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She doesn’t answer because we’re at Julian’s door. Pictures of his former cars cover the walls. The desk drowns in stacks of paper and a laptop. I would bet any amount of money that Julian has no clue what any of the paper is for. He could have an instruction manual for nuclear weapons buried in the pile, and he would have no idea.
There isn’t a single personal item to be found. That isn’tsurprising, especially considering Julian’s relationship with his family.
“Visitor for you,” I say, announcing our presence.
Julian is dressed in jeans and a fitted white T-shirt. His messy auburn hair always makes him look even better. A glance at Lily shows a lack of interest, and I breathe with relief.
His brows raise as he notices Lily, and my relief disappears. Julian’s smile creeps out, so I cross both hands in an X where Lily can’t see. His smile changes from charming to merely friendly.
Lily wears a short black skirt and a red blouse. If she lifts her arms, her midriff will be exposed. Her hair is neat and styled, too—a big contrast from a year ago.
Julian introduces himself and offers a hand. Lily stares at it before accepting, giving him a lackluster shake before pulling away.
He ignores it and says, “We’re about to make go-kart history. The first step is video games. You play?”
“Sometimes,” she says without enthusiasm.
He ignores that, too. “Perfect. First, we practice with Mario Kart, a classic in its own time. Then, we work in person. We’re guaranteed to win this.”
“I’ll leave you both to it,” I say, silently praying that nothing goes wrong.
My day ends in less than an hour, and I still have work to do.
After several phone calls, I pull up Jake’s information one last time.
He can make it work, assuming there is a charter to buy and a partner. Jake’s sponsors love him, so that won’t be a problem. He’s also great with media.
The minutes drag by until I shut my laptop and click off theoffice light.
Jake will pick me up soon, so I need to go, but my feet move toward Julian’s office.
I hide behind the partially open door and listen. Julian’s muffled voice doesn’t allow me to pick out the words, but Lily’s laughter is clear.
Relieved, I leave headquarters and drive home to pick up an overnight bag.
∞∞∞
Jake rolls down the truck window. “You looking for a ride?”
“It’s dangerous to take rides from strangers,” I say, leaning against the closed door.
“Climb up on me, and we won’t be strangers.”
I groan. “That’s bad. Really bad.”
“It works on you,” he says before opening my door and tossing my bag in the rear seat. “Are you comfortable?”
“Perfectly.”
Jake starts his Chevy truck’s engine, but I slide over before he can put it into drive and drop several kisses all over his face. He wraps an arm over my shoulders so I can’t pull away, and the playful kisses turn slow and tender.
“If we keep that up, you will need to climb on me,” Jake says, and I groan again. “We have time.”
I hurry back to the other side and put my seat belt on while Jake laughs.
“Your family does know I’m coming, correct?”
“You want to know what Mom said?” Jake raises his voice and says, “Jakey! Are you bringing a special girl home? It’sabout time.”
