Falling Fast (Falling Fast #1) - Tina Wainscott Page 0,97

quoted a monthly rental rate that Mia was sure was less than the norm. “Rent would include use of the track for tuning.”

Raleigh’s eyes sparkled, too, but he continued to keep his cool. “And what do you get out of it, besides that paltry rent?”

“You saying I have ulterior motives?” Pax’s chuckle was low and husky. “Well, I get to advertise having a certified race mechanic on the premises.” He winked. “And maybe I’ll get another racer. Mia, you’d be okay with Raleigh racing at the track, wouldn’t you?”

“Only if I can race, too.”

“We’re already setting up a women’s division.” Pax traded a high five with her, then turned back to Raleigh, who reached over and shook his hand. “Deal. On all accounts.”

“Cool!” Cody said, bouncing up and down on his heels. “Can I race, too?”

“When you’re old enough,” both Pax and Raleigh said at the same time. “We’ll start you off with go-cart racing,” Pax said.

He dropped back into the chair again, nearly boneless. Mia took in his lean, tanned face and the bone-deep weariness in his body. “You’re working too hard,” she admonished.

Pax let out a long sigh. “Well, I wasn’t going to get into this today.” He gave Raleigh a curious look. “A car plowed into Wade’s bed-and-breakfast early this morning, collapsed the kitchen where he was preparing meals for the day. He’s in the ICU right now, but they expect him to recover. I’ve been out there all day helping the building-collapse rescue unit—didn’t even know there was such a thing—remove the car and cover up the gaping hole. And helping relocate the guests.”

“Why didn’t you call us?” Raleigh asked. “We could have helped.”

“Everything’s under control, but I’ll keep your offer under consideration.”

“So…you think his daughter will come to town to see him?”

The girl who had accused Pax’s brother of rape. Even as Pax said, “I suspect she will,” there was a fire in his eyes she’d never seen. Like he was ready to fight. Or…

“That would put you in a tough situation,” Mia said. “Help your friend and have to see her or—”

“Let’s not go there,” Pax cut in. “If she comes, hopefully it’ll be a quick visit. And I’ll avoid her like the plague.” He shifted his attention to Cody. “As I recall, I promised I’d play some Frisbee with you the next time I came over.”

“You’re exhausted!” Mia protested. “I’m sure Cody will give you a pass.”

Pax pushed to his feet and scrubbed his hand over Cody’s head. “A promise is a promise,” he said with a wink and followed Cody, who did his arms-and-legs-out jump and let out a loud whoop. Harley jumped right after him.

“I love that kid,” she said on a sigh.

“You are talking about Cody, right?”

She pushed at him. “Stop being jealous, you silly boy.”

Raleigh chuckled as he came up behind her and pulled her close. “I love this girl.”

She turned inside his embrace. “Mmm, so what are you going to do about it?”

The sun lit the blue in his eyes as he leaned close and kissed her. “And a lot more later, after the kid goes to bed.” The breeze lifted a hank of hair off his forehead. “I love the way the sun kisses your skin and gives you a glow.”

“No, that’s you giving me a glow.”

“And I love your smile that makes me think anything is possible.”

“It is.”

“With you, it is.” He pulled her close and held her for several long, blissful minutes. It made her feel good—and worried, as though he were afraid he might lose her. She decided to go with the good part and forget the worried one. Nothing would come between them again. Even her parents were beginning to warm to Raleigh.

She could hear happy dog barks. Cody giggled. Such wonderful sounds. She was facing the house, with her face pressed tight against Raleigh’s chest, and couldn’t see much. When she tried to turn and take in the sight on the beach, he held her tighter. Which brought back the worry. Was there something he wasn’t telling her? More bad news?

“Raleigh?” she asked at last. “Is something wrong?”

He loosened his grip enough to lean back. “No, why?”

She shrugged. “Just making sure.”

“Nothing’s wrong. In fact, everything is right.” He took her hand and stepped up on the bench that went around the outer edge of the deck. She had no choice but to follow. Then he turned her to face the beach, where Cody and Pax flanked the words WILL YOU MARRY ME?