stomach showed signs of the baby now. He was amazed at how quickly her body had transformed, her belly growing rounder each day.
“Excuse me, Tony,” Ali said, stepping into his office.
Tony glanced at her, and as usual, the same thought flitted in his mind. He couldn’t believe Joe wasn’t interested in this vital, gorgeous, very capable woman.
“There’s a call for you. From your agent. A mister Ben Harper? He says it’s important. Line one.”
Tony’s smile faded. “Okay, thanks.” He glanced at the flashing red light. He couldn’t ignore Harper anymore. “I’ll get it in here.”
He waited until Ali walked away before picking up the phone. “Hello, Ben.”
His agent read him the riot act for not returning his calls. Tony slammed his eyes shut, listening to his tirade. “You know damn well you’re under contract. My ass is on the line, too.”
“It’s not a good time right now,” Tony said.
“You told me that two months ago. They gave you an extension because of your father’s death, and you were recovering from your injuries, but I can’t put them off much longer. They’re threatening a lawsuit, for heaven’s sake. You need to give me something. Now, Tony.”
Tony sighed into the receiver, caving in to these last few contractual commitments. He still had an endorsement deal with EverStrong Tires and was expected to do interviews for a few of the races. “How long will it take?”
“Filming could take up to a week for the commercial.”
“When?”
“Yesterday.”
“Make it for next week, Ben. I’ll do my best.”
“You better be there, Tony. You’ve pushed them too far as it is. And don’t forget, you’re expected at Dover International Speedway for the first interview.”
“I’ll be there.”
“I’ll call you with the details.”
“I’m holding my breath,” he mumbled and hung up. He paced the office, shaking his head. Things were just getting better with Rena, and he didn’t want that to end.
Rena hated anything to do with racing. Understandably so, but Tony had no choice in the matter. The last thing he needed was a lawsuit. And, if he were truly honest with himself, he missed the racing scene. Tony had recognized that it was time to leave it behind. Exit while still on top, they say. He’d accomplished what he’d set out to do, but a man doesn’t lose his passion that easily. His blood still stirred with excitement when he stepped foot on the raceway.
The difference was that now Rena and the baby took precedence over racing. He was committed to his marriage and determined to get that same commitment from her.
Tony left the office and drove to Purple Fields, eager to see Rena. He entered the house and found her finishing a conversation on the phone in the kitchen. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands spreading across her stomach. He caressed her tiny round belly and nibbled on her throat. It had only been a few days that she’d allowed him this intimacy, and Tony couldn’t get enough. “Who was that?” he asked, setting his chin on her shoulder.
“The doctor’s office. I have an appointment tomorrow.”
“What time are we going?”
“We?” Rena turned in his arms. “You can’t go with me, Tony.”
He blinked. “Why not?”
Rena stared at him. “You know why.”
Tony’s brows furrowed. “No, I don’t. You tell me.”
She moved out of his arms and shrugged. “This is David’s baby.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “I’m aware of that.” She reminded him every chance she could. “So?”
“No one knows we’re married. How would it look if I showed up with you?”
Tony summoned his patience and spoke slowly. “It would look like a good friend is supporting you at your doctor’s appointment.”
“No,” she said adamantly. “I can’t. Solena is taking me.”
“No, I’m taking you.”
Rena’s eyes closed as if the prospect disturbed her sanity. Tony’s ire rose, and he calmed down by taking a few breaths. “Maybe it’s time to expose our marriage. Then you’d have a legitimate reason to have me there.”
She shook her head. “I’m not ready for that.”
“Why, Rena? Why not stop this ruse? We’re living together. We’re married. Don’t worry about what people think. It’s no one’s business. This is about us, our lives and our family.”
“It’s not that,” she rushed out, giving him her uplifted chin.
Tony stared at her. Then it dawned on him. “Oh, I see. You’re not ready to accept me as your husband. As long as no one knows, you can pretend it isn’t so. You can stay in your own world and not face reality.”
Rena