for Saturday?” Fish asks, and I can feel his eyes on me. I know what he’s asking, but I’m not giving it away so easily.

“I’m bringing Shannon,” Jones says, referring to his girlfriend of two years.

The guys each talk about their dates, most of whom I’ve already met in recent months. Only Fish is going stag. I’m sure he’d have no problem finding a date, but he says he’s not ready to deal with a female yet after the shit his ex-wife put him through.

“What about you, Cruz? You have a date lined up?” Pete asks, a smirk on his face. I know what he’s asking too.

“I’m bringing a date,” I confirm casually.

“Lindsay?” Chief asks, making everyone laugh again.

“Fuck no,” I mumble, remembering how Lindsay cornered Lena at the Mid-Ohio race. Just the thought of it makes my protective side come out, and I haven’t had it happen in a long damn time. Picturing her in trouble, especially when the bullshit is because of me, makes my blood boil. “I’m bringing Lena.”

“Ohhhhh!” everyone bellows.

Let the ribbing begin.

“Mack and Lena, sitting in a tree,” one of the jackasses sings, drawing more laughter from the rest.

“Knock it off,” I chastise, unable to keep the smile off my face. “We’re just friends,” I add, probably more for me than them.

Cookie starts thrusting his hips again. “Friends with benefits.”

I bark out a laugh at how ridiculous he looks. “Stop.” The moment I turn to walk away, I see Daniels heading my way.

“Cruz,” he says briskly with a nod as he approaches.

“Daniels,” I reply, taking a few steps away from my crew to give us a bit of privacy.

“Congratulations on the win Sunday. Didn’t think you had it in you to push it on the outside like that,” he states bluntly.

I shrug my shoulders. “Felt good to get the W.”

He snorts like the true asshole he is. “I bet. Been a while, hasn’t it?”

Have I mentioned how much I really dislike this fucker? I cross my arms over my chest and glare. Daniels is only a few years older than me and the reigning series champion. “We’re still in the hunt for the title,” I state, feeling a little vindication when he tenses.

“Good for you,” he replies, though I can tell it’s full of cynicism. He slides his glasses back on his face and turns his back to me. “I’ll see you on the track, Cruz. In my rearview mirror.”

And then he’s gone.

“What a dick,” Fish mumbles, slapping me on the shoulder. “The best fuck-you to a guy like that will be to beat his ass on the track.”

I turn and slap my best friend’s now outstretched hand. “That’s the plan, man. That’ll be the icing on the cake. Best his ass for the title.”

Chapter Thirteen

Lena

I feel like a princess right before the big ball.

My hair is pinned on my head in a sleek French twist and my makeup is flawless. The dress I chose for tonight is a navy blue strapless number that wraps around my body and hugs my legs. There’s a slit up the side to mid-thigh, which helps show off my silver strappy shoes. The entire picture is one of sophistication and elegance.

I barely recognize myself, to be honest.

A knock sounds at the door and I look up just as Dad opens the door. “Wow,” he says, smiling from ear to ear.

“You think?” I ask, running a nervous hand down my stomach.

“You look stunning, Lena. So much like your mother,” he says, seeming to choke on his words.

Tears burn my eyes, but I blink them away, refusing to let them fall. I spent too much time in the salon this afternoon to ruin it with pesky tears. “Thank you,” I croak, clearing my throat and the emotions away.

Dad approaches me from the door, a soft smile on his face. “I have something for you,” he says, extending his hand and revealing jewelry. A pair of teardrop diamond earrings sit in his palm, along with a matching necklace, so delicate and beautiful. He places the earrings in my own palm before moving behind me. Dad drapes the necklace around my neck and whispers, “It was your mother’s.”

My fingers instantly go up to touch the gem. “Really?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder, my eyes connecting with his.

He nods his head. “I gave it to her before the awards dinner for my first championship season.” He touches the diamond at my neck. “I had always wished I could have afforded larger ones, but she swore these were the perfect size.”

I give him a gentle, watery smile. “I think so too.”

He clears his throat. “I had put them away for you to have someday, and it seemed like tonight was the perfect someday.”

Without caring about my hair, my makeup, or my dress, I throw my arms around his shoulders and hold him close. “Thank you, Daddy.”

He exhales and smiles against my cheek. “You’re welcome, Lena. Have fun tonight, okay?”

I pull back and swallow hard. “I will. Are you sure you’ll be okay tonight? With Oliver?”

Dad’s familiar chuckle sweeps through the room. “I managed to keep you alive from birth, didn’t I? I think the little one and I are going to be just fine. I’ve spent a lot of time with him today, with Mack hovering close. He’s a good one.”

“He’s the sweetest little thing ever,” I agree, a smile playing on my nude lips as I slip the teardrop earrings onto each lobe.

Dad just looks at me. “I wasn’t talking about the baby.” The meaning behind his statement hits me like a sledgehammer to the chest. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you downstairs before the man has a heart attack waiting.”

My eyes widen. “Is he all right?”

He laughs. “Oh, he’s fine. Nervous and anxious to see you.” With a wink, he escorts me out of the guest room and down the stairs.

My dad is staying in the motorhome. As much as I tried to get him to take the room I have

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