When we park, I have no idea where I am, but Conan walks around and takes my hand again, leading me into the five-story building. He walks straight to the elevator, clearly knowing where he is going, and we get off on the top floor. It’s a restaurant, but I know nothing other than that. He murmurs to the maître d’ and within seconds, we are led to a table inside. It looks more like a bar than a restaurant, but the atmosphere is amazing. It definitely matches him, decorated in wood tones with plants and flowers everywhere. It screams boho in a sleek, upscale way, and the wood table we sit at is clearly handmade. The menus are placed into our hands, one simple sheet, but as I scan it, it all looks amazing, and my hunger returns, reminding me I haven’t eaten since dinner yesterday.
“What’s good here?” I ask.
“Everything. My friend is the chef, and he’s really talented,” he replies.
“Your friend?” I ask curiously.
Conan nods and smiles. “I’ll take you to meet him later. For now, how about I order for you?” I nod, and he heads off to do that. When he comes back, I don’t know what to say. I feel awkward and unsure.
I’m quiet, but he doesn’t seem to care. In fact, he seems determined to bring me out of my funk. He talks to me about anything and everything, not letting the conversation lapse. He talks more than I’ve ever heard him speak. He usually just listens to me yap, and I find myself smiling. Conan stops mid-sentence.
“There it is,” he murmurs, and I blink in confusion.
“What?”
“Your smile. I have missed it since I came over. I told you, you’re like a ball of sunshine. I’m glad you can be yourself enough around me to show when you aren’t happy, but I’m also glad I could put it back on your face,” he tells me.
I don’t know what to say to that, so I just stare, taking in his sincerity. There’s no hidden meaning, and it isn’t a game. I don’t have to worry he’ll take it back later or pretend it never happened.
Conan is easy, so why do I still feel wrong?
“Mackie?” I lift my head, blinking as I find a female next to ourtable. She’s in a loose suit, the tie low on her undone shirt, and her makeup is flawlessly done. I know who she is instantly.
Marina Baron, the new leader of Blizzard Racing. Apparently, she has already changed everything, and they are climbing the ranks quickly. She’s smart and has been racing since she was little, and I just gawk.
“I’m Marina,” she says, and I push to my feet.
“Baron,” I finish before clearing my throat. “I know who you are.”
“You’re adorable.” She chuckles, sparing Conan a look and nodding. She looks back at me, her eyes warm but intelligent and sharp. “I won’t keep you since you are busy, but I was hoping I’d run into you sooner or later. I never expected to see you here though.”
“You were?” I ask.
“Of course. Blizzard has always been on the top of the leaderboard but unable to beat Starfire. That will change under my leadership. We are aiming for the title. It’s a long shot, but I know talent when I see it. If you ever want to leave Starfire, I have a guaranteed position for you.” Pulling out a card, she hands it over. “Don’t feel like you have to answer me or turn me down, or if you ever just want to talk about your future, call me. You’re an incredible racer, Mackie, with a bright future ahead of you. Don’t limit yourself at Starfire.” She nods at me and Conan, then turns on her heel and saunters away.
I simply stare, her card burning my hand like a betrayal, but as I look down at the modern writing, something dark whispers that maybe a new start is exactly what I need.
Maybe the only way to get over Noah is to move on, something I never thought I would do.
TWENTY-ONE
Mackie seems distracted. I knew he wasn’t in a good mood when I dropped by earlier, but I was hoping I could cheer him up. I won’t try to force him to tell me what’s wrong, since he’ll tell me if he wants to, but sometimes just being there for someone is enough. On the drive back to his condo, however, I worry. He’s staring down at the card he was given, and his face is closed down.
“Are you thinking about it? I thought you loved Starfire,” I hedge, hoping to get him to talk. I alternate between looking at the road and Mackie.
“Hmm,” he responds before putting the card in his pocket as I pull into the lot by his building. “Oh, are we back? Sorry, I’m miles away.”
“You’re fine,” I promise as I turn off the engine. “Mackie, are you okay?” Despite my insistent nagging not to poke or prod him, I can’t help but ask.
“I’m fine,” he answers. That’s the response you give when you don’t think the other person really wants to know the truth. He won’t meet my eyes, and I know I’m right, so I cup his chin and turn him to face me.
“No, you aren’t, but you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.I just want you to know I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. If you want to talk or just sit in silence, you say the word. I won’t pry. I care about you, Mackie, and I don’t like seeing you hurt.” No matter how much I want to resist what’s growing between us, I can’t.
I want Mackie.
I have since the moment I saw him, and when his eyes drop to my lips and then back up to meet my gaze, I know he feels the same way.
“Conan.” The way he says my name softly, almost unsure, has me leaning in before I think it through.
