Ignite (Speed Series Book 1)(71)

Ashley raised her eyebrows and said, “A guy like you, Malcolm?”

“What the f*ck, Ashley!” I said as I glared at her.

Malcolm laughed and shook his head as he patted Ashley on the top of her head. “Awe, that’s kind of cute, Ash, but I’m nowhere near the guy for you.”

Now I looked over at Malcolm with a look of disbelief. I wasn’t sure if I should be more impressed that he remembered my sister’s name or by the fact that he was actually acting like a gentleman for once. Well, kind of like one since Malcolm didn’t even know the definition of the word gentlemen.

Ashley stomped her feet and I swore I saw tears forming in her eyes. “I’m not a child, Malcolm Wallace, and don’t you dare treat me like one. There are plenty of guys who would kill to sleep with me. How dare you treat me like a baby. Asshole!”

Ashley spun on her heels and practically ran away. Lifting her hand up, she called back to me, “I’ll call you later, Emmit.”

I watched as my sister walked away, clearly upset by what had just happened. When I walked over to Malcolm, I shook my head and said, “What in the f*ck just happened? What did you do to make her almost cry?”

When I turned and looked at Malcolm, a look of concern passed over his face. “Um, hell if I know.” Turning to look at me, Malcolm asked, “Did I treat her like a baby just then?”

“It was the patting on the head. In case the two of you didn’t notice, that young lady is all grown up and is not a child. She’s a woman.”

Malcolm and I both snapped our heads over to Adaline. “Don’t say that, Addie!” I said in disgust. Malcolm didn’t utter a word as he smiled at Adaline.

“How’s it going, Adaline?” Malcolm asked.

“It’s going good.”

Malcolm moved back and forth on his feet like he was nervous as he finally looked back and me said, “Good luck tomorrow, Emmit. I’ll see you around.”

Tipping his hat at Adaline as he walked by, I wore a shocked expression. “What in the hell is wrong with everyone tonight? Was that Malcolm being . . . nice?”

Adaline laughed as she walked up and took Lola’s leash from my hand. “Go shower so we can go to dinner. I’m starving. I’ll walk the baby girl.”

As I shrugged my shoulders, I leaned over and kissed Adaline on the cheek. “It won’t take me long to get ready.”

“Don’t rush, we’ll take a little walk and then meet you back in the bus.” I was captivated by my wife’s beautiful smile.

As I jogged back to the bus, I glanced over at Malcolm’s bus that was parked across and down a bit from mine. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was honestly bothered by what my sister thought of him. I made a mental note to talk to Ashley about what had happened and why she got so upset.





I COULD HEAR “MANNISH BOY” by Muddy Waters coming through Emmit’s headphones as I stood across from him. We were down on pit row and the race was about to start. Emmit liked having a few minutes to himself before each race. I usually left his side for a few minutes so that he didn’t feel pressure to talk to me, but for some reason I felt the need to stay close by him today. I had a feeling I knew why, but I wasn’t going to think too much about it right now. We just needed to get through this race and then I’d tell Emmit.

Dragging in a deep breath, I glanced around and wrapped my arms around my body. My body relaxed the moment I felt his lips on my neck. “Are you okay, baby?”

I dropped my head against Emmit’s chest and looked up at him. “I couldn’t be better.”

Emmit raised a brow and asked, “Are you sure?”

Turning, I placed my hands on his chest and reached up on my toes to kiss him on the lips. “I promise. How are you feeling? Did you get enough water?”

“Yep.”

“Everything feel all right with your suit?”

Emmit pulled his ear buds out of his ears and handed me his iPod and the ear buds. “Yep.”

“Don’t be nervous, baby. You’ve got this. Just listen to Waldo and your spotter.”

The sound of Emmit’s neck cracking made me look over to my father for some reason. Chewing on my lower lip, I brought my attention back to Emmit. “I love you.”

Emmit’s whole body froze. Cupping my face with his hands, he smiled and rubbed his nose on mine before he softly kissed my lips. “I love you too, pumpkin. I promise I’ll be careful.”

I wanted more than anything to wrap my arms around him and deepen the kiss, but there was now a camera shoved right in our face.

Ugh.

As I took a step back, I smiled as I felt the heat move across my cheeks.

After “The Star Spangled Banner” was sung, the drivers started climbing into their cars. This was the part I hated. Having to walk away while he got ready to drive. Leaning into the car once more, I fought to hold my tears back. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yep!” I said as I popped my P. “Meet me over in victory lane after the race and I’ll give it to you.”

Emmit laughed and gave me a thumbs-up. “See you in a few, baby.”

I walked a few steps back as I watched them get Emmit ready. Turning, I bumped into Ashley. “Ashley! Hey it’s good to see you.”