Page 64 of Law Maker
“What about her?”
Even with Javi—the least judgmental guy I knew—saying it out loud scared me. “We’re together.”
His mouth parted, then closed again as he shook his head, whatever thought he had swallowed back. “Didn’t think you were even considering dating.”
“I surprised myself too.”
A month ago, racing and securing my career were all I thought about. Now Kaia filled my head so completely it scared me.
“I’m happy for you,” Javi said. “But what about racing? If you get offers, you might have to move.”
I brushed at a few specks of dust on the dashboard. “A Spanish team wanted me. I said no.”
“You’ve got to be kidding,” he muttered. “Why?”
“I gave Forward Racing my word. Changing my mind would look unprofessional. And I don’t want to leave Kaia.” Whatever we had wouldn’t survive the distance. She still depended on Russell and his money, and she wouldn’t be free to make her own choices until college.
She also needed me—even if she never said it. I was the only one she leaned on, and for the first time, I’d found someone who understood me without words.
“I see,” Javi said after a pause that felt too long. “I hope she’s worth it.”
I started the engine. “She is. Just don’t tell her, okay? I don’t want her feeling guilty or thinking she’s holding me back.”
Staying had been my choice. Only time would tell if it was the right one.
“Does her father know you’re dating?”
I snorted as I pulled out of the lot. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know.” Javi stared out the window. “It’s not like you grew up together. How much time have you even spent together in the last few years? A week? Two?”
“I don’t think Russell sees it that way.” I changed lanes, tamping down the urge to curse at the traffic. “He and my mother already don’t like us hanging out. I doubt they want us as friends, let alone more.”
Javi shifted, burying his hands in the pockets of his gray hoodie. “That sucks, but what they think shouldn’t matter. I’m looking forward to meeting Kaia.”
***
Javi wanted to stay at a hotel, but I talked him into Russell’s. I needed as much time with him as possible—and this way, I’d get time with both Javi and Kaia. Later, when I showed him around, I’d invite her too. She shouldn’t be alone. At least, that’s what I told myself.
After I parked in the driveway, Javi grabbed his bags from the trunk, and we headed inside. The moment I unlocked the door, Kaia appeared in the foyer.
I smiled at her, then turned. “Javi, this is Kaia.”
“Encantado.” He leaned in and kissed her cheeks just as Russell stepped out of the kitchen. Russell’s eyes narrowed, like he didn’t know two kisses were a normal Spanish greeting—nothing more.
“Javier,” Javi said, offering his hand.
Russell shook it, curt as ever. “Welcome. I’m Russell. Asher will show you around. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
Kaia glanced between us, unsure what to say.
As soon as Russell left, I tipped my head toward the stairs. “Let’s go up.”
After showing Javi his room, I headed straight for Kaia’s. Her door was open, as if she’d been waiting. She stood by the window, and I slid my arms around her waist, burying my face in her neck. “Hola, peque.”
She sighed, content. “Hi. And Javi?”
“Showering,” I murmured, kissing her shoulder. “We’re going out. Want to come?”
