“Where is everyone?” I scan the unoccupied space.
“This private place is meant for my family and friends.” He leads me toward an area with a couch and televisions showing the pre-race footage.
That explains the emptiness. Jax keeps his family life private from the public. He doesn’t let them attend any races, including his home race. The thing about Jax is he loves too much, which makes him worry about what the media will say about his mum’s disease. So instead, Jax chooses a life of isolation from the press. Seeing his race day spent by himself makes my heart ache for him in a new way. I now understand how, while his favor helped me relax, it also benefits him to have someone appreciate him.
He places a headset on my head and checks all the cords with a huge smile plastered on his face. “This lets you hear everything from my team radio.” He explains different buttons and how to mute his voice, as if I could do that. This is like an all-access pass to Jax’s head on a race day and I’m taking it.
I look up at him, smiling. “This is so cool! I’m so excited.”
“Enjoy it. I’ve been dying to have you in here, but you always find some way to work during the races.” He tugs me into him and places a kiss on my lips.
My heart threatens to become a puddle beneath my feet. From the top of my head to the tips of my toes, my body hums with approval.
“There’s water in the fridge, and you can press the button next to the TV if you want food and champagne brought to you.”
“Wow. Talk about five-star service. Be careful, Kingston. A girl can get used to this kind of treatment.” I raise a brow.
Jax chuckles to himself. “You’re simple to please.” He walks over to a drawer and plucks a bag of Reese’s Pieces from it.
If I wasn’t questioning my affection toward him already, now would be the time. The way he wants to make sure I’m provided for has my eyes stinging. “I don’t think I’ve ever had someone take care of me like this. Not since Abuela—”
“I know. And I want to be the one to take care of you for a bit—if you don’t mind, that is.” He smiles sheepishly.
Dios, ayudamé. A sweet Jax is irresistible. But a shy Jax makes me want to spin in a circle and laugh up to the ceiling like a giddy cartoon character with hearts floating around me.
I walk to him, rise on my toes, and kiss him with every ounce of appreciation I feel. For the first time in a long time, I allow myself to rely on someone else.
38
Jax
Things between Elena and I have evolved over the months. From avoiding her to liking her, everything is shifting after our summer break together in London. Ever since we left my parents’ house, we’ve fallen into a comfortable pattern together. A pattern so easygoing, I try to make her happy all the time.
After all the events she planned for me, I couldn’t help wanting to return the favor. Under the guise of fixing my reputation, I put together an event to raise money for a charity of my choice. Except, unlike my other PR events, Elena has no clue about this one.
Yup. I planned it all on my own after a week of research, Maya’s help, and begging my friends to participate.
“You owe me big time for this,” Noah grumbles under his breath.
I look around the McCoy conference room I reserved for today’s activity. Bright lights shine on Noah, Liam, and me as we sit in three chairs side by side. Maya spread out all kinds of makeup and supplies on a table in front of us. Her camera sits on a tripod in the center of the room, waiting on standby to film us.
“I bet Sophie will win.” Liam shoots us a cocky grin.
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that. I’ve seen Maya do this with Santi and he looked like the belle of the ball after she was done with him.” Noah grins.
“Okay, Sophie’s bringing her over now.” Maya jumps from her chair.
Footsteps echo through the hall. The door creaks as Sophie and Elena enter the room.
Elena checks us all out before looking over at me in confusion. “What’s going on?”
“Surprise!” Sophie claps. “We’re doing a makeup challenge!”
“Makeup challenge?” Elena’s mouth drops open and her eyes snap toward me. “You remembered?”
Oh, hell did I remember. After making fun of her on the plane months ago, here I am doing exactly what I accused my friends of participating in one day. A makeup challenge for charity.
That’s me—romancer extraordinaire. Noah’s sappiness and my dad’s life lessons have rubbed off on me in more ways than one.