“I bet she didn’t like that,” Haelee says.
Shaking my head, I explain, “No. She did try to argue with me when I took the document over to her today. She can try to fight it, but I doubt she’ll want to waste her money on a case she’ll never win. I’ve fired the board and will be looking for new members I can trust.”
Haelee’s eyes widen. “So, you’re giving up racing?”
“No, that’s the great part, because I will have people I can trust to run the company, I can still focus on my career while being CEO of Mercer Industries.” When I sat down with the legal team Joshua Paulson brought along to the meeting, I had figured it all out before we even had lunch. I knew I needed a team I could trust, and that’s what we’re going to do. The loyal workers in our management team will go through the paces, and soon, I’ll have a whole new board to meet with.
Thankfully, I’m able to do both things I love—racing and keep my legacy.
“I’m happy for you, Kayden,” Haelee expresses, wrapping her arms around my neck, and I push to my feet, taking her along with me, which earns me a squeal of surprise.
I want to tell her how I feel. The real reason I walked in here today, but I’ll keep it to myself. For now. When she’s ready to hear it, I’ll make sure it’s special, and a moment she’ll never forget.
I lean in to whisper in her ear, “I want to take you back to my place and have you naked in my bed all day and night. And when you’re tired, I’ll feed you something delicious to perk up your strength for more naked fun.”
Haelee laughs, throwing her head back, and I take that moment to steal a kiss. Her neck is smooth, and I suckle the flesh, grazing it with my teeth, which makes her shiver.
“Are you ready?” I ask, setting her to her feet.
“I was born ready,” she retorts.EpilogueKaydenTwo Weeks LaterThe sunlight brightens the room, and I roll over to find the bed empty. My eyes snap open to see nobody beside me. I can’t hear her in the apartment, but I have a feeling she’s not far. Pushing off the bed, I don’t bother with clothes as I make my way into the hallway and walk down toward the kitchen. When I get there, I find Haelee in my oversized tee making coffee.
Her curly hair is pinned on top of her head in a messy bun, and ringlets hang down her slender neck. She doesn’t see me standing at the entrance, my arms crossed in front of my chest as I regard her.
“Yes, I know,” she speaks, and I realize she’s on a call. “Once my course is finished, I’ll be back.” She’s talking to Colton. I’m almost certain. Since she decided to finish her studies while training for the next season, she’s been helping out with students wanting to get into the program we’ve set up.
With more and more young women taking an interest in cars and in the circuit, she’s been coaching them on handling assholes like me. When we first met, I fucked up, dismissing her because she wasn’t male. But Haelee taught me over the months that she’s as strong as any driver I’ve come up against. She’s never beat me since that day. Our race on the date I took her on was me letting her win, but I know she’s good. Better than I was at her age.
“Okay, thanks, Colton.” When she hangs up, she spins on her heel, squeaking when she takes me in. “What are you doing? Stalking?” She arches a brow at me, handing me a mug.
“Yeah, you should be used to it by now,” I confirm, kissing her lips before I take a sip of my coffee. “What was that?”
“Colton wants me to join the circuit. He said I can start racing as soon as I graduate. But I wanted to take some time after school to perhaps travel. Just for a month or so.”
“Alone?” The shock is clear in my voice, but when she smiles, I know she’s going to say something that will make my heart soar.
“I’m never alone when you’re beside me,” she coos, snaking her fingernail up my bare chest until she reaches my lips. “I want these on me,” — she presses her finger to my mouth — “right here.” Then she takes my free hand and places it between her thighs, which has my cock waking up and taking notice of just how warm she is.
A groan rumbles in my chest at the feel of her. It doesn’t take me long to lift her in my arms and carry her to the countertop.
“What are you doing?” Haelee gasps.