Page 102 of Hook Up

“Are you okay?”

“No,” I admit, scrubbing my face with my hands. “I screwed up and lost the most important thing in my life.”

“She loves you very much, that was clear. After she refused any type of settlement, I inquired if she had a nest egg, considering she’s been caring for you for the last couple of months. To quote Greer, she has neither a nest nor an egg, but assured me she would get back on her feet. She’s in the process of setting up interviews and mentioned she’s staying with her Mom until she can afford her own apartment. I offered her a settlement that I considered fair, but she unequivocally denied it, stating you don’t pay someone to love you. That woman has a great deal of pride and an enormous heart. She’s a class act, Ryder.”

Every statement slams into me like a fist. My life, to the outsider at least, is picture-perfect again. I’m on top of the world, complete with new endorsements, pending interviews, and television slots. The money is pouring in. Not that I had any financial woes before the accident.

But Greer? Her life is upside down. She gave up everything to be by my side and now she’s worse off than before. Yet, she still asked for nothing.

Mr. Givens slides a pen across the desk. “All I need is your signature, and I’ll get the paperwork filed.”

I snap from my thoughts, shaking my head at his request. “Not so fast. I have a few changes to make first. I’ll see that Greer gets my list of demands.”

My lawyer’s eyes widen as he sits forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “What are you doing, Ryder? The woman has a boatload of debt, a crap car, and nowhere to live. She has nothing to give you.”

“Yes, she does. The only thing I’ve ever wanted. Her.” Standing up, I suck in a deep breath, feeling my resolve strengthen. “I’m not annulling my marriage. I’m saving it.”

For the first time since I’ve known the man, Mr. Givens cracks a smile. An honest to God, genuine smile. “I like the sound of that. Keep me posted.”

After leaving his office, I drive to the local watering hole, intent on discussing my plans with the one man who can understand my plight.

Colton.

Slipping onto the barstool, I motion to the bartender for a drink, managing a smile for my friend and mentor. “Hey, Colton.”

“Damn, it’s good to see you back again,” Colton remarks, offering a toast.

“It’s good to see everything.” The words are true, although the one thing I want to see most in this world is once again several hundred miles from my side, and it’s all my fault.

“Ready for the race?”

Drumming my fingers against the bar, I consider how to best answer his question. “I am, but I think this may be it for me.”

To my surprise, Colton looks anythingbutsurprised. “I had a feeling you might say that.”

“Really?” Here I figured he would flip the script, coming up with a list of reasons I should stay firmly planted in the driver’s seat.

“That was no fender bender, buddy. You almost died, Ryder. Plus, you’re married now, with a wife who no doubt is terrified youwilldie. I’ve been where you are. That exact same spot, with all the crazy fucked up emotions about what to do with my life. I thought I couldn’t live without racing, but when it came down to it, I couldn’t live without Rylee. Once I got that idea through my thick skull, it was a no-brainer.”

“Greer left me,” I spit out, staring down at my half-empty glass. As if anyone ever found answers there. “I messed up, Colton.”

Colton swivels in my direction, clicking his tongue against his teeth. “Does this have anything to do with those photos circling the internet? Please tell me you didn’t screw any of those women.”

“Of course not. I would never do that to Gigi. The photos sure as hell didn’t help, but it was more than that. She is scared I’m going to die, and I can’t promise her I won’t. Plus, I never announced our marriage and wasn’t wearing my ring. So she feels like a dirty secret, but one who was good enough to take care of me when no one else would. Just an all-around cluster fuck, compliments of yours truly.”

Colton swigs back his drink. But I know him. He’s buying time, searching his brain for the right answer. A fix to this mess I’ve created. “It’s no guarantee, but if Greer loved you enough to put up with your array of bullshit these past few months, she’ll likely give you another chance. Do us all a favor, though, and stop screwing shit up. Rylee is going to have your head for this one.”

“Don’t I know it.” It’s true. Rylee has been my confidante for years, the big sister I never knew I wanted. She knows all about Greer, and she’s going to kick my ass into the next county when she hears the news.

“Are we going to announce your retirement, or are you still weighing your options?”

“Let me get through this race first.” Am I stalling? Yes, but right now, I’m so mixed up I don’t know what I want. That’s not true. I know I want my wife back, and I’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure it happens.

“Fair enough. Keep your head in the game.”

“Eye on the prize.” Only difference? This time, I’m eying a different prize.

A smile splits my face as I spy the beat-up van with New York plates parked in my driveway.

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