Ignite

I didn’t even care I was behaving like a child. I spun around and screamed like a little girl as Emmit stood up and grabbed me. With one pull, I was back in his arms. “Are you happy, Addie?”

My arms wrapped his neck as I fought to hold my tears back. “Oh, Emmit. I’ve never been happier.”

I stepped into the house and let out a sigh of relief. I loved being on circuit with Emmit, and I loved my job, but I loved being home too. We’d gotten in late last night and I barely had time this morning to take care of the last minute preparations for Emmit’s surprise birthday party. Robby had convinced Emmit to head to the garage to go over some pit strategies.

Lola ran past me and straight to the kitchen. With a shake of my head, I followed her and grabbed a can of dog food from the pantry. “You hungry girl?”

Giving me a bark, I opened the can and dropped the food into her bowl.

I spun around and headed downstairs to check everything out. Ashley had secretly flown in two days ago for the party. Her and Candace started decorating the downstairs area as soon as Emmit left this morning while I ran into town to pick up some food.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket. Pulling it out, I saw Robby’s name.

Robby: Hey, is there any way you can come to the shop?

My heart sunk.

Me: Is everything okay?

Robby: Oh yeah sorry! I left the cake there. Stephanie asked me to pick it up and I had it in the refrigerator and Emmit and I just headed down to the track. If you could come now and get it, he won’t see you.

Sighing, I shook my head. I had a ton of things to do and this just threw a wrench into everything.

Me: Sure. I’ll just call Candace and Ashley and have them come over and start the food.

Robby: Cool. Thanks!

Hitting the home button on my phone a little too hard, I tried not to be angry. Damn Stephanie. Why in the hell did she ask Robby to get the cake? That was her job!

“Hey, sweetie!” Candace said in a chipper voice.

“Hey, Candace. Are you and Ashley busy?”

“No, why?”

I didn’t even care that I let out a frustrated moan. “Stephanie asked Robby to pick up the cake and he can’t bring it back here along with Emmit. I don’t want to call her, so I’m going to go get it. Is there anyway y’all could come over and start getting some of this finger food ready? The caterer will be here in forty minutes.”

“Of course, Adaline. Don’t even worry. You head on out, and Ashley and I will be right over.”

As I dashed back up the stairs, I let Lola out back to go pee. “Hurry up girl.” I called out as Lola did her thing and ran back in. Grabbing my purse and keys, I dashed out the door and headed to the shop.

Ten minutes later I pulled up and couldn’t help but notice Stephanie’s BMW. Narrowing my eyes at her car, I shook my head. “What in the hell? If she is here why couldn’t she get the damn cake?” I pushed open my door and quickly got out, slamming it behind me. The anger racing through my body was undeniable. I was going to give her a piece of my mind.

The door to the front office rang when I opened it. I could hear two voices talking as I made my way to the break room. I stopped in my tracks when I heard Emmit’s voice.

“What are you talking about? There is no way in hell I’m telling Addie. No, this has to be kept a secret.”

My heart sunk as I made my way closer to Emmit’s office. “Emmit, I think it’s for the best. She deserves to know the truth.”

“What do you mean, that makes no sense? Why are you even bringing this up, Steph?”

I slowly walked up closer and stopped. I could see through the reflection on the mirror in the hallway. I could have sworn Stephanie looked directly at me in the mirror. Looking away, she said, “I can’t hide it anymore, E

mmit.”

“Stephanie, you’re so over reacting. Addie is not going to find out. She’s not very good when it comes to things like this.”

My heart was beating out of control. What in the hell were they talking about? I took another step closer and turned the corner just in time to see Stephanie throw herself into Emmit as their lips met.