Riding into Love (8 page)

Chapter 14

B
y the time Alana woke up the next morning, Drew had showered and was in the kitchen preparing breakfast to the rhythms of '90s R&B.

“Hey.”

Drew looked up and smiled. Alana couldn't know how sexy she looked in a smart blouse, black trousers and pumps. She might as well have been prancing around in a negligee as far as he was concerned. It would have been equally arousing. “Good morning!”

“You made all of this?” She looked around in awe.

“My token of appreciation. Thanks for yesterday.” Drew placed eggs, turkey bacon and biscuits on a plate. He placed a small jar of organic peach preserves that he'd found in her refrigerator next to the plate and poured orange juice in a wineglass. He presented the meal with a grand sweep of his hand.
“Bon appetit!”

Alana sat and scooted her chair closer to the table. “It looks delicious. Thank you.” Closing her eyes, she said a quick grace and then paused. “I had biscuits in the fridge?” She looked confused.

“No.”

Alana cast him a sideways glance. “Then where did these biscuits come from?”

“I made them.” Drew plated his own breakfast as he continued bopping with the music.

“You
made
them?”

Standing erect, Drew put his hand across his chest, acting as if he were offended. “Yes. I
made
them.”

Alana took a bite, closed her eyes and moaned. “No way,” she said, still chewing.

“I'm great at a lot of things, remember?” He paused to let the innuendo settle as he sat. When she shook her head at him, he laughed.

“You're so damn fresh.” Alana giggled.

“Mom taught us all a few family recipes. She said it didn't matter that we were boys. We needed to know how to cook.”

“So good,” she said with her mouth full. “Did you get back to the hospital last night?”

“No.”

“I didn't think so. Jet lag,” she said and he nodded in agreement. “You can take my car today if you want.”

“I appreciate that.” Drew spread preserves on his biscuit.

“Just drop me off at the station so I can catch my train into the city. I'll show you where to leave my keys when you're done.”

“I'll have my mom, Hunter or Drew follow me back. They'll take me to Brooklyn.” Drew wanted to spend more time with her but knew she needed to get to work. She'd already voiced her concerns about building her client list. “Are you busy this weekend?”

“The usual errands. Why?”

“This weekend's race is in the States, right outside of Austin. Blake and Hunter were coming out for it, but now, with Dad being in the hospital, they're going to stay here. I'm coming right back when it's over. Have you ever been to a motorcycle race before?”

“Nope.” Alana took the last bite of the biscuit, wiped her mouth and pushed her plate back. “I've never known much about it until I met you.”

“Would you like to come?”

Alana waited a moment before she answered. “I guess.” She shrugged.

“Great. I'll take care of everything. You'll enjoy it.”

Alana looked at her watch. “We'd better get going so I can catch my train.”

Alana reached for her plate and Drew held his hand out. “I'll do that. Get yourself ready.”

Alana looked at him with a brow raised.

“I got this,” he reassured her.

“Okaaay...” Alana looked puzzled. Slowly, she turned and headed upstairs to get her shoes and handbag.

Drew understood her confusion perfectly. She'd never seen this side of him. He hadn't taken Alana as seriously as he should have when they had first dated. Now he was hitting the Restart button and coming from a new angle. He needed to dispel the myths he'd help create and guide her to realizing that he was good for her.

“Okay. I'm ready,” Alana announced as she descended the stairs moments later.

Drew was heading toward the door just as she made it to the bottom step. He paused to allow her space to walk in front of him. He watched her hips sway in those well-fitting pants as she grabbed her coat and sauntered through the front door. He loved the way she strutted in heels.

Drew opened the passenger side door and examined her as she climbed in before he rounded the car to the driver's side. He chuckled at the notion of living this kind of
normal
life, having breakfast and heading to work in the morning with your partner. He'd never played house before. Most of the time, he avoided spending the night, but there was something about this kind of routine with Alana that felt right—even if it had only been one night.

Drew also appreciated her display of selflessness—the way she supported him in recent weeks and how she consistently asked about his shoulder until he finally told her it was all healed. None of the other women he spent time with showed him that much concern.

Drew and Alana chatted during the several minutes it took to get her to the commuter train station. Pulling up to the drop-off area, he put the car in park and turned toward her.

“What?” she questioned him. He simply smiled. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You're a beautiful woman.”

Alana cleared her throat. “Thanks.” She sat coyly with her eyes cast downward as she fiddled with the handle of her bag.

“Oh, now you're shy?” Drew teased.

“Whatever, Drew.” Giving him a quick peck, Alana pulled the door handle to get out.

Drew grabbed her arm to stop her. When she turned, he leaned toward her and kissed her lips. Bringing her closer, Drew slid his hand behind her head and deepened the kiss. Her hand rested on his chest. When Drew finally released her, he had kissed her breath away.

Alana exhaled slowly. Drew sat back, giving her a moment to collect herself. She licked her lips, which made him smile.

“I need to catch my train.” She stepped out of the car and leaned over into the open window. “I'll see you later.”

“Have a good day.” Drew's eyes followed her up the escalator and onto the platform before he took off. He was getting closer.

Drew drove to the hospital feeling rejuvenated and optimistic. When he arrived, his mother was sleeping in a chair and holding his father's hand. Quietly, he stood by his father's side, watching his chest steadily rise and fall. His mother stirred.

“Hey, baby.” His mother stood. Drew kissed her forehead and hugged her.

His father's eyes fluttered. Drew turned to him.

“Dad.”

Floyd tried a smile. His mouth opened, but no words came out.

“Don't try to speak.”

Floyd nodded slightly. Drew's chest filled with air. Overwhelmed by the sight of his father's smile, he took his hand and squeezed gently.

Feeling better about the state of his father's health, Drew pulled up a chair, turned on the TV and spent the rest of the morning and afternoon soaking in his parents' presence.

Chapter 15

A
lana couldn't believe that she was actually on her way to Texas to be with Drew for the weekend. He'd left two days earlier to get ready for the race. Drew had never made it to his home in Brooklyn. He'd split his time between his father's bedside and Alana's house. They'd shared a few more breathtaking kisses, but he hadn't attempted any level of intimacy beyond that. Alana couldn't honestly say that she'd deny Drew if he had tried. She was experiencing a completely new Drew—a version that was becoming harder to resist. This Drew doted on her, made breakfast, lunch and dinner some days. This Drew gave hello and goodbye kisses. This Drew fell asleep across her lap and held her hand for no reason at all. This Drew spent days with her without trying to bed her. This Drew was beating down her defenses with every gentlemanly gesture and she wasn't sure she was happy about it.

Alana had initially declined his offer to join him in Texas, but he refused to accept that. She finally relented when she received her flight itinerary and hotel reservations at the Four Seasons by email. This Drew was also insistent and presumptuous, two traits she did recognize as belonging to the Drew whom she'd always known. Cadence told her she'd be a fool to not go. Neither of them had taken time off since they had started their practice almost a year and a half ago. Time off was overdue.

Alana was booked on the first flight out, giving her a full day when she arrived in Austin. Drew advised her that he wouldn't be able to see her until later that day since he was going to be attending meetings with the Delgado team as well as completing the testing and qualifications that were required before each race. She planned to kick back during her free time. She'd downloaded several books on her e-reader and planned to get a massage.

On her way to claim her baggage, she was met by a pudgy gentleman in a black suit holding a sign with her name scribbled across it. He seemed to have known who she was before she confirmed it.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tate.” The mature man smiled and nodded warmly. “I hope your flight was wonderful. Let's get your luggage, and we will be on our way.”

She nodded back. “Thank you—”

“Harry, ma'am.”

Alana noticed his heavy Texan accent, which was more obvious in those two words than it had been in the several sentences he'd said previously.

She smiled. “Thank you, Harry.”

Harry stepped aside to let her go first. Several moments later, a light flashed and the belt began to move bags of all shapes and sizes past them. Alana's bag was one of the last to come out—possibly because it was one of the first to be loaded onto the plane back in New York. She'd arrived at the airport rather early.

Harry grabbed her suitcase and led her to the limousine. Making sure she was comfortable, he offered water before driving off.

“I recognized you right away, Ms. Tate. You're even prettier in person.”

“Thanks. Did you see a picture of me?”

“Sure,” he sang. “Mr. Barrington told me to take good care of you too. I promised I would.”

Alana closed her eyes and smiled. Their last kiss came to mind, and she could almost feel it. She moaned low in her throat. Her eyes popped open. Alana looked up front to make sure Harry hadn't been watching. He was busy humming a jovial tune. He drove slowly onto the expressway. It was a good thing she wasn't in a rush. Drew was slipping inside of her forbidden territory. Alana was supposed to be protecting her heart, using her rules as her security brigade. She needed to get a handle on herself before things went too far.

After this weekend, she was going pull back from Drew. With his racing season in full swing and his father in the hospital, it wouldn't be hard to avoid him. This weekend would be their grand finale.

Harry broke into her thoughts, offering a history lesson about the city as he exited the expressway. The rest of the ride to the hotel was a guided tour, piquing Alana's interest about the trendy city. Harry spoke affectionately of Austin, his hometown, as if he was beating his chest with pride. When they arrived at the hotel, Harry delicately handed her over to the accommodating hotel staff, bid her a wonderful trip and told her he looked forward to seeing her later. Alana wasn't sure why she'd see him later but smiled politely as she thanked him and tried to put a tip in his hand.

“Oh no, Ms. Tate. All of that has been taken care of—quite handsomely, might I add.” He tipped his hat. “Enjoy your stay.”

“Thank you, Harry.” Alana could get used to this special treatment.

Inside, she quickly checked in and headed to her room with a bellhop at her side. She opened the door and gasped. The suite was massive and elegantly decorated with an amazing view of the banks of Lady Bird Lake. In the center of a living room, there was a round, wooden table with an exotic spray of flowers with her name hanging from a bow. Slowly, Alana approached the table, noticing chocolates and chilled wine with an envelope bearing her name.

“Will there be anything else, ma'am?” The bellhop's voice reminded her that she wasn't alone.

“Oh. No, thanks. One moment.” Alana reached for her purse.

“That's okay, ma'am.” He held up his hand, nodded politely and exited.

Alana turned back toward the table and picked up the envelope. Carefully, she slid her finger under the flap and pulled out a card that had a beautiful white lily drawn on the front. It had to be a coincidence. Had Drew paid enough attention to know that lilies were her favorite flower?

Inside the card, Drew had written a note. She couldn't wait to see him later either. Telling herself otherwise would have been a lie. Alana walked over to the wall of windows and peered at the city. The clear skies were inviting and summoned her to come out. Alana rolled her suitcase toward the bedroom and propped it up on the luggage stand. The bedroom was as elegantly decorated as the living area. The bed made her think of Drew.

Abruptly, she turned and tramped through the suite in search of a second bedroom. There was none.

“Oh, Mr. Barrington! You don't think you're staying in this room with me this weekend?” she asked shaking her head. She started back toward the bedroom.

Second-guessing her decision to come to Austin, Alana plopped on the bed and fell back. Would she really be able to resist Drew if he came on strong? She had to. With new resolve, she stood. “I'm not going there with you, Drew.” She shook her finger and spoke as if he were right in the room and then opened her suitcase.

While sifting through her clothes, there was a knock. She had all of her bags and wondered who could be at the door.

“Just a minute.” She peeked around the door before pulling it completely open. Two women stood smiling.

“For your service,” the taller one with the jet-black bun said with a slight bow before she stepped past Alana into the room.

“Service?” Alana instinctively scratched her head and watched the two waltz inside.

“Yes. Is here fine?” The shorter woman directed her question to the taller one. She answered with a nod and the shorter woman set up a massage table right next to the windowed wall where the sunlight poured in the brightest.

“What service is this?”

“You are—” the taller one looked at her clipboard “—Ms. Tate?”

“Yes. I am.”

“We have you scheduled for a massage, spa pedicure and manicure.”

“Oh, you do?” Alana dipped her chin and raised a brow. “Then let's get this party started. Where do you want me?”

For the next hour and a half, Alana took in the lavish comforts of her treatments and the soothing sounds of water fountains. The masseuse drew the sheer curtains and lit several candles. By far, it was the best massage she'd ever had. By the time they were done, room service had arrived. Alana lifted the cover off the plate, threw her head back and laughed aloud. Of course, she preferred a burger over a salad and, on cue, her stomach growled. Alana sat facing the beautiful view as the ladies cleared the massage area and she ate her delicious burger. The meat was tender and juicy. She had to tap the corners of her mouth after every bite.

Once she'd eaten her burger and drank her sparkling water, she sat back wondering what would come next. The knock on the door was sure to answer her question. Alana lifted herself from the sofa and strolled to the door. An attendant handed her another envelope, nodded politely and walked away.

Alana grinned and shook her head. Closing the door, she slid open the envelope, now enjoying the game. There was another card with Drew's scratchy handwriting. Alana was lucky to be able to decipher the messages. This time, Drew told her to enjoy the sights and make sure she stopped by a certain shoe store to pick up some flats in case she hadn't brought any. He ended with noting that he looked forward to their meeting at sunset.

Alana scrunched her brows. “Flats?” She wondered why.

Harry was waiting for her when she reached the hotel lobby. Alana hit the shops on Second Street and East Sixth Street and found the shoe store on Congress Avenue, where she bought not one but four pairs of sandals.

After Alana had spent hours perusing the downtown area and shopping, Harry ushered her back to the car. “We've got to head back now, ma'am.”

“Why, Harry?”

“I can't tell you that.” His laugh was big and full and shook his shoulders and his belly. Harry's laugh beckoned Alana to join in.

Back at the hotel, Harry opened the door and told her they would be leaving for her next stop in exactly thirty minutes.

In the room, there was a fresh bottle of wine chilling on the round table. A new note told her to dress comfortably, bring a light sweater and wear the flats. Alana giggled as she put her bags away and changed. She was back downstairs in twenty minutes, filled with a wondrous sense of anticipation. She knew it was time to see Drew and now she couldn't wait. When Harry took her hand and led her into the car, she felt as if she were going to prom all over again.

During the ride, Alana called Cadence. “You won't believe this.” She shared her entire day.

“Are you kidding me? This is Drew Barrington we're talking about, right?”

“I know. I can't lie, Cay. He's been so sweet and considerate that he is really starting to look a lot less froggy to me.”

Cadence's cackled. “You'd think so after all of this. How romantic.”

“Yeah, I guess it is romantic. No one has ever done anything like this for me before.”

“Well, you deserve it.”

Alana became silent.

“What's wrong, Alana?”

“In the past few weeks, I've seen sides of Drew that I'd never seen before. I don't want to get excited just for him to walk away again. I don't need another frog notch in my belt. Part of me wants to see where this will go, hoping that it works out, but there's another part of me that's a little scared and wants to pull away.”

“Aw, I understand. Just have fun. Don't think about it.”

“I mean, what can really come of Drew and me? He spends nearly nine months out of the year away. How would I know if I could trust him?” Alana's fear spoke for her.

“You won't know unless you try. Blake and I were talking about this the other day. Drew really seems sincere. Even his brothers are surprised.”

“Here we are.” Harry's announcement cut through Alana's conversation.

Alana looked around. She didn't see anything but trees. “Hold on, Cay.” She looked around again. “Where is
here
?” she asked Harry.

“Your last stop for the evening.”

Harry got out, rounded the car and opened Alana's door.

“What's going on?” Cadence asked.

“I have no idea. Harry has driven me to some remote area way behind God's back. What is Drew up to this time?”

“What do you see?” Cadence asked.

Before Alana could answer, she spotted Drew walking from a structure that resembled a hangar. Heat pooled in center of her core. His ruggedly sexy gait carried him toward her on a smooth cloud. A freshly trimmed goatee framed luscious lips that gave her pause as she instantly remembered how they felt.

“Alana.” She heard Cadence call her name. She sounded as if she were far off in the distance.

Alana had been besieged by the sight of Drew confidently strutting her way, his taut chest strained against his T-shirt. His light leather jacket gave him an edgy appeal.

“Alana!”

“What?” she responded to Cadence's shout, startled.

“What's going on?”

“Drew's here. I'll call you back.”

“You better.” Cadence ended the call.

Drew walked up and kissed her. “Did you enjoy your day?”

“Yes,” she answered breathlessly as if he'd done more than give her a peck on the lips.

Drew took her by the hand. “Good. Let's go watch the sun set.”

Drew walked Alana across a large field. She was so caught up that she didn't notice the hot-air balloon until they got closer. A woman greeted them with flutes of champagne. A gentleman walked up and introduced himself as the pilot and a few others as the crew. He gave Alana and Drew a few instructions and then they signed waivers before climbing into the basket of the air balloon with the woman and pilot.

Alana nervously clung to Drew. He rubbed her hand reassuringly. “You're okay with this?”

“Yes. Just a little nervous.”

The balloon was fired up. The ground crew held the balloon until the pilot gave them further instructions. As the balloon ascended majestically above the treetops, Alana became less and less nervous until she was shrouded with a serene sense of peace. Drew never let her hand go.

It was quiet up there, allowing Alana to absorb the stillness. She closed her eyes momentarily as they soared higher. She opened them to find Drew smiling at her. He lifted his arm and she stepped into the crook of it, nestling against his side. They drank champagne, but being in Drew's arms proved more intoxicating.