the worst kindof gossip fodder, and it would earn you both fines.”

“I’ve paid a fine before.” Sarah frowns. “I meant there won’t be another fight, at least not one I started. You have my word.” Please let me keep that promise. “Waiting is the right call, even if it’s agonizing. His focus is on tomorrow. The adrenaline isn’t flowing yet, but it’s already dripping out. He took the pole, and he’ll be looking for a repeat. Us going to ask his forgiveness would only set Boone off.”

“I’m not looking for forgiveness,” she says, all in a rush. Sarah’s stiff comment softens as she explains further. “I want his support, and that’s a reasonable ask. I don’t owe him explanations about my dating life until I’m ready to share them. My only mistake was falling in love with someone he didn’t like. Unfortunately for Boone, he doesn’t like anyone very much. I’ll apologize for him finding us like he did, but not for my feelings. They’re not wrong.”

Boone will love that speech, and I mean that in the most sarcastic of terms.

“They’re not wrong,” I agree. Sarah’s path makes sense for her, but I’m less convinced of it for myself. We grew closer in secret while I amplified her brother’s rivalry. It helped my career initially, and then later, I kept it going because he’s an irritating man. My actions lit a fuse, and now the woman I love is miserable. “Your brother loves you; this won’t last forever.”

She’s put on a brave face since we left her company headquarters a couple of days ago, but that’s all it is. Sarah has hardly ventured from the trailer since we arrived. I surprised her with tiramisu last night; she merely picked at it.

“Julian said he’s coming after your pit crew next.”

“If that happens, I’ll deal with it.”

“There is some good news, I think.”

I smile. “You’re pregnant.”

Sarah falls away, so I pull her back against me. “What? Jake. No.”

“We’ll keep trying.”

“We’re not trying.”

We will be, but that conversation can wait until after marriage. “Then tell me the good news?” She’s shocked enough the melancholic expression is gone. I’ll consider that decent news.

“I know who your final investor is.”

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