Page 93 of Beneath the Blindfold

Whitman’s gaze narrowed. “What kind of photos?”

“One photo,” I corrected. “And it’s nothing.” I tapped my phone and scrolled to the image, then held it up to the camera for Whitman to see.

He made a ‘you gotta be kidding me’ sound.

Rob’s face turned an even brighter shade of red than it usually was. “Think about how this is going to look to our family-friendly sponsors.” His tone said even he wasn’t convinced.

“Rob, I don’t have time for this. As long as it’s within reason, sponsors aren’t going to care about Campbell’s personal life.”

As Whitman shuffled the papers on his desk, the tension in my shoulders relaxed a fraction of a degree. If he’d gone the other way on this, I’d have given him a resignation speech, telling him I didn’t want to work for someone who demanded that level of control over my life.

Rob’s chest lifted as he took in a preparing breath. “Things aren’t working between me and Campbell. They never have. He’s not the right fit for this organization.”

Whitman paused and lifted a thick eyebrow. “I’m not hearing that from anyone else.”

“The kid doesn’t listen, and I’m starting to wonder if there’s even a brain in there.”

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Whitman sighed loudly. “I’m tired of hearing this. You should know, Rob, the only person I get complaints about is you.” He ignored his employee’s surprise. “You’re right about it not working. I need guys who are on the same page. Campbell, you want to continue being part of the team?”

I straightened in my seat. “Yes, sir.”

“Great.” He looked satisfied. “Rob?”

Rob went cold as he laid it on the line. “No, not if Campbell’s behind the wheel.”

“All right, then. I guess we’re doing this.” Whitman stood from his chair and leaned over so he stayed in the frame. “We’ll go forward with a different crew chief next season. Thanks for all your work with Whitman Racing.”

“Wait—” Rob sputtered.

“Campbell,” Whitman wasn’t deterred, “I need to handle this, and I’ll be in touch.”

The screen jumped to black, and the message appeared announcing my call had ended.

Holy. Shit.

Did that just happen?

I padded out into the main room. Anna took one look at my dazed expression and launched to her feet from the couch. “What happened?”

“He fired Rob.” Hearing it out loud was weird, but also, all kinds of awesome.

“Oh my God, really?” She looked relieved. “So, you’re okay?”

It was like I’d crossed the finish line a million times over. I slipped an arm around her, putting my hand on her ass, and pulled her tight to me. “Are you kidding? I think I’m way better than okay.”

I cut off her laugh when I kissed her. It started slow and sweet but didn’t stay that way for long. Her tongue moved in my mouth and her hands were on my shoulders, sliding up into my hair.

“We can still make the hiking trip,” I mumbled between her kisses.

“Too late,” she said, undoing the button on my shorts and pushing them down over my hips. “Your pants are already off.”

Jesus, she brought out the horny teenager in me. It was like no time had passed since high school. And with that thought came another. “Are you going home for Christmas?”

She was halfway out of her shirt and slowed her movement. “That’s random, but yeah. Why?”

We’d been so busy planning this trip, I hadn’t asked about her plans. The holidays were only a few weeks away. “That’s when we can see each other again.”

She beamed a smile as she undid her own shorts. “Awesome. Also, we need to get your schedule to Sato. She’s a miracle worker.”

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