Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 71396 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71396 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
“Christ,” Graham mutters.
“I’m so sorry,” I blurt out, and Reid’s hand squeezes again reflexively, even as he frowns at me. “This is all my fault. I don’t want there to be any strife between the families.”
Reid’s expression goes thunderous, but it’s his father who rebukes me. “You stop that right now, Lara. This is not your fault. It’s Lance’s and he’ll suffer the consequences. I expect the main one being he’s lost a lovely young woman and that will be his cross to bear. But you are not to apologize for doing the right thing to protect yourself.”
My entire body melts in relief and Reid shoots me a look that says, I told you it would be fine between our families.
Reid turns his attention back to the phone. “Lara’s going to stay with me through the weekend—longer if she needs to. I’ve got a two-bedroom suite and she’ll be safe here.”
“Good,” my dad says, relief evident in his tone. “That’s good. Thank you, Reid.”
Reid smiles, gives my hand another squeeze. “Dad… if you could call Lance and find out where he is, that would be a big help.”
“I’ll do it as soon as we hang up,” Graham says, the words grim. “I’ll find out where he is. What kind of state he’s in.”
“I want to know how he reacts,” Reid replies darkly. “Because I’ve got to know what we’re dealing with. If he’s just pissed and sulking or if he’s unhinged. And please don’t tell him where Lara is.”
“Of course, I won’t. I’ll let you know what I find out. But whatever happens, Reid, I’m proud of you for stepping in. And I’m proud of Lara for leaving.”
“She’s worried she’s ruined everything,” Reid says, his worried eyes roaming over my face before his voice turns hard. “He hit her, and she’s worried about how everyone will react.”
My dad makes a sound of disgust. “My daughter’s not going to be ashamed for saving herself. And if Lance comes around here thinking he’s still got a right to her, he’s going to find out he doesn’t.”
I cringe internally because those are some harsh words being said, right in front of Lance’s father. This is so complicated and I hate every bit of it. I want to fly halfway around the world to be as far from it as I can.
But it’s Reid and Lance’s father who attempts to ease my mind. “Lara… we love you. No matter what, we love you today and will love you tomorrow. We’re all still a family, and we’re just going to have to figure out how we move forward from here, okay?”
My throat tightens and I mutter, “Okay. Thank you.”
“We’ll handle it from our end,” he says gently. “Reid, keep Lara close. We’ll talk again soon.”
“Got it, Dad. And thank you.”
“Good luck in the practice rounds,” he adds. “We’ll be watching, and we’ll be there Sunday for the race.”
That’s right. I had forgotten in all this mess that my parents and Reid’s are coming to Melbourne to watch the race. Lance and I have seats with them. God, this is a mess.
Reid says a few more words, but my mind is spinning. Maybe I should go somewhere for a while until things settle down. It’s only when Reid releases my hand that I focus in on what he’s saying to me.
“They’re both on your side,” he says.
I’m numb but I manage a small smile. “Thank you for everything. That was really hard.”
“They’re not mad at you, Lara. They’re mad at him. And they should be.”
I rub the bridge of my nose. “I know this is going to get messy.”
“Maybe,” Reid says as he rises from the table. “But you’re not alone in it anymore.” He throws a thumb at the door. “I’ve got to get to the paddock. Order anything you want from room service. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back early this evening.”
I nod again, words hard to come by. I’m swarmed with all manner of emotion, the least of which is gratitude, so I at least get out another, “Thank you.”
Reid stares at me, and I can tell he’s worried about me. “You staying here through the weekend wasn’t a request. Just so you know.”
I smirk faintly. “Bossy.”
“Only when I’m right.” And then to my utter shock, he bends down and presses a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll see you later.”
When he’s gone, I sit staring at the door. That kiss on my head was nothing but brotherly love, but I’d be lying if it didn’t stir up a lot of old feelings I’d thought were buried deep. A wave of guilt hits me hard, because I have no right thinking about my past with Reid. I need to be thinking about how to untangle my present with his brother.
Besides, Reid made it clear long ago… we can’t be anything more than friends.