Page 32 of Prove Me Wrong (The Sunburnt Hearts #5)

Chapter Twenty-Four

MIA

“ A re you ready, little lady?”

Jade is quietly sitting on my lap, sucking on a strawberry, with the half-eaten bowl beside us.

She’s staring at the TV that’s blaring as we snuggle into the couch.

I have a blanket ready, knowing that it’s going to get colder once the sun starts to move down, and I don’t want Jade to get sick again.

Winter sunlight barely illuminates the room, so I have the lamp on to give us some reprieve from the bright screen burning my pupils.

The race will be starting in fifteen minutes, and I feel giddy.

Since watching a race with Noah in person, and seeing him drive in Canberra, I am beginning to understand most of the regulations, and I can see why people love this sport now.

Even Jade gets excited, but I think it’s more because she can see her dad.

I could tell Friday night when he called that something wasn’t right, and the look on his face confirmed it.

After the couple of months that I’ve come to know him, I know when he’s bothered.

He has been for the last week, but that call last night felt like he was at his breaking point.

He didn’t want to tell me, and I respect that.

If anyone knows how scary it is to open up, it’s me .

At least I know that calling me helped him, even if it just meant he didn’t feel so alone.

I never want him to feel that way. He’s so generous and understanding, always kind and friendly, he should never feel that way.

And, I’m also becoming used to falling asleep with his breathing beside me.

I never knew how smoothing it would be, but I haven’t slept that well in days.

I hope he got the sleep he needed too knowing that I was on the phone beside him.

Yesterday we texted when he was back from the track.

Placing fifth in qualifying, I told him that he was the best out there, but he just brushed it off.

Maybe he’s tired of being away from Jade?

I know that would get to me after a while as well.

I told him we’d be watching the race today, and Noah asked for me to send him another photo.

I took a quick shot of Jade and I bundled up together, her in a little Reign Racing top, fingers in her mouth, eyes glued to the screen. Then one from behind her, showing Jade’s fascination in the cars preparing for the race. Sending them to him, I also shot him a good luck text.

A knock at the front door makes my heart drop into my stomach.

Sitting still, hoping that they’ll possibly go away, the knocking sounds again. I swallow before getting up to answer it, hoping that it's just Gran checking in on us.

It’s not.

The man with inked arms, dark hair and eyes stares at me with a lazy smile, and my pulse kick starts in my throat.

My palms become clammy as I hold onto Jade tightly, controlling my heart rate that’s quickening and thumping like crashing waves.

I know he is Noah’s friend from the other night, but it does nothing to stop my creeping anxiety.

Dark features always remind me of my past, but this man’s smile isn’t like Ryan’s devious one, it’s kinder and softer as his eyes flick between Jade and me.

“Hey, you must be Mia.” His smoky voice is a surprise. It doesn’t make my spine shiver like Ryan’s did. Mouth twitching sideways, I keep my body from vibrating at his abrupt visit.

“Na!” Jade squeals. His grin widens at her excitement, reaching out to pinch her cheeks and leave a kiss on her forehead. I can smell his cologne, musky and deep—not like Ryan’s that smelt of alcohol and metal.

“Hi, gorgeous girl.” He moves backwards, giving us some more room and time for my racing pulse to settle a bit. “I’m guessing Noah forgot to tell you I was coming over. I’m his best friend, Nathan, even if he tells you otherwise.” A hint of humour seeps into his deep timbre.

One tattooed hand comes out of his jean pocket, holding it out to me.

Biting my lip harshly, I hesitate to shake it, but he doesn’t seem to notice, or at least he doesn’t give anything away by my cautiousness.

“So, can I come in? My sister is hogging our TV tonight with her friend, plus Jade loves watching sports with me. Don’t you, cutie?”

Jade giggles again, and Nathan’s face scrunches with delight.

“Oh. Sure,” I rasp out and step aside, making sure to give myself enough distance.

Nathan stalks into the house as if he owns it, and sinks into the couch, right where Jade and I were sitting. Carrying her over, I make sure to be on the other end of the couch, but Jade crawls off my lap towards Nathan.

Chuckling, he scoops her up and pulls her into his chest, making noises and pretending to nibble at her arms. Jade squeals so hard it almost hurts my ears.

Sitting quietly, I keep my focus on the screen. Noah didn’t tell me his friend would be coming over, but I wish he had. Then I could have mentally prepared myself instead of feeling as uncomfortable as I do right now.

“So, Mia.” Nathan breaks the silence as he props Jade up on his lap and bounces his knee. She giggles and looks at me with rosy cheeks and a gap-toothed grin that softens my heart. “How are you liking being Sterling’s babysitter so far?”

“It’s good,” is all I can mutter out before turning back to the TV, a lump sitting too high in my throat.

He casually snorts a laugh. “I’m not here as his spy, you know?” That makes my muscles loosen slightly. “I’m just curious, especially because he doesn’t normally leave Jade with strangers. Noah is way too protective of her, but I’m sure you can understand why that is.”

My eyes move to his dark ones as I try to figure out what he’s trying to tell me without actually saying it. “I would be too if I didn’t have a partner to help care for my kid.”

Nathan’s mouth ticks. “You should have seen him when Jade was trying to learn to walk. She’d hold his hand, and Tatum’s hand, and waddle around everywhere. It was a very cute thing to see.”

I turn to stare in his direction, my face slightly pinched, remembering that name from my conversation with Sinnett. “Where is Tatum?”

He groans, leaning his head against the side of the couch, mouth pouting a little. “She left for Sydney. Got a deal with a rugby team there as a physiotherapist. She’s liking it more than I thought, which is annoying, because I wanted her to move back home.”

My lips curl a little as I learn back, arms folding over my stomach. “To the Wolves?” His dark eyes snap to mine. “Yeah. How’d you know?”

“Just a guess. I think I saw it on a news site somewhere,” I lie, because I know exactly who Tatum is… and I have a feeling there might be something going on between her and my brother .

“Hmm, I haven't seen anything about it, but I guess I am more of a basketball and motor sport kind of guy. Do you watch rugby?”

My chin dips. “I grew up on it.”

Nathan nods, a smile pulling in his mouth. “Girls who like sports are hot.” My face falters. “Sorry. It’s a fact, though.”

Looking back to the screen, Noah appears in his orange and white racing suit.

His fluffy golden hair is waving in the breeze as he beams at the interview lady holding a microphone.

She’s saying something, but I am only focused on him.

Noah’s perfectly lined jaw dotted in stubble, carved out cheekbones, thick eyebrows and straight nose.

He’s handsome, nobody can deny that—both inside and out.

Jade coos, trying to get off Nathan’s lap, but he holds her tightly. She smiles at her dad on screen, reaching out a hand to grab him.

“How are you feeling for today’s race?” the lady beside Noah asks.

She’s beaming just as wide as he is, showing her small dimple.

Thick, curly hair stops at her shoulder, matching her dark skin and eyes.

She’s beautiful, with a sort of elegance and poise.

For the first time since meeting Noah, I feel a flicker of jealousy coming to life in the pit of my chest. I don’t like the way she’s looking at him, her shoulder pressed against his as they laugh together.

I know it’s ridiculous, but for some reason, I really don’t like it.

“Conditions aren’t bad today, windier than we expected, but that won’t stop us.” Noah flashes her his face-eating grin.

“Well, since your Canberra race, I think you’ll be one of the best out there.”

The simmering of jealousy is flickering into a full flame now.

“It’ll be a tough race, but I’m hoping to score the team some extra points today. ”

“I think you’ll be bringing them points, there’s no doubt about that,” the lady, Simone, says giddily. “And who is at home cheering for you today?” She holds the microphone to his mouth again to catch his answer.

Noah looks right into the camera, apple eyes staring right at me. He grins. “My daughter Jade, of course. Hi, princess.”

Jade giggles and tries reaching for him. Nathan has to hold her in place before she tumbles off his lap. “Daddy!” she squeals, and my heart sinks as I watch her begging for her dad. It must be so hard for both of them when Noah is away.

“And my friends.”

Nathan leans over and flicks my arm, making me flinch with surprise. He snickers before nodding towards the screen. “He means us.”

“And Grey,” Noah adds before raking his hands through his hair.

My heart jolts and a wash of cold passes over me at Noah saying my name on TV. Well, not my real name, but the name he’s reserved only for me, which makes it feel even more special. Green irises stare into mine, and I feel my pulse quickening.

“Hopefully I’ll show you that I can be the best out here today,” Noah adds, winking.

Cheeks flushed with heat, I sink back into the couch cushions, trying to hide my face from Nathan. “You’re still the best to me,” I whisper. Thankfully, Nathan doesn’t hear me over the cheering crowd in the background.

Noah smiles before walking off with his helmet in his hand, and Simone moves to interview another driver.

Nathan’s gaze slides to mine, and I feel my face burning as if it’s on fire. I don’t need to look at him to see that he has a stupid grin splashed across his face.

“Grey? ”

My tongue runs across my teeth, my eyes locked on the screen. “Could be anyone.”

“Pfft,” he hisses out, and it makes me look his way. “Please. I have known Noah since I was three. He never gives anyone nicknames, besides Jade.”

“Then why would you assume he’s talking about me?” I ask.

“Your face gives enough away, Mia. I could sell you to the fruit shop as a fresh tomato.” he mumbles out, and my hands rise to cover my cheeks. Nathan laughs at me before slapping his hand down on the couch cushion. “I’m only teasing you. Besides, Noah told me already about your little nickname.”

I roll my eyes, and he chuckles, continuing to play with Jade as the formation lap begins, not noticing my spiralling head. I spot the number thirty-four car in fifth position and watch as Noah drives around the track in line with the other drivers.

As soon as the lights are out and the cars are racing, Nathan and I get more into the race. My fingers grip the side of the cushion, and Nathan shouts at the TV. Jade bounces on his leg before getting bored and moving to the floor to start drawing.

It’s an eventful race, with several crashes and yellow flags. Noah ends up finishing third, and I send him a text as soon as he’s passed the checkered flag.

ME: You should be so proud.

ME: Third is amazing. I don’t know how you do it.

ME: Jade misses you, too.

Nathan stands before walking Jade into the kitchen for her dinner. After spending hours with him, I’ve come to realise that Nathan isn’t a bad man. Despite being cautious when he first arrived, by the end of the race, we were yelling together and even high-fived when Noah overtook.

“Are you staying for dinner?” I ask as I wander into the kitchen. Jade is sitting in her chair with rounded sleepy eyes. Nathan leans against the bench, typing something on his phone.

“I think I should go. My sister is expecting me to drive her and her friends to Rafters Falls tonight.” He glances up to smile. “But I’m glad we could spend some time together.”

My lips tighten as I cross my arms. “You came over to suss me out, didn’t you?” I ask with a small smirk.

Nathan’s grin widens to show off his white teeth. “Possibly. I had to make sure Noah made the right choice.”

I frown. He pushes off the bench to leave, but I stop him with my hand. “What do you mean by choice?”

Noah’s friend looks down at me with his deep chocolate eyes and inky locks, smiling. “Do you really think you’re still just his babysitter, Mia?”

My throat gulps, mouth twitching nervously to one side, hands starting to sweat. “I?—”

“Let me tell you this. Noah hasn’t spoken about a girl since Jade was born.

He had multiple offers for babysitting when he needed someone to look after Jade, but he didn’t think anyone was good enough to look after her.

” His head cocks to one side. “But then he chose you over everyone else when Jump Start screwed him over, and I can see why. You’re nice, and you get along well with Jade, and you’re good with Noah.

None of the other girls even watch his races.

So, yes, I think he chose well when he came to you, and you agreed to help him out. ”

Lips rolling, I cross my arms across my stomach as he nears me. I flinch. Nathan hesitates to touch my shoulder. It sends a signal of anxiety through me, but I quickly realise he’s just being gentle with me.

“Noah is a good man, and he only wants the best for Jade, and that seems to be you. He’s not like other men, Mia. He’s patient, kind, and will do anything to make you happy. Just believe me, all right?”

Nodding, I tuck hair behind my ear as Nathan smiles and moves towards the door. “It was good meeting you, Nathan.”

“Likewise,” he adds with a small wink. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you now.”

And I don’t know why, but that makes my nerves jolt.