Page 16

Monterey

There’s a knocking inside my head that is at full volume and I can’t silence it no matter how hard I try.

A heavy log lies over my body, constricting each breath I barely breathe out. Where am I?

What happened last night?

I open my eyes, trying my best to focus on any one thing.

Danger’s arm is draped across my chest, and I scoot out from under it. Every little movement causes my head to split into two separate pieces, and I try my best to steady myself before standing up.

I have to move slowly because my head feels like a constant hammer is pounding deep within.

I spot a glass of water on the bedside table and pick it up and try to stomach the water as I push it down my throat. I groan out.

Danger stirs and the blanket drops below his butt. Thankfully he has on black briefs, but his back and all the glorious muscles corded together beautifully is on full display for me. I stare at the ink decorating his back, the black ink making a myriad of designs I can’t turn away from. I lock my lips, making sure I’m not drooling and then I sort of giggle to myself at the thought of drooling over this man.

“Morning,” I say, wondering if he’s fully awake, and also wondering if he feels exactly like I do.

Was he drunk, too? Did we do something?

He turns just a bit, his dark eyes roaming over my fully clothed body. “Morning. How’re you feeling?”

I’m still fully clothed in my dress from last night so I’m most certain nothing took place of the sexual nature.

“I have a headache, but nothing a shower and some food won’t fix.”

Danger gives me that charming, megawatt smile of his and slides off the bed. His presence is so demanding, so captivating, I can’t turn away, even though he’s in nothing but his boxer-briefs. “Hurry, I have a race to win. And I need my girl cheering me on.” He kisses the top of my head as he swats my butt.

“Hey,” I warn as I head in the direction of the bathroom, stopping at the dresser to pull out the little black box. “I guess I need to wear this now.” I pull out my mother’s engagement ring, holding it up to the light to gaze at the glimmer it holds. I slide it onto my left finger and suck in a deep breath, feeling a bit too sentimental in this moment.

This is becoming more real by the minute. I know he didn’t give me the ring, but somehow having it on my hand is a sign.

“What are you doing?” he walks to where I’m standing, facing the mirror.

The air is thick around us. Electric. And I fear to turn around.

“Monterey…” he whispers when he sees the ring.

“It’s my mother’s,” I add. I want him to know this is important to me.

Danger picks up my hand placing a kiss over the fourth finger.

We stay looking at it for a while until he breaks the silence throwing the book I’m reading over the dresser.

“Why are you reading this piece of shit?”

“It’s a very compelling story.” I spin around to face him. I’ve always been a thriller and crime fiction reader. I’d love to get Danger’s thoughts on the book. But, he appears more interested in partying and women, than reading a book written by a prisoner.

His eyes grow dark as he stares at me. “Nah, I don’t waste my time with shit like that.”

I smile, heading into the bathroom. “I’ll be just a few minutes, but if you need to get to the track feel free to leave me.”

“I wouldn’t leave you.”

I smile as I shut the bathroom door.

I take the quickest shower known to man and I rush around the room getting ready. Danger says there’s no need to rush, but I know he has his race day rituals he does with his team and crew.

I don’t want to stand in the way.

“Ready?” I ask him, even though I know full well he is because he’s been sitting on the bed waiting patiently for me to get ready the whole morning.

“I sure am.”

I’m a nervous wreck for today’s race. So many things are riding on it, and I’m hoping Danger is feeling more confident than I feel. “Are you ready for the race?”

He’s as cool as a cucumber. “Yep. No big deal.”

No big deal? How can he even think like that. I’m ready to vomit all over myself, and he’s acting like there’s nothing to it.

As soon as we’re both ready, we head downstairs to get into the limo that will take us to the track. My father’s expecting us at about this time.

We shuffle into the car together, and I watch the passing scenery whip past us.

“You look nervous.” Danger takes my hand, running his fingers along my skin.

“I’m just trying to get into the mindset.” Honestly, Danger is the one who needs to get into some sort of mindset, not me. But, this will be our first national outing together. And I know the press is never nice.

I’m afraid they won’t buy our pretend romance. Even though a small part of me is beginning to feel like it’s real.

Danger keeps rubbing his fingers absentmindedly over my skin. It’s soothing, and before I know it we’re at the track.

Danger exits the car first, reaching his hand down for me to grab a hold. Which I do, and together we make our way through the sea of cameras snooping for a story.

“Danger, Monterey, over here,” one reporter says. “Can you tell us how you started dating?”

“Aren’t you worried you won’t be able to tame the infamous bad boy?” another reporter asks.

“Are you afraid Danger will turn out to be just like Thad?” This makes me pause, but I keep smiling, and Danger looks impenetrable, like nothing could ever break through his tough-as-diamond skin. He wears his aviators down low on his nose, and it makes him more sexy if that’s even possible.

“Danger, Danger,” another reporter calls. He’s different from the others and has a red beard, and quite frankly doesn’t look very much like a reporter at all. “Danger, give me one minute.”

Danger turns his head in the man’s direction. “I need to get ready for the big race today.”

“I know who you are,” the man calls out above the crowd. “One minute for my time, please. I came all the way from San Dimas.”

This stops Danger cold in his tracks. He drops my hand and lifts his sunglasses. He steps closer to the reporter. “You must have me mistaken.”

“No, I know you.”

Danger laughs, thrusting his sunglasses back on his face, and grabbing my hand. He tugs me forward, and we finish our trek to the back garage.

“What was that all about?” I ask him.

“Nothing.” He doesn’t face me, and I feel like a mask has slipped over his face. “Nothing at all.”

He drops my hand once we’re away from the cameras, and I spot my father inside the garage. “Dad, hey how are you?” I lean over to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m good. Ready for a race?” he asks Danger.

But it’s like Danger is on another planet.

“Danger?” I ask.

“What?” He throws his sunglasses across the garage, and ruffles his hand through his hair. “I was born ready.”

My father and I both roll our eyes at his response. Typical Danger.

But, I’m not too sure if he is ready. Whatever the reporter said to him must have spooked him. Is it possible this man knows about Danger’s past?

I wave my father and Danger goodbye once they start going over all the preparations for the race. I mainly leave the garage so I won’t be an unnecessary distraction for Danger.

He needs to get his head in the game.

And I definitely don’t leave to track down one certain reporter. No, I wouldn’t do that.

I scan the crowd of reporters, looking for the red beard of the man who freaked Danger earlier. When I’m ready to give up, I spot him not too far away from the entrance to the track.

He smokes a cigarette, and I step up closer to him. “Want one?” he asks me.

“I don’t really...sure, yes.” I don’t smoke, but I know I need a reason to stand here to talk to this man.

He hands me one from his pack, and I take it and bring it to my lips. “Thank you.”

He flicks the flint of his lighter, and I breathe in, lighting my cigarette.

I cough slightly from the harsh thickness of the smoke. Yes, maybe I’ve puffed on a cigarette or two in my lifetime, so I’m not completely new to smoking, but the man notices anyway.

“Yeah, they’re bad for you.”

“Yeah.” I hold the cigarette between my fingers, ashing it every once in a while, but not really taking many puffs.

“I know who you are,” he says to me.

“And here I am not knowing who you are.” I smile wide.

“Ricky Morris, LA Sun . Nice to meet you.” He holds out his hand and I shuffle my cigarette to my left hand so I can shake his.

“Nice to meet you,” I pause, “So, how do you know Danger?”

He glances over his shoulder, like he’s about to bestow upon me a great chunk of knowledge. “I’ve followed Danger’s career since he first sprang onto the scene.”

“He’s had a promising career. Hopefully he goes all the way.” I smile like any proud girlfriend would.

“He has. And I had a hunch when he first started coming around. I’d seen another driver as good as him, one who takes fast corners, hugging the geometric line like Danger does. So, I had to look into it.”

“And?”

“Well, I think I got my answer today.”

I drop the cigarette, stubbing it out with my foot. “Care to share?”

Ricky laughs. “Oh, one day I will.” He continues to laugh louder. “He’s almost as good a driver as his dad.” And then he walks away, leaving me with more questions than ever before.