Page 33 of Bump and Run
“I can’t let you do that.”
“Too bad, because I want to.”
I stared at him, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth. “Charlie—”
“Nope, it’s happening. Just come here.” He held up his arms. “Come on, come on, or else I’m going to have to tickle you again.”
I giggled, then moved into Charlie’s open arms for a hug. He held me so tight and close he picked me up off my feet as he swung me around.
“Thank you. You’re too good to me.”
“This is just the beginning, Jones. I want to spoil you, because you deserve it. You’re so damn talented. You’re going to sign with Richardson, you’re going to go NASCAR, and you’re going to become a huge star. You’ll forget all about me in no time.” Charlie placed me back on my feet. “Let’s go eat before the food gets cold.”
I followed him inside the house, his words echoing inside my head. “I won’t, you know,” I told him as I noticed the eggs, bacon, and potatoes spread out on the breakfast nook.
“What’s that?” Charlie handed me a cup of coffee. “I wasn’t sure how you took it, but if you tell me now, I’ll memorize it for next time.”
“Black, but wait, I’m not going to forget you,” I assured him. “Before, you said I’d forget you. If I sign with Richardson, you’re still my boyfriend. I’m not going to suddenly want someone else.”
He smiled at me, then dropped a kiss on my nose. “If you say so.”
“Charlie, no, I mean it. Why would you think that?” I was super emotional this morning. “I only want you.”
I didn’t like how this conversation was going. Did he change his mind between then and now? Had he decided he wanted that girl waiting for him in Boston instead?
“Eat, Jonesy.”
“I don’t want to.”
Charlie scowled at me. “Don’t pout. It’s not very becoming.” He pulled out one of the chairs and waved at me to sit down.
“I wasn’t pouting, Charlie. What’s going on right now? This morning you were sure that we were going to stay together, but right now you’re convinced I’m going to forget about you. Did you change your mind about us? Because if you did, just tell me.” I slid into the chair as tears stung the backs of my eyes.
He placed his coffee cup on the table, moved behind me, and tipped my head back to slant his mouth over mine. “No, Bashful, I haven’t changed my mind.”
“Then what—”
“I want you. I’m just saying you might meet someone else. Another driver, someone who might work for another team or even yours. Someone you can spend a lot of time with.” He peppered kisses against my jaw and cheeks. “Iwould be heartbroken, but I wouldn’t blame you. I won’t be able to spend a lot of time with you until I finish school.”
I grabbed his hands. “Charlie, I would wait a million forevers for you.”
He searched my eyes. “I know you would.” He released me and sat down so we could stare at one another. “Is this too much too soon? Is this lust, Jonesy, or is this more than that? I’m fucking terrified.”
“Me, too,” I admitted, but my stomach fluttered at his words.
Did Charlie feel the same way I did? Did he think maybe he could have fallen in love with me? I would never say this early because it was crazy, but I knew it could happen. I’d read the books, met people, had seen the movies.
Charlie’s brows dipped. “My father called while you were outside.” He pushed the plate of food toward me, but when I shoved it away, he scowled at me. “Eat your breakfast, or I’ll feed you myself.”
“What did he say?”
“The wedding, Jones. Beverly is going to be here. She’s the girl I’m supposed to marry.”
I shook my head. “Charlie, no.” Tears filled my eyes and slid down my cheeks faster than I could stop them. “I won’t watch you with her.”
“I told him no, Bashful. I said I wouldn’t dance with her or be seen with her.” Charlie climbed to his feet. “I’m so fucking sorry. I knew I should have stayed away from you, but I couldn’t.”
I jumped up. “Is that why you said I would find someone else? Because you’re going to end up with her?” When hedidn’t answer me, I felt my chin start to quiver. “I think I need to leave.”
