Page 41 of Wrapped in Red

I felt like I was going through the motions as CC stopped to be interviewed. They asked him about his upcoming season with Brooks Racing, took pictures, and once we moved into the convention center and were seated at the table, I excused myself to rush off to the bathroom to try to get myself together, only to run into Killian Hampton on his way out.

“Hey.” He smiled at me. “About before, I’m sorry. I...” He dragged a hand through his messy dark curls. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I have this habit of talking without thinking. My mouth gets me in trouble a lot.”

I stared up at him. “You didn’t? Because it certainly seemed like it. I had the biggest crush on you in high school, and you shot that shit down in a heartbeat. I guess it’s true what they say about meeting your heroes. I hope you don’t treat everyone like that. Especially CC.”

“Aren’t you a sassy little shit.”

“I’ve been called worse, but yes.”

Killian laughed. “A crush, huh? Did you it make you happy or jealous when I came out?”

“A little of both, I suppose. I like Matthias, though. He seems like a good man to put up with your crap.” I popped my jaw.

Killian jerked his chin behind me. “I think—Wait, did you call him CC?”

“I did.” I folded my arms over my chest as I stared at him.

He was probably used to people being intimated by him, but that wasn’t going to be me. Not now, not ever. I was a little disappointed that Killian had turned out to be like this, but at least he apologized. That was hopeful.

He tilted his head. “Well, I think he’s looking for you.”

I spun around to find CC watching us, his brows dipped and a scowl on his face. “Yeah, he’s a little protective of me.”

“The good ones always are, Ezra.” Killian patted my shoulder. “Come on.”

CC squared his shoulders as we got closer. “Everything okay?”

“We’re besties now, isn’t that right, little dude?” Killian winked at me as he moved into the auditorium to slip into his seat next to Matthias.

I nodded as I took CC’s hand. “Everything’s perfect.”

***

Speaking of, I thinkI made a new best friend in London Pelletier. She took one look at my outfit and attached herself to my side. She was Mason, CC’s soon-to-be-new-teammate’s wife, and she insisted I make her something similar. It was all she could talk about.

“Wait, you made that?” Her blue eyes widened. “Like, you sat down at a sewing machine and just whipped it up? Like no big deal? You just came up with it?”

I nodded. “It took me nearly a week, but yes.” I could feel everyone at the table staring at me as I spoke. Didn’t these people have something better to do? Like talking about racing or the holiday?

“If I bought you the material, could you make me one? I would pay you, of course.” London’s smile was contagious. Her skin was flawless. Her dark hair cascaded down around her shoulders. She was stunning. “I’m going to the CMT Awards in April. Only”—She leaned closer so that our heads were almost touching— “Maybe something that covers my stomach.”

I chewed on my lip. “I mean, I guess, sure.” I had never made something for someone else to wear, but I could do it. She just had to let me measure her and everything, so I got the sizing right.

“Sully!” She jumped up, waving, and when I turned, I saw another woman who looked like she could be her twin. “You have to show my sister. She’s going to want one, too.”

Oh-kay.I had expected people to stare at me. Gawk and point. Not have them want me to make them dresses to wear... Wait, did she say the CMT Awards? I reached for the glass of wine in front of me. I shouldn’t be drinking so much on an empty stomach, but I had to calm my nerves.

“Princess, are you holding up all right?” CC squeezed my hand. He had been engrossed in a conversation with Killian and Matthias, probably work stuff, but again, he hadn’t stopped touching me.

I gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m good, as long as you keep your hands on me.”

“That’s my plan.” CC pressed a kiss against my head.

“Ezra.” London giggled softly. “Can you stand up for a second?”

“Baby, maybe you could wait and do this later?” Mason winked at me as he tugged on his wife’s arm. “We’re sort in the middle of something here.”

The awards banquet hadn’t started yet, but by the way the place had filled in, it looked like it was going to at any moment. I recognized most of the people here, but Holt and Watts hadn’t shown up yet, which was a huge disappointment to me. I was dying to introduce myself to Holt. Stick my tongue out at Watts and say you have nothing to worry about with CC anymore. He’s mine. He never really wanted your fiancé in the first place. He was looking to find another me.