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She bites her bottom lip and glances up from below heavy eyelashes. “Okay. ”
Nerves are written all over her face. I kiss the top of her head and give her the room she needs by going into the kitchen and cocking a hip against the counter. Rachel’s never stayed the night with a girlfriend, much less a boyfriend.
She leans against the back of the couch. “If I ask you something, will you be honest?”
“Always. ”
“Did you know that Abby is a drug dealer?”
Damn, straight to the point. I pull at my bottom earring. Abby warned me at the dragway about this conversation. I had no idea Rachel would yank out the guns this early. “Yes. ”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She inspects her nails like this is casual for her, but I know better.
“Because it’s Abby’s story to tell, not mine. She promised to keep her business away from you, and when Abby gives her word, she means it. If I thought you’d be in danger, I’d be in the middle of this. ”
She scoffs like I told a joke. “You can’t get in the middle of anything. ”
I say nothing because I don’t argue. Rachel’s safety and happiness is my priority. “What you did for Abby tonight was nice. ” Nice is an understatement. For the first time since I’ve known Abby, someone gave her love.
“She’s my friend,” she says softly.
Rachel laces her hands together, unlaces and repeats. Something’s digging at her and I want her inner thoughts. “What’s bothering you?”
She lets her hands fall to her sides. “Zach o
ffered to race against me. Since we need money, I should accept. ”
The guy is becoming a switchblade in my thigh. “Did he say something to you tonight?”
“Yes, but he first brought it up weeks ago. . . ”
“I know. ” And I told him to stay clear of her. It’s too coincidental, Eric showing at the garage this evening then Zach approaching her at the dragway tonight, and I don’t believe in chance. Zach’s trying to pull Rachel into a race, but I can’t see the benefit of it. I can’t see how that would help Eric win.
“I want to help. ” There’s hurt in her eyes, and it dawns on me that there’s more to her and Zach’s conversations than cars.
“What’s he saying to you?”
Rachel pauses as she chooses her words. She doesn’t do that often and my gut twists. “Do you trust me?” she asks.
A combination of dread and anger pummels my insides as the answer slams into my head. Zach is trying to create doubt. They’re trying to place a wedge between us.
“I trust you. ” And she needs to trust me back. “I’ll take care of the money, Rachel. All right?” I’m not asking permission, but I am asking her to drop it. “And stay away from Zach. ”
“Why? I know he can come on a little strong, but he really doesn’t bother me. ”
My neck tightens as I contemplate telling Rachel my theory on Zach and Eric. But then I wonder if that would scare her. She already mentioned a few minutes ago how she feels overwhelmed by it all. “Can you just trust me?”
“Okay. ” She glances around the empty apartment, reminiscent of her first night here. “Do you mind if I take a shower? I smell like burnt rubber. ”
“Sure. ” If she does, then I must reek like I bathed in it. “I’ll take one after. ”
* * *
The subflooring is cold beneath my feet, and after the heat from the misty bathroom my body shudders against the temperature of the apartment. I change to a fresh pair of jeans and walk into the dark bedroom for a shirt.
In a tank top and pair of cotton drawstring pants, Rachel sits in the middle of my bed with her knees drawn to her chest. Her hair is blown dry and angles around her face. Light from the street highlights her perfectly, casting a heavenly glow.
I’m reaching into the laundry basket next to the bed for a T-shirt when delicate fingers touch my wrist. “Can I look at your tattoos?”
