Page 8 of Too Close To Call

She props a hip on the table and asks, “Are you here to drive in the charity race?”

I nod and hold up the menu to cover my face. “I sure am. Can I get a sweet tea, please?”

“Sure,” she croons, then she touches my shoulder and gives me the look of wanting more. “I’ll be back to get your order in a minute.”

There will be nothing more. I hear the bell above the door chime as customers come in. A child walks by holding a woman’s hand and she climbs into the booth in front of mine. Her over-the-top outfit grabs my attention. In only a few moments, a curly blonde head pops up over the top of the tall booth and I smile at her. She’s got the clearest blue eyes and pink heart-shaped lips.

She stares at me like she’s trying to commit my face to memory. Then she says, “Mommy, look. That man’s on our wall with Grandpa.”

I have no idea who the child is, or who her grandpa is, or why I’m on her wall. But I can guess. At one time, there were many publicity photos sent out, a lot I’d even signed. I can’t make out what the mother says, but the child disappears.

My barbeque plate is delivered and I’m almost finished when the child makes another appearance. This time, she’s standing beside my booth. “What’s your name?”

I peer around the other booth, waiting for the mother to tell the child not to talk to strangers, but she doesn’t show up. What kind of mother is she to let her daughter run loose in a restaurant?

Not to be deterred, the little girl sticks out her tiny hand and says, “Hey, my name is Daisy and I’m five years old.”

I wipe my sticky fingers on my jeans before taking her delicate hand in mine. I can now see her taste in fashion leans towards unicorns and poofy pastels. My gaze moves lower and I grin. Is she wearing heels? “Hello, Daisy. My name is Case.”

“I know. You drive cars in the races. You’re in a lot of pictures with my grandpa.”

I don’t really remember, but I don’t want to hurt her feelings. “That’s great. Is your grandpa a racing fan? Maybe your mom could take a picture of you and me for your grandpa.”

She shakes her head and ringlets of blonde curls bounce around her head and her pink lips pout. “He’s not alive anymore.”

I’m not sure how to reply to that. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

Finally, her mom slides out of the booth. “Daisy, what have I told you about talking to strangers?”

There’s something familiar about her voice. The woman has on steel-toed work boots, worn jeans, and a dark gray t-shirt with an emblem on the front. My head tips at the logo—Hamilton Stunt and Driving School. I know even before I get to her dark brown hair piled atop her head and her beautiful caramel brown eyes who she is. I freeze as our eyes meet.

Her mouth opens and closes, and all she manages is a whispered, “Case.”

CHAPTER 4

TORI

Daisy was supposed to grab a catsup bottle from a vacant table beside us, but instead she got sidetracked. No shocker there. I never expected to find her deep in conversation with the one man I thought I’d never see again. Talk about a punch to the gut.

Feelings I never imagined still existed resurface as I stare at his handsome face. At one time, Case meant everything to me. My past and my future were all tied up with this man. Unshed tears sting the backs of my eyes, but I will them away. This is a mess of my own making. I have no one to blame but myself.

He looks the same, yet in the six years we been apart, he’s added more muscle and width in his shoulders. He doesn’t have the same carefree ease around his eyes. Eyes that I always loved to watch as we…I want to close my eyes and breathe because parts of me crave his touch just as much as ever.

From his pale complexion and confused expression, I’d say he never expected to see me either. That’s when I realize his beautiful blank eyes aren’t staring at me—they’re focused on Daisy. I can almost see him make the connection. I don’t even recognize the gruff voice that asks, “You said you’re five?”

Daisy nods and Case’s now angry gaze shoots to mine, and I know what he’s thinking. “Daisy, go back to the table with Auntie Carina.”

For once, my headstrong daughter does what I ask the first time without needing a sundry list of reasons why.

This reunion isn’t anything like the one I’ve dreamed of, but it is what it is. We do need to talk. “Are you finished eating? I don’t really want to do this here.”

Case looks down at his plate of food and pushes it away. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

“Give me just a second.” I turn and ask Carina to take Daisy home. Car knows something’s up, but she nods. I’ll explain later, but as soon as she sees Case walking beside me in the parking lot, she’ll understand.

I grab my bag and find Case standing by his booth, dropping a couple of bills on the table. When we’re outside, I have no idea where to go. I can’t take him home because Daisy will be there. I don’t want to go back to his hotel. That only leaves one other safe place.

“Do you want me to follow you home?” he asks.

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