Page 118 of First in Line

She sighs and brings her legs closer, wrapping her arms around them in a manner that subconsciously betrays her desire to shield herself. “This was meant to be a one-time thing, Jackson.”

“I know that, but how have things not changed for you?”

She tries to think of an answer, but when none comes, she says, “You promised, Jax. You promised you wouldn’t fight it. That you’d drop me off at the airport and say nothing.”

Hurt by her dismissiveness, I get up from the chair to set some distance between us. “So, it’s that easy for you…”

“What is?”

“Walking away. Leaving this behind. Leavingmebehind.”

She shakes her head, visibly affected. “It’s not, Jackson. And it wasn’t last time either.”

“Then don’t. Don’t leave. I mean, you can leave, return to Colorado, and get things sorted for your work and everything. But don’t walk away from me again. From us.”

Torn, she stares at some invisible target on her lounger’s cushion, brows twisted as she thinks. Her hesitation is all I need to cling on, so I come closer again and crouch down next to her to be at her level.

When she meets my eyes, I plead, “Give us a second chance, Evie. The one we never got to have. We’ve matured, we’re actual adults now. I promise we’ll make it work this time.”

“How can you be so certain?”

“Because I know I’ll do everything I can to make it happen, princess.”

“What if it’s not enough?”

“It will be. Things have changed,” I try.

“Have they?”

“Ihave changed. You saw it.”

“But the circumstances haven’t, Jax. Everything is the same as it used to be. You’re still racing every other weekend. And you travel even more now. To be on the cover ofGQmagazine and that sort of thing.”

She says the last part with a hint of humor, which yet again makes me feel like this is going in the right direction. “What do you need from me, Evie? Do you want me to quit?”

She shakes her head with determination. “I’d never ask that of you. Ever. It would be wrong, and you’d hate me for it.”

“I could never hate you.”

“You would over time. I know you, Jax. And taking this, taking racing away from you, would be like taking your legs or your arms.”

“And if you walk away, you might as well take my heart with you. If it comes to it, I’d rather have no legs and keep living.”

Doubt still veils her pretty face, but a glimmer brightens her eyes. “You really are so dramatic sometimes,” she chortles after a moment.

I grin. “Only when it really matters.”

Coming closer, I press a gentle kiss on her knee. “Say you’ll give us a chance, Evie. Promise you will.”

“How… how do you plan on making this work?” she wonders, still uncertain.

“We’ll figure it out. You can travel back to Colorado, do whatever you need to do there. I’ll join you whenever I can. And wheneveryoucan, you join me in Europe. I’ll let you work as much as you need, I promise.”

“Hmm… This reunion has taught me you’ve gotten even worse at keeping your hands to yourself, Hot Wheels.”

“That’s because I’m trying to make up for lost time, princess. I promise I’ll cool down soon enough.”

Because the position is getting uncomfortable, I return to the chair with her, and she makes room for me to sit, bringing one of her legs over my lap.