“I don’t want details,” I spit out quickly. God, this is not going well.
“Lena.” His voice breaks through the noise in my head. When he’s sure he has my attention, he continues, “No girlfriend. Not one, not four. No one will be coming in and out of this house but us. Oh, and probably Fish because that fucker doesn’t understand boundaries. I appreciate what you’re asking, and why.”
“It’s not because I’m jealous,” I state, wishing I could recall the words I just spit out. They only make me sound desperate and, well, jealous.
The corner of his mouth tilts upward. “I know. I get it. But I can assure you, I’m not interested in entertaining right now. I have a lot to focus on with racing and now, Oliver.”
I nod my head, afraid to open my mouth again for fear more word-vomit will be spilling from my lips. But Mack doesn’t seem too fazed by my question, which does make me feel a little better. I’m not stupid enough to believe Mack has been a monk since we split. Hell, the baby sleeping across the room is proof he’s not. In actuality, I’ve not been one either. Not only have I dated in the last three years, but one was serious.
Very serious.
I clear my throat. “Sorry to ask, but I just thought I should know what to expect, you know?”
“Totally get it. Except Fish and sometimes Ben, my crew chief, I don’t have any visitors. I do have a security system I’ll show you how to use. Both of those guys know the code, but while you’re here, I’ll make sure they don’t just walk in and make themselves at home like usual.”
“I don’t want them to have to change anything just because I’m here,” I argue, not wanting to put him or his team out in any way.
Mack sits up straighter, pins me with a look and says, “No, I insist. The last thing I want is either of those assholes to see something they shouldn’t.” He glances down, his face tight. “I’d hate to have to kill my best friends.”
I chuckle at his comment, though when his eyes meet mine, there’s not a single hint of humor. Mack isn’t joking. No, he probably wouldn’t actually kill someone, especially his friends, but the meaning there is clear. He doesn’t want them to see something they shouldn’t. Namely, me. I shouldn’t feel all warm and fuzzy from his comment, but I do. I’m no one’s territory, especially Mack’s, but the idea he’d lose his mind if his friends saw me in a state of undress or in a compromising position does something to the gaping hole in my chest. Makes me feel…special.
Treasured.
Pushing those stupid and unnecessary thoughts out of my mind, I focus back on our dinner. We eat in comfortable silence, Mack grabbing a second heaping bowl of beef and noodles over two rolls. When we’re all done, he pushes his empty bowl away and says, “Thank you for this. I don’t eat a lot of comfort foods. Not by choice, but more for a lack of ability.”
Together, we clean up the dinner mess and put the leftovers in the fridge. When the dishwasher is loaded and the counters clean, I toss the dishcloth beside the sink and sigh. Even though it’s still early, I’m tired. Lack of sleep and traveling halfway across the country will do that do a girl.
“Why don’t we discuss my schedule for the next week, and then I’ll show you the guest room?” He runs a nervous hand through his hair. “I probably should have done that earlier, but I fell asleep.”
“It’s okay,” I reassure him, patting his hand. The moment we touch, it’s like a jolt of lightning through my veins. I pull back as if burned, my wide eyes meeting his. The look on his face confirms he felt whatever that was too. Neither of us acknowledge it though, which I’m grateful for. The last thing either of us needs is to complicate this already very complicated situation with any sort of feelings. We need to keep this professional. Employer, employee. Leave the hearts out of this.
Should be easy, right?
Chapter Four
Mack
No doubt she felt that shock. I could see it in her eyes and across her beautiful face. There’s still a spark, a strike of electricity I’ve only ever experienced with Lena Stanley. But I also saw something else on her face. Fear. She’s afraid of it. What it means. The feelings they evoke.
Me too, Lena. Me too.
That’s why I pull back and move out of her personal space. I don’t want to scare her any more than I already have, or at least cause her to reconsider this entire situation. Fuck knows what I’ll do if she up and leaves. Sure, I’d probably figure out this whole baby thing, but the fact I’m supposed to work out with the guys in the morning, followed by a team meeting and a conference call with my major sponsor, I wouldn’t have the slightest clue how to achieve all of that with a baby in tow.
That’s just day one. I have a shit ton of team meetings, track time, and sponsorship bullshit to do, as part of my contracts. Usually, I thrive on everything associated with the business—well, I could do with less of the sponsor bullshit—but throwing Oliver into the mix is really messing with my head.
And here I thought it couldn’t get any worse than my winless season and barely cracking into the top five at the end of each race.
“So I mentioned there was no race this weekend, but I still have tons of commitments this week. My guys and I work out at headquarters most mornings, and that’s followed by meetings with my team and the brass in the office. There’ll be track time too, as well as travel. You know all of the shit that goes with it, so I’m sure it’s no surprise to you my time isn’t my own. That’s why I need you.”
She sighs. “I get it, Mack. I’ll do what I can to help. Though, I have to admit, I’m not a baby expert. The only reason I knew how to change his diaper earlier was from watching a YouTube video,” she replies with a chuckle. “I have a lot to learn.”
I can’t stop myself from reaching for her hand. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”
She clears her throat but doesn’t pull back. “So talk to me about after. I mean, what’s your plan at the end of my six weeks?”
The thought of her leaving makes my chest hurt, but I push it aside and refuse to acknowledge it. “I guess I’m going to need help. Maybe you can help me vet someone, like a nanny?”
“Yeah, sure. I can start checking with services in the area. You’re sure to have plenty of choices in Los Angeles, right?”
My smile doesn’t reach my eyes, and I know it. “Yep.” I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. “I use this calendar app on my phone that keeps me on track with everything going on. The office has it and sends notifications and appointments through it. It might not hurt to put it on your phone, so you can see everything.”
Lena shrugs. “That’s fine,” she says with a yawn.
“We can do that tomorrow,” I tell her, sliding my phone into my pocket. “Why don’t we get you to the guest room? It has its own bathroom, so you won’t have to share with anyone.” Like me.
As she yawns a second time, I head to the stairs, to where Fish left her luggage. I quickly check on Oliver to make sure he’s sleeping comfortably and then grab her rolling suitcase. She takes her carry-on bag and follows behind me as we make our way up the stairs.