Authors: Nicki Night
Chapter 27
“C
ome in,” Alana replied to the soft knock on her door. Quickly, she wiped away the tears rolling down her face. Saying goodbye to Drew was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do, but it was necessary.
“Are you okay?”
Alana sat straight. “I'm fine.”
Cadence sat across from her desk, reached over and put her hand over Alana's.
Alana hoped Cadence hadn't felt the slight tremble in her hand. She was far from okay. She'd just told Drew to leave her alone. She'd come to love him in a way that she didn't know was possible. Now she questioned her actions. Then she thought about Jade's voice on the phone when she called and all the speculation that action generated. Her heart and mind had been flipping and flopping for days now. She justified her actions and then questioned them almost immediately.
Alana hadn't bothered telling Drew about the call because she assumed he'd deny any kind of betrayal. Maybe she should have been more adamant and insisted that Drew not work with Jade at all, but it wouldn't have been fair for her insecurities to cost him potential opportunities. Drew didn't like the fact that she had taken Gary on for a client, but he respected her decision anyway. They thought Gary had been good for business, even though he was such a difficult client.
It was over now. Hopefully Drew wouldn't push the issue too much. Walking away was painful enough. Knowing he was leaving later that night made her appreciate his impending distance.
Cadence continued holding Alana's hand in silence, letting her wrestle with her emotions without interruption, just like a friend does.
“Aren't you glad that Gary finally listened to us and decided to settle the case?” Cadence asked, breaking the silence. “He flushed his chances of winning down the toilet when he lost it in the courtroom.”
“This will be best for all of us.” Alana welcomed the change of subject, but it was hard to think of anything else. She was livid when Jade answered Drew's phone and had been angry ever since.
What Alana didn't expect was to almost fall apart when she saw Drew. When she looked into his face, she felt wounded and wanted answers to questions she couldn't bring herself to ask. She couldn't trust herself to speak more than a few words at a time lest she break down right in front of him and she couldn't do thatâespecially not at work.
Listening to him leave ripped her apart emotionally. She couldn't bring herself to actually watch him walk out of her life. Now, she questioned herself again. Should she have given him a chance to tell his side? He didn't look like he was there to apologize. When she came out of the office, he had seemed his usual self. Alana decided an apology wouldn't have made a difference. She still needed to go for her own sake. Dating so soon after her breakup with James wasn't smart.
Worst of all, Drew had the nerve to look impossibly handsome. Memories of the time they'd spent together inundated her mind. She remembered his kisses, his touch, the way he made love to her as if he adored her.
Ma belle
.
She could still hear him whispering that in her ear. She could see the sun setting as they floated in that hot air balloon. She'd fallen for the new Drew and now she couldn't eject him from her system. She didn't know what it was that she felt for him. All she knew was that it was far more intense than anything she'd ever felt for any man.
Cadence rubbed the back of her hand, bringing Alana back to the present.
“He said he's leaving tonight for Spain.”
“Okay.” Alana had made a decision and was going to stick with it. The last thing she was going to do was run after him.
“I almost forgot. He left this for you.” Cadence handed Alana a jewelry box and flowers.
Alana took the box and dropped it in her purse. She'd look at it later. “I'm going to be fine, Cadence.”
“Can I throw in my few cents?”
Alana raised a brow at her. “If I say no, will you listen?”
“Nah.”
“Go ahead.” Alana sat back and braced herself for her friend's honesty. She was sure it was coming.
“No matter how scared you may be, you can't outrun your own heart.”
Alana sighed.
“Trust me, I know.” Cadence got up. “Why don't you go home for the rest of the day? I can handle anything that comes up in the next few hours. You could use the rest.”
“This is one time that I have to agree with you about needing rest.”
Cadence rounded Alana's desk and hugged her.
* * *
Alana's own home didn't seem as warm when she got there. In the kitchen, she sat on a stool with her elbows on the countertop. She rested her head in her hands. A few moments later, she walked to the refrigerator, opened it and scanned the shelves. Closing it again, she decided she wasn't hungry. She went to the den and the remote was on top of the couch pillow, where Drew always left it. Had she even watched TV since they'd become estranged?
She questioned her decision to come home. At work, there were more distractions and fewer reminders of Drew. She went to her study and turned on her laptop. The icon for the language app stared back at herâmocking her. Drew had purchased the program for her so that she would learn French in preparation for their next visit to his chateau. He promised to bring her in June when the lavender fields were in full bloom. In the short time that they'd become exclusive, Drew had embedded himself in her life in so many ways. He hardly spent time at his home in Brooklyn. He stayed at her house when he wasn't visiting his parents. She felt the void his absence left in her home. She'd lived alone for years but never had she felt lonelyâuntil now.
Alana checked her purse for her cell to make sure she didn't miss any calls. She felt the gift box that Cadence said Drew had left for her when she dug in the bag for the phone. Curiosity won her over and she opened it. She inhaled.
The diamond earrings and matching pendant were exquisite. Was that an apology gift? The card fell to the floor when she pulled out the pendant. When she leaned over to pick it up, she noticed there was writing on it. She read the wordsâ
Don't give up on us. I'm working on making you love me. Love Drewâ
and she nearly dropped the box. Her eyes watered. She squeezed them shut to hold back another stream of tears. It was too late now.
Chapter 28
D
rew was upset with Alana for the way she'd treated him. All his efforts to prove himself to her were futile. Now what they had was over and he couldn't fathom why. Alana didn't care for Jade, but she'd stuck it out. He'd done all he could to keep her insecurities at bay. What had changed in those few days? Of all the women who craved him, why did he have to fall for the one who could so easily toss him aside? Was this payback for being such a slippery player? Karma was paying him an unwelcome visit.
“Are you alright?” Jade asked again. She'd managed to arrange for their first-class seats to be together.
“I'm fine.” Drew lost count of how many times he'd told Jade that since boarding the plane.
Once they arrived, Drew perked himself up for the meetings, media briefs and practice, but the second he left the track, he went right back to being disgruntled. He even felt out of sorts while dining with his friends the night before the race.
Even after being away for a few days, he hadn't heard from Alana. She was serious about moving on. All of his efforts to cast thoughts of her aside failed. He'd toyed with the idea of giving up on love altogether and returning to his former ways, but he no longer desired that life. He longed to hear from her, to touch her, but the sting of rejection kept him from dialing her number. He'd almost sent her an absentminded update by text and then realized they weren't on good terms.
Tension convened in Drew's neck and shoulders. He found himself rolling that injured shoulder and massaging it to ease the tightness.
After dinner, Sean pulled him aside. “What's up with you, man?”
“What do you mean?” Drew asked.
“You're not yourself. You seem uptight. I don't want this to affect you tomorrow.”
“It's just a little stress from something I had to deal with back home. I'll be alright.”
“Is it your dad? I thought he was doing better.”
“Yeah.” Drew didn't bother expanding into the truth. He'd never told Sean about how serious he was about Alana.
“Alright, my man.” Sean patted his back. “Get some rest. We've got a race to win.”
When Drew got back to the hotel, Jade was waiting for him. She opened the door as he passed her room. “Hey.”
Drew's greeting was a lifted chin.
“How was dinner?”
“Pretty good. I'll see you in the morning.” He wasn't up for conversation.
Inside, Drew removed his clothes and climbed right into bed. The tension was exhausting. He tried not to think of Alana, but he couldn't help himself. Nothing he did to distract himself worked. Alana invaded his thoughts on the track, at dinner and especially when Jade was around. She was a physical reminder of his discontentment when it came to Alana.
Despite everything that had happened, he still longed for Alana. He'd loved her long before he ever admitted it to himself. Drew argued with himself. Was he going to sit back and just accept what had happened or should he go after Alana one more time? His heart wasn't ready to give up, but his mind and ego urged him to move on. Drew wondered if she liked the earrings and if she'd read the note.
Drew allowed the hot shower to massage his shoulders and back. It refreshed him just a little. He stepped out of the shower, headed to the room and picked up his phone.
“I can't believe this woman infiltrated my system like this.” Drew went back into the bathroom and lifted his toothbrush to his mouth. When he finished he launched one of his favorite music apps to allow soothing jazz music to help him settle down. He tried to get into the rhythm, which was part of his ritual when showering and getting dressed. Alana's absence made most things seem off-kilter. He was in awe at the amount of patience he'd exhibited with this woman.
Drew slipped into a pair of boxers and headed for bed, but once again his longing for Alana disrupted his sleep. It was the only way he could experience her. It bothered him that she had somehow planted herself in his system and as much as he tried to cut away the memory of her, Alana remained rooted in his heart. He desired her in his dreams as much as he did in reality.
His fitful night of sleep ended with the sun obnoxiously beaming across his face. He shielded his eyes before opening them fully. The dull thumping at his temple returned as it did each morning when his nights were restless. Drew threw back the covers, hopped out of bed and started the coffeemaker. After a full cup, another long shower and two Tylenols, he was ready to meet Sean in the lobby.
It was race day. He had to push dominating thoughts of Alana aside to indulge his second love. The yearning to win set his adrenaline pumping the moment he reached the track. Soaking up the energy of his friends and enthusiasts, Drew was almost himself by the time he got to the locker room. Joking with his fellow bikers and stepping into his jumpsuit brought him closer to his usual unbridled excitement.
“Hey, Sean! Careful out there, I don't want you swallowing too much of my dust,” Drew teased.
Several riders hooted.
“It will be impossible for me to swallow dust from in front of you.”
“This win is already mine, buddy. You better be right behind me.” Drew pointed at him, teasing and encouraging him at the same time.
“See you at the finish line. Whenever you get there.” Sean pumped his fist and jogged out of the locker room.
Drew and the other racers followed behind.
Winding through the usual throngs of press, staff, groupies and VIPs, they made their way to the pit. The crew looked the bike over. Inspecting the beauty, Drew caressed it with a tender touch. Mounting the bike, he kissed two gloved fingers and touched the handlebars. “This one is ours, baby girl.” He felt his confidence returning. This was his elementâthe crowd, the noise, people yelling, announcers deliberating over the PA system. His heart pulsated a little faster. The rhythm fueled his exhilaration.
Drew coolly rode over to his starting point, adjacent to a native beauty with all of her subtle curves on display for everyone to see. He thought of Alana.
The flag dropped. Drew released the clutch and took off. The speed was thrilling. The first corner came quickly; Drew leaned in, tightened his legs and shot out of that curve like a rocket. He sprung into first place. Maintaining his lead through the first few laps, Drew glided effortlessly until another racer was at his side. Drew yanked the throttle, springing forward once again, putting distance between him and the person behind him. Another racer gained on him and then kept pace alongside him. Drew dipped his motorcycle from one side to the other, in and out of a deep series of curves.
Several laps in, cruising at 175 miles per hour, Drew's heart thumped. He boasted an assured smile behind his helmet. He'd managed to maintain his lead for more than half the race. Keeping his eye on the clear track in front of him, Drew focused on technique as he leaned into his next corner.
Two racers passed Drew. He refocused, gaining a lead over one of them. Riding neck and neck with another, he pushed to 180 miles per hour, acquiring a small lead. He felt a jolt from behindâanother rider gaining on him. His motorcycle swerved and he began losing control. In an attempt to right the bike, a sharp pain sprang through his shoulder. The bike skirted across the track into the path of oncoming riders rolling at top speed. One of them crashed into him, broadsiding his motorcycle. The impact sent him into the air. When he landed, everything went black.
Chapter 29
A
lana woke with a start. Propelling forward, she patted the sheets in search of her ringing cell phone. Focusing through the darkness, she squinted, noticing the time above all. It was just after five in the morning.
Why was Cadence calling her so early? Sensing that something was wrong, Alana swiped the phone. The call ended before she could answer. Taking a deep breath, Alana dialed back.
“Come on, Cadence. Pick up,” she beckoned.
“Alana!” Cadence answered in a rush.
“What's going on?”
“It's Drew.”
Alana's chest tightened. Cadence sounded like she'd been crying. “What about Drew? Isn't he in Barcelona?”
“He had an accident... It's bad.” She sniffled.
Tears sprang to Alana's eyes and air filled her chest. She hopped out of bed not sure where she was going. She just knew she couldn't lie there anymore.
“How'd you find out?” Alana walked circles on the floor by the foot of her bed.
“Sean called Blake. Hunter is checking flights for all of us now. Mrs. Barrington is staying behind with their dad. We're leaving on the first flight available. You should come too.”
Alana thought about how cold she'd been to Drew the day he left. Surely she'd be the last person he would want to see. “I don't know about that, Cadence.”
“This is Drew! You have much more history with him than one incident. You may be confused about how you feel for him when it comes to your relationship, but I know that you love him as a friend and right now he needs his family and his closest friends. I need you there.” Cadence broke down.
Hearing Cadence cry prompted more of Alana's tears. Sniffling replaced the words between them. Moments passed before either of them spoke.
Cadence was correct, and in more ways than she knew. Alana did love him but not just as a friend. That was why she'd acted so crazy, pulling away to avoid being hurt. She couldn't imagine enduring the pain of Drew hurting her. Jade had upset their balance when she injected herself back into their lives and fear had sent Alana cowering.
As she sat on the phone listening to Cadence cry, her chest swirled with a physical pain. The idea of losing Drew altogether was shattering. What if he didn't make it? She didn't just want to be there; she needed to be there. She'd deal with whatever happened after that.
“Send me the flight details. I'll book mine and meet you at the airport.”
Alana pitched the phone back on the bed. Tearing clothes from their hangers, she stuffed a few pairs of jeans and shirts into her suitcase. She didn't know how long she'd end up staying, but it didn't matter. If a need arose, she'd deal with it there.
By the time Alana finished showering, Cadence had emailed her a copy of their flight itinerary and an e-ticket for Alana. She hadn't expected them to pay for hers too. She'd reimburse them when she arrived in Spain. Alana hauled her suitcase to the car. She texted Cadence to see where she was and met them at Blake's house.
Cadence opened the door and Alana stepped right into her arms. When Alana released Cadence, Blake was standing beside them. She hugged him too.
“I'm so sorry this happened, Blake.”
Alana could tell that he was distressed by the tight set of his jaw. She couldn't remember seeing him ever look so serious.
Their flight wasn't scheduled to leave until ten that night, but once Alana had packed, she couldn't sit at home alone. She carried her restlessness to Blake's house so that she wouldn't have to endure the excruciating wait alone.
“Let's go grab something to eat,” Alana suggested. She had to do something.
“That's not a bad idea,” Cadence agreed. “Blake, are you up to it?”
“Yeah, let's go.” Blake lifted himself off the couch as if something weighed him down. Alana was often awed by the way emotional heaviness manifested in such physical ways.
They went to the restaurant, despite none of them having much of an appetite. Sean kept them updated on Drew's condition as much as he could. Since he wasn't family, the doctors had given him little information. So far, all they knew was that Drew had been knocked unconscious during the accident, carted off the track on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital for surgery. The closer Alana got to Drew, the more anxious she became. However, turning back was not an option. She even toyed with the idea of revealing her true feelings to Drew when she got there. If she got the chance she'd let him know for sure.
They met Hunter and Chey at the airport and boarded the plane with a solemn eeriness permeating the space around them. Due to the late booking, the five of them were scattered around the plane. Flying through the night and into the next morning, they arrived in Barcelona ten and a half restless hours later. Their stopover in Dublin broke up what little sleep they had, but their anxiousness to see Drew pushed the fatigue aside.
Sean arranged for them to be picked up from the airport and brought straight to the hospital. Drew was sedated while the doctors updated Hunter and Blake on his condition. He'd successfully come through surgery, which repaired severely torn muscles and ligaments in his shoulder. His concussion would have lingering effects requiring him to take it easy for a while. Blake and Hunter went into the room to see him first and then the girls went in.
The girls held hands as they stood over Drew's bedside. Tears rolled down their cheeks as they watched Drew's chest rise and fall. Despite the mayhem surrounding the situation, he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. For several moments, the only sound in the room besides sniffles were the monitors' beeping.
Cadence touched Drew's hand. “Hey, little brother. Do you hear me?”
Chey wiped tears with the back of her finger. “Who's going to call me Dr. Smell Good?” They all chuckled.
“Yeah, who else would I be angry with?” Alana added, giving all of them a good, tearful laugh.
Later, Cadence and Chey left the room, leaving Alana alone with Drew. She stared at him for a while. Touched his nose and let her finger slide across his lips, remembering how those lips felt. She closed her eyes, sending more tears down her cheeks.
“Hurry up and wake up. There are things I need to say to you...like
I'm sorry
.” Alana wiped her tears. “You became everything I ever wanted in a man, and it scared the hell out of me. I thought it couldn't be real. Then your ex came along and tried to pry you away from me and I let it happen. I'm sorry about that too. I'm not sure I know how to trust. That's something I have to learn. Maybe you could teach me. I'm no longer scared. If you're willing, give me a second chance.” Alana looked to the ceiling, batting her eyes. Her emotions went awry and her attempt at collecting them failed. Taking his hand, she leaned over him and cried.
“You did it, Drew. You said you were going to make me love you, and you did. Now wake up.”