Page 10 of One Winter Knight
I texted Saoirse that. Also, I waited for Hale’s questions, like,Why did we pick you up in a parking garage in the middle of the night?But he didn’t. Nice.
“You race a lot?” I asked Hale.
“It’s just a hobby. This race was sort of a fluke, and everything aligned–like my sister not being around so I could borrow her car,” he replied.
I smirked. “Well, this didn’t seem like your sort of ride. Is truck racing a thing?”
“A little. But again, it’s just for thrills and pocket change. I’m a student. Organic chemistry. Probably going to get my PhD and work for my sister’s mate’s company. You?” He stopped at a red light.
“I recently graduated in interior design. Mostly I’m doing work for friends of my fathers’ while I get my app going.” I wanted something that would give me financial independence, flexibility to take jobs with Saoirse, and the freedom to raise a family.
Because I wanted kids. So many kids.
Carlos nodded. “The MASOs, the teammates and significant others,are going to love you. They’d probably enjoy talking to you about interior decorating. Maybe even hire you or help test your app.”
My heart fluttered. “That sounds great. Wait, work for yoursister’s mate? Aren’t they hockey players?”
“Other big sister. We call herrich big sister,because her pack is stupid rich, like they bought her an island and a really nice motorcycle that I’m not allowed to touch.” He shrugged.
“An island? Nice. Working for family isn’t a bad plan.” It worked for my brothers. “But what doyouwant to do? Race full time?” I asked, curious. Given how cute he was, especially with the whole cowboy thing, he could definitely be a draw.
Hale thought for a moment. “Get my PhD and work somewhere developing pharmaceuticals. I like chemistry, and I enjoy using it to solve problems.”
“Fair. Do you have a lot of sisters? I have zero sisters. But I do have four brothers, they’re all in Boston. Baby of the family,” I replied.
Carlos laughed. “He has all the siblings. One of ten. You’re what, number three?”
“Four. We’re all over the place geographically. But we’re close,” he replied.
I studied him. “But not close enough for Christmas?”
We didn’t do much for Christmas beyond food and presents since my mom had passed.
“More like they’re all going to rich big sister’s house again. I love her, but her mates have so many rules. Like,No throwing kids in the house, Hale. Don’t touch that, Hale. Hale, please don’t race the chickens.Where did you put the hedgehog, Hale?Ugh. I spent the summer there interning at their company, and yeah, I think I’d rather be reckless in Europe for five days.” He nodded. “Also, this semester wasa lotand I need a break.”
“Good for you. I’m excited; the lineup for this festival isinsane.It was really nice of your friend to arrange all this for us, Carlos. Also, I think Saoirse has a thing for BroKen but won’t admit it,” I added.
Winter-Fest was a three day,ski all day, rave all nightfestivalon a mountain in Switzerland. Not sure how Carlos’ friend scored passes for everyone, but I was excited.
BroKen was the Christmas Eve headliner. He was a popular indie artist who mixed electronic music with vocals, and was known for his side-quests. BroKen popped up in all sorts of strange places, like cosplaying superheroes at comic-cons, and dressed as a shower at an award show.
“Does she?” Carlos smirked. “Maybe we’ll get to meet him.”
“Really? I think she’d love that,” I replied.
We pulled up to the train station. Saoirse stood there in her black suit, with a crisp white shirt–her usual uniform. Her lips were red, skin pale, and her hair long and dark, making her look like a character out of a fairytale. She leaned easily against the wall waiting, oozing confidence anddon’t bother me.
“I’ll see you soon, Mi Reina.” Carlos kissed me.
“See you soon, Pumpkin. Bye, Hale. Thanks for the ride.” I waved and got out of the car, grabbing my backpack.
Saoirse’s blue eyes lit up as I approached her. She waved at Carlos. He waved back and they sped off.
“Hi, Mo Stóirín.” Leaning in, she gave me a kiss, her brandy scent surrounding me. “Carlos was street racing in a pink car? Do I want to know?”
I looped my arm through hers, she wasmuchtaller than me. “His friend was street racing in his sister’s car.”
“Noted.” She shook her head as I let her lead me to the subway.
