Chapter Thirty Three
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Kiara sighed as she sat back in her chair, glaring up at the sky. “I hate rain.” She mumbled. They were ready for the Bush race, but the weather wasn’t cooperating. The race had already been delayed over an hour, but she wasn’t allowed to leave the area until NASCAR called the race, which if they did that it meant all the Bush drivers and teams would have to stay until Monday, to run the race then.
“Stupid weather.” She grumbled again as she rubbed her eyes. Winston Cup rain delays were a lot more fun than Bush rain delays. She was better friends with the Winston guys and they made things interesting. But today, Michael was off with his family until NASCAR made the official decision, she wasn’t really talking to Kevin and didn’t feel like going to hang out with him, and since Dale’s Bush car wasn’t entered in the race, she wasn’t even sure if he was at the track. She hadn’t seen much of him all weekend, and when she did, her brother had been around, so it wasn’t as if they had any kind of private time.
She yawned, then stood up to stretch, trying like hell to wake herself up, but she was bored, and if there was one thing she couldn’t stand, was being bored.
She suddenly realized that she hadn’t talked to Sydney since Thursday. She grabbed her cell phone and punched in her best friend’s phone number, figuring on leaving a message, since she knew she was going to Kevin’s family sometime during the weekend.
“Hello?”
Kiara paused, wondering if maybe she had dialed the wrong number. That, or Sydney’s voice had dropped quite a few octaves.
“Uh, is Sydney there?” Kiara asked hesitantly.
“She’s in the shower at the moment.” There was a pause then, “Is this Kiara?”
Kiara’s eyes narrowed, not recognizing the voice at all. “Yes, who's this?” she asked.
“Hey, Kiara, its Kevin, how are you?” A sly smile curved Kiara’s lips when she heard who it was.
‘Just friends my ass!’, she thought to herself. Ooooh, Sydney was gonna have some explaining to do!
“Oh hey Kevin, I didn’t know who was answering her phone. I’m pretty good. Bored but good.” She said, thinking that that boredom was lessening as things were beginning to get interesting.
“Yeah, I’ve got the race on, I see the rain delay. Think they are gonna cancel it?” He asked, sitting back comfortably on the couch.
“I really hope not. Otherwise we won’t get to leave tomorrow like I’m hoping.” She sighed. “So, what are you doing at Syd’s?” she asked, grinning broadly.
“Well, I got in town early and wanted to spend more time with Sydney, so she’s been kind enough to let me stay with her. We’re headed over tonight to my parent’s for their anniversary though.” He explained. He looked up and smiled when Sydney walked in the room, running a brush through her wet hair. She glanced at the TV and pouted.
“Still rain delayed huh?” she asked softly, seeing he was on the phone. He nodded, then pointed to the phone.
“It’s Kiara.” He told her. “Hey, Sydney just walked out. I’ll let you talk to her.” He said.
“Oh, okay, thanks. It was nice talking to you again, Kevin.” She told him sincerely.
“You too Kiara. Take care, and I’ll be hoping the rain stops.” He then held out the phone to Sydney. “I’m gonna take a shower.” He told her before brushing past her and walked towards the spare room he’d been using the past couple days.
Sydney’s breath caught in her throat when his body brushed against hers, and she had to take a deep breath to calm herself. She brought the phone to her ear. “Hey.” She greeted her best friend, bracing herself for the onslaught of questions she knew was coming.
“Ooooh, you’re in big time trouble, my friend.” Kiara scolded playfully. “You’ve been holding out on some valuable information!” She felt a twinge of guilt when she realized she was doing the exact same thing. She had yet to tell Sydney about Dale…but she would, soon. She had to talk to someone about it. Just not now while she was at the racetrack, with way too many nosey people around.
Sydney blushed as she laughed. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Uh huh, liar.” Kiara giggled. “So, one question is he sleeping in the guest room, or your room?” she grinned mischievously.
“Kiara!” Sydney exclaimed. “In the guest room of course.”
“Damn.” Kiara muttered.
“Sorry to disappoint you.” Sydney giggled.
“Hey, you’re the one who’s missing out, my friend. I mean, hello! If I had someone like him staying at my house, you can be sure he wouldn’t be staying in the guest room!” Kiara teased.
“You’re terrible.” Sydney scolded.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. So tell me, have you had fun the past couple days?” Kiara asked.
“Oh yes.” Sydney breathed. The past couple days had been…well, in a word, perfect. She’d had so much fun with Kevin, and they really hadn’t done much. They had eaten in every night, she cooked the stir-fry the first night, and he'd cooked the next night. They’d spend most of their time talking, laughing and just getting to know each other all over again.
“So, after tonight, is he staying at his house, or is he coming back to yours?” Kiara asked.
Sydney stopped. “I’m not sure. We haven’t discussed it.”
“If he comes to your house, then I’d say that’s a clear sign for you to go for it!” Kiara encouraged her.
“I don’t know.” Sydney said uncertainly. It wasn’t as if the thought hadn’t crossed her mind…it had, many, many times. Just about every time she looked into his eyes. But she didn’t know if he felt the same way, and didn’t want to do anything to risk his friendship.
“Well, I still say—“ Kiara cut herself off when she heard someone saying the race had been postponed. “Damn it!” she swore.
“What?”
“The race is canceled for today.” She muttered. She’d had a feeling that would happen, but that didn’t mean that’s what she wanted to hear. “Have I mentioned how much I hate rain?” she asked.
“Now you have to stay Monday don’t you?” Sydney asked. Kiara nodded, then remember Sydney couldn’t see her.
“Yeah.”
“Hey, you know what, you’re not too far away, why don’t you take a couple days and stop by?” Sydney suggested, crossing her fingers, hoping her friend would say yes.
Kiara chewed on her lip, thinking of all the reason’s she really shouldn’t, with work, but then thinking of all the reasons she should. “You know what? You’re on! I’ll talk to Michael today and see if it’s okay with him, and as long as he has nothing pressing this week, which I know he doesn’t, since I schedule it all, I’ll come visit!”
“Wonderful! It will be like the old days.” Sydney said excitedly.
“Okay, let me go talk to Michael. I’ll call you back…tomorrow. I know you’ll be busy tonight, so I’ll just call you tomorrow, before the race, okay?”
“Sounds good!”
“Hey,” Kiara said. “Good luck tonight!” she giggled. “I except full detail!”
“Bad connection, I can’t hear you!” Sydney replied, causing Kiara to laugh. After saying their good-byes, they hung up.
Kiara got up and started towards Michael’s motor home, wanting to talk to him about taking a couple days off, and also wanted to see if he had anything he needed her to do today before she went to go take a nap.
She was walking across the lot, not paying much attention to the rain when her cell phone rang.
“Kiara Harvick.” She answered, then waved to a couple drivers as she hurried towards the motor homes.
“So, Ms. Harvick, I’m sitting here all by myself, there’s no one around, I have nothing to do for the rest of the day, and now neither do you, so I’m thinking we sneak off together.” Dale said, causing her knees to go weak, and a huge grin to cross her face.
“Oh you do, do you?” she teased. “Well, Mr. Earnhardt, I’ll have to check my calendar to see what my schedule is like.”
“But I need a little PR.” He whined. Kiara shook her head.
“Jade is your public relations person, not me.” She kidded.
“I wasn’t talking about that kind of PR.” He said huskily.
“What other kind is there?”
“Passionate romance.” Kiara stopped in her tracks, then burst out laughing. It took her a moment to catch her breath.
“Oh, that was bad, Dale!” she giggled, wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes. “If the women who swoon all over you had hear that one, they might change their minds about you.”
Dale laughed with her. “Yeah, that wasn’t one of my best was it?”
“Definitely not, but lucky for you, I’m a sucker for bad lines. I’ve got to talk to Michael for a few minutes, then we can meet.” She told him, now even more anxious to hurry and see Michael.
“You’re coach or mine?” he asked.
“Well, gee, let me think about that for a second. I’m going to go with yours since I don’t have my own and stay with Kevin!” she laughed again. “I’ll be over in about a half hour…hopefully sooner.”
“Hurry!” he pleaded. “I miss you.”
Those three little words caused a lump to form in her throat, and for her eyes to suddenly start stinging. “I miss you too.” She said honestly. “I’ll be there shortly.” She promised, before hanging up. With a soft sigh, and a huge grin, she knocked on the door of Michael’s motor coach.
She looked up when Michael answered. “We’ve got things to discuss, and we need to make it quick!” she told him as she walked up the steps, ready to make this the quickest meeting in history.
With a secretive grin she added, “By the way, have I mentioned how much I love rain delays?”
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Chapter Thirty Four
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After talking with Kiara, Sydney sat back on the couch, deep in thought. She could no longer deny what she was feeling for Kevin. But with not knowing if his feelings were mutual, she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She knew that she wanted him to come back home with her after the party and would be disappointed if he didn’t; whether it was just as friends or not. But then she really shouldn’t be so greedy with him and should understand that he would want to spend time with his family also before he had to leave.
But she couldn’t help herself! She wanted him all to herself!
Groaning out loud with frustration, Sydney closed her eyes as she laid her head against the back of the couch. She stayed like that for a few minutes, her mind spinning as she tried to decide what to do. Finally she sat up again after having come to a conclusion.
She would just ask Kevin if he planned on doing after the party. She could maybe think of some excuse for needing to know so it wouldn’t seem like such a forward question. “Oh God, I can’t do this.” Sydney moaned miserably as she rested her head in her hands, completely losing all the nerve that she had built up.
She wasn’t used to doing this. In the seven years since Brett had walked away from her, she could count the number of dates that she’d had on one hand. There was never any interest on her part because not having the closure then, she’d always compared the guys to Brett and of course in her mind, no one ever stacked up. But now, it was completely different and she didn’t know what to do!
“Oh this is ridiculous!” Sydney mumbled as she jumped to her feet. “I can do this.” She assured herself as she walked over to the bathroom door and listened closely. She didn’t hear the water running so she knew that he was out of the shower. She thought about waiting until later, but she knew that if she didn’t do this now, she probably never would.
Taking a couple of deep breaths, Sydney tried to build her courage before she lifted her hand and knocked on the door. Her heart began pounding furiously when she heard his voice call out, telling her to come in. Letting out the breath she hadn’t been aware of holding, Sydney’s hand went to the doorknob. Turning it, she opened the door.
“What’s up?” Kevin asked as he looked at her, his eyebrow raised in question.
“Uh…” Sydney stammered, all the words that she had planned on saying completely leaving her, along with the ability to do anything else, when her eyes touched on him standing there wearing nothing more than the towel wrapped around his hips.
Sydney blinked a couple times, suddenly finding she was having a difficult time breathing. She licked her suddenly dry lips, unconsciously taking a step towards him. She caught herself just as she started to reach out to touch him. Her eyes widened as she jerked her gaze away from his magnificent body. She hastily backed up a couple steps and cleared her throat, looking anywhere but at him.
“Um…I…” she found that she couldn’t even really remember her reason for being in there. To try and save herself from any more embarrassment, she spun around and all but ran out the bathroom door to the privacy and safety of her own bedroom.
One there she slammed the door shut behind her and leaned against the door, her face buried in her hands. “Oh god.” She moaned, tears burning her eyes. What had she just done? And what Kevin must be thinking at that very moment! With another groan of despair she walked on weak legs over to her bed and sat down.
She just sat there, staring off into space, going over what had just happened in her head, not feeling her cheeks burning in want, passion, need, humiliation, shame and many other emotions she couldn’t put into words.
She also didn’t hear Kevin knock on the door, or call her name. She was oblivious to the fact that he had walked in and had made his way over beside her. She shrieked and jumped to her feet when she felt a hand on her shoulder, her eyes wide and heart pounding as she met Kevin’s blue gaze.
“I’m sorry.” He quickly apologized, not just for scaring her. “About what just happened…” he started but Sydney shook her head.
“No, Kevin I’m sorry about that. I don’t know what happened.” She whispered as she looked down at the floor noticing that he had taken the time to put jeans on. She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed.
“I hope I didn’t make you feel too uncomfortable.” Kevin said softly, staring down at her, his own heart beating a little too fast. She looked up at him confused.
“Huh?” she asked. Kevin ran his hand through his wet hair.
“I didn’t want you to find out this way. I kept telling myself that we’re just friends and nothing more would come of it. After all, you’ve always been Brett’s girl.” He sighed, walking over and sitting down on the edge of the bed. He glanced up at her seeing her obvious confusion, and kept going. Course now that he had started, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop even if he wanted too.
“I want you Sydney. And not just as a friend. I thought you realized that in the bathroom and that was why you took off like you did. But I’ve wanted you from the moment I first laid eyes on you.” He admitted. “When Brett ended things, I tried calling you many times, but I stopped myself.”
Sydney swallowed hard, having a hard time comprehending all that he was saying. “Why?” she asked, finally finding her voice.
Kevin shrugged. “Well, mostly because of Brett, but also because you’ve only ever seen me as a friend, and I would rather have you as a friend than as nothing else. I didn’t want you to know how I felt, incase I scared you away.”
Sydney suddenly felt a burst of warmth spread through her. Taking a small tentative step towards him, she said softly, “I don’t just see you as a friend, Kevin.”
His head came up and he looked at her in surprise. For the first time he really looked into her eyes and saw the passion that he felt staring back at him. They both knew they had to talk, but neither cared much for words at the moment. The time for talking would come…later. Much, much later.
Moving at the same time, they both reached for each other, falling into each other's embrace as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Sydney sighed contently when their lips touched, tentatively at first, but within seconds turning into something much more. Pulling her more fully against him, Kevin deepened the kiss, both of their worlds spinning as they both gave in to the feelings that had been threatening to over take them the past couple days.
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Chapter Thirty Five
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“Daaammnnn…” Kiara breathed, nearly running into the other cars as she turned into the parking lot at Sydney’s apartment building and she saw Sydney and Kevin standing out by his rental car. She knew that Kevin was leaving that day. He and Sydney were obviously saying good-bye.
“Geez, don’t you two need air!” Seeing that Sydney and Kevin were not going to part any time soon, she questioned out loud although no one would hear her. Her eyes grew wide as she watched them. She swallowed hard as Kevin’s lips left Sydney’s and traveled passionately down the curve of her throat. Kiara was certain that they were going to go at it right there in the parking lot.
“Just friends my ass!” She giggled as she pulled into the parking spot next to Kevin’s car. She sat there for a moment waiting for them to acknowledge her presence, but they were oblivious. Smiling wickedly, Kiara hit the horn, laughing out loud as she watched Kevin and Sydney jump apart, both of their expressions priceless.
“You’re early!” Sydney exclaimed as Kiara climbed out of her own rental car and walked over to where she and Kevin were standing.
“I was able to get an earlier flight.” Kiara told her friend, shaking her head at Sydney’s red cheeks, knowing that embarrassment wasn’t the only reason why her face was so flushed. “I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Not at all. You just caught me off guard.” Sydney said as she leaned back against Kevin and he wrapped his arms around her before he leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on the side of her neck.
“So I see.” Kiara laughed, having to bite down on her lip to keep back the smart-ass comments that were desperately trying to break out. She’d embarrassed Sydney enough though...for the time being anyway.
“I’m sorry to have to leave so quickly after your getting here.” Kevin apologized to Kiara. “I have to get going though.” He said, glancing down at his watch.
“That’s alright.” Kiara replied, disappointed that he had to leave, but also understanding. She'd been surprised when she talked to Sydney the day before and she found out that he was still there. She thought that Sydney said he was leaving Sunday night but things had apparently changed because it was now Tuesday and he was still there.
“It was good to see you again though.” Kiara commented sincerely. She truly liked Kevin and couldn’t have picked a better man for Sydney herself. “Maybe next time you won’t have to run so soon.” She paused for a moment before adding, “I’ll just get my bags while you two finish your…uh…good-bye.” She laughed softly at the glare that Sydney gave her as she turned to get her stuff out of the rental car.
“I’m going to miss you.” Sydney said as she turned in Kevin’s arms to face him. After him being there for five days, she’d gotten used to his presence, among other things.
“Me too.” Kevin admitted, his voice gruff. Then he smiled as he reached up to brush his fingers across her cheek. “It’s only a week though before we can see each other again.”
“I can’t wait.” Sydney said as she stood up on her toes just as he leaned down, their lips meeting in a kiss that started out chaste because of Kiara’s presence, but quickly turned into something completely opposite. They pulled apart only when it was absolutely necessary for them to breathe.
“I’ll call you tomorrow night.” Kevin promised as he captured her lips in one more kiss before he got into his car.
“Bye.” Sydney said just as he closed the car door. She waved, watching as he drove away. When he was gone, she stepped over to where Kiara was waiting for her and they began walking back to her apartment. She braced herself for the onslaught that she knew was going to come from her friend.
"So..." Kiara began, unable to keep it in any longer. "Just friends huh?" She paused for a moment, pretending to think about it. "Oh wait! Is this one of those special 'friends with benefits' packages?" She asked, unable to resist teasing.
Sydney's cheeks immediately flamed bright red. "Oh shut up!" She exclaimed. "God, you couldn't resist, could you?" She complained although the light shining in her blue eyes completely belied the tone of her voice.
"So I take it you finally let him out of the guestroom?" Kiara asked and received another glare from Sydney. "What?" Kiara nearly yelled. "I can't believe you made him sleep in there in the first place!. Oh wait...That was when you two were 'just friends'." Kiara teased again, knowing that once she told Sydney about Dale and herself, she was going to get plenty of it back.
Before Sydney could say anything, Kiara turned serious. "So tell me...What's he like? I want all the details." She told Sydney, watching her friend's cheeks flush once again. That was pretty much all the answer that she needed.
"Kevin is absolutely wonderful." She paused, searching for the right words to characterize him and their relationship without getting too deep into detail.
"And?" Kiara prompted impatiently.
"I honestly don't have the words to accurately describe it." Sydney admitted after a few moments. "It's passionate...very passionate...actually that's an understatement. It's a burning passion...very intense, very hungry.." She said, finally finding a few fitting words. Her eyes glazed over as she recalled every last detail of the things that she and Kevin had done to each other.
Kiara smiled. "Yeah, I kind of gathered that from what I saw." She said with a laugh. She could tell that Sydney was truly happy and it was good to see her friend like that for once. Not that Sydney hadn't been happy before, but she'd definitely been more reserved. It really was too bad that Sydney couldn't have gotten that closure with Brett several years ago.
"I'm happy for ya, Syd." Kiara told her friend, meaning every word of it.
"Thanks. And thank you. Because none of this would have happened if you wouldn't have drug me to that Fuel concert." Sydney replied as they reached her door and she unlocked it, letting Kiara and herself inside.
Sitting down on the couch, Kiara looked up at Sydney, her expression still serious. "Do your parents know about Kevin?" She asked, knowing first hand how bad Sydney's parents could be...especially when it came to the men that she was dating. The fact that her parents considered him and his family to be way below them would be enough to ruffle their feathers. The fact that Kevin was twelve or thirteen years older than Sydney would push them over the edge.
Sydney smiled smugly, proud of the way that she'd managed to keep it hidden from them so far.. "Nope. Not yet anyway. I called them and said that I had to go out of town for work. Then the guy that lives downstairs let me park my car in his garage so that they wouldn't see it around for a few days."
Kiara stared at her friend in astonishment. "You lied to them?" She questioned, unable to believe it. Although Sydney could complain about her parents until she was blue in the face, she never really gone against them like this.
Sydney nodded as she met her friend's eyes. "And I don't feel one bit guilty for doing it either." She confessed as she sat down in the chair across from Kiara. "I know that the shit will surely hit the fan when they do find out though." She said, falling silent for a moment before she spoke again.
"Now, the last time I talked to you, you said that you were preoccupied." Sydney began, taking the subject off of her parents, knowing that it would ruin her good mood if they kept talking about them. "So I think that it's about time you tell me...What's going on?" She asked as she sat back and waited for Kiara's explanation.
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Chapter Thirty Six
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Kiara looked down at her hands, biting the inside of her cheek, wondering how to start this. She knew once Sydney found out, she was going to be bombarded with a lot of questions. “Want a drink?” Kiara asked, thinking maybe she could buy herself a little more time. She pouted when Sydney shook her head, sitting back in her chair with her arms crossed.
“Nope, now quit stalling. What’s going on with you?” Sydney asked, more urgently this time.
“It’s kinda complicated.” Kiara admitted taking a deep breath. “But to make a long story short, Dale and I are now...well…together.”
“Dale? As in Earnhardt Jr.” Sydney asked. Kiara nodded, her eyes softening at the mere mention of his name.
“The one and only.” She grinned. She jumped when Sydney suddenly jumped off the couch and squealed loudly.
“That’s fantastic! I always thought you too would make the perfect couple! Oh, and now that you’ve reminded me, I remember Brett saying something about Dale being totally into you the night we all went out. Personally, I thought he was mistaken and never really had time to look into it deeper, but now I see he wasn’t mistaken at all.” She smiled happily for her friend, seeing a light in Kiara’s eyes that she’d never seen before, and knew exactly who to thank for that.
“So, like you said, give me full details!” Sydney exclaimed, sitting back down.
“Well, first I need to apologize for acting like such a bitch the other weekend. I was confused and at times jealous, but mostly I didn’t know what to make of the feelings.” Kiara said almost shyly.
Sydney waved her apology away. “There’s no apology needed, or accepted. You did nothing wrong. I’m just sorry that us pretending to be a couple hurt you.” Kiara shook her head.
“No, actually I think it’s a good thing it did happen, otherwise I may have never told him how I felt.” She said. Sydney’s eyes grew wide.
“Oooh, you told him? And how did that go, as if I really need to ask.” Sydney giggled, laughing harder when Kiara threw a pillow at her.
“It went better than I could ever have hoped to imagine.” Kiara smiled happily, a slight blush staining her cheeks. “Kinda like how well things are going for you and Kevin.”
“Oh wait! And speaking of Kevin, just the non sexy one this time, how’s your brother with all this?” She asked, knowing that Kevin had never wanted Kiara dating a driver, but she figured that he’d be okay with it being Dale and all. She knew she was wrong the instant Kiara’s face dropped.
“He didn’t take it so well. In fact, Dale and I are keeping everything quiet for right now.” Kiara said softly, seeing Sydney’s shocked expression.
“But, why?” Sydney asked. “Kevin and Dale are like brothers! I would think he’d be thrilled about you dating Dale.”
Kiara shrugged. “That’s what I would have thought too, but obviously I was way off base with that one. Kevin hit the roof when I told him about my feelings for Dale.” She proceeded to tell her everything that happened between her and her brother, knowing full well she could trust Sydney not to say anything to anyone.
Sydney sat back in shock after hearing about the fight. “Oh my god. I just don’t understand! And I can’t believe he said that to you and is still alive!”
Kiara nodded. “Oh believe me, if I hadn’t walked away when I did, it would have gotten even uglier. He’s apologized and everything, but things between us is still very strained. I feel bad for De having to be stuck with the two of us. I’m sure she feels like she’s walking around on egg shells.”
Sydney whistled. “Man that was harsh. But I don’t understand. He said he’d have not problem with you dating Jamie, yet he completely went off when he found out it was Dale. There’s got to be more to this story than what he’s letting on.”
“I’ve gone over it hundreds of times in my head, but I can’t come up with anything. But until he can get over it, Dale and I are going to keep our relationship a secret.” Kiara sighed. “And not just for Kevin, but also for the press. You know as well as I do how the press can screw up really good things when they get their noses into everything.”
Sydney nodded. “I think you and Dale will be fine. And Kevin will come around. Otherwise, we’ll just have to kick his ass!”
They both laughed. Sydney calmed down first and smiled sincerely over at her best friend. “I’m so glad you came down. I’ve really missed hanging out with you.” She said quietly.
Kiara nodded her head in agreement. “Me too. And by the time I leave, I’m going to convince you to move in with me, just wait and see! Now come on, I’m fixing dinner. Besides, I want to hear all about you and Kevin.”
Sydney stood up and followed Kiara towards the kitchen. “But you already know everything.”
Kiara grinned mischievously over her shoulder. “Not all the juicy details!” Sydney flushed.
“Well, if you get those details, then I get the same in return about you and Dale!”
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Chapter Thirty Seven
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“So are you having fun out there?” Dale asked Kiara as they talked on the phone the next morning. Although he missed her like crazy, he was glad that she had gone to visit Sydney.
Kiara smiled broadly. “We’re having a great time.” She answered. “We’re hitting the mall as soon as Syd is finished getting ready.”
“I should have guessed.” Dale laughed. “How is Sydney doing?”
Kiara’s smile widened further. “She’s going great. She’s been a little busy having unexpected company for almost a week.”
“Oh really?” Dale questioned with interest, automatically assuming that it had been Brett.
“It wasn’t Brett.” Kiara told him, knowing what he was thinking. “It was Kevin. Isn’t that great!” She exclaimed, still overjoyed for her friend.
“Wow! That’s unexpected.” Dale replied in disbelief. He wasn’t sure what to think. On one hand, he wanted Sydney to be happy, but on the other hand, he felt bad for Brett, knowing how much he still loved Sydney. How would he feel knowing that Sydney was seeing Kevin? It wasn't that he didn't like Kevin...he did. He just knew how much this would break Brett's heart. But then again, maybe Brett should have picked up the phone and called Sydney when he'd given him her number.
“I haven’t seen her so happy in a long time. And Kevin is such a great guy.” Kiara stated, hearing the hint of doubt in Dale's voice. She knew that Dale had become friends with Brett and he was only worried about how this would affect him.
“And that’s all that really matters.” Dale decided.
"Yep, it is." Kiara agreed. She looked up as Sydney walked into the room, ready to go. "Okay, gotta run, Dale. Looks like Sydney is ready to go. I'll call you later tonight." She told him, her voice softening as she got ready to end the call.
"I'll be waiting." Dale promised. "I miss you."
"Me too. Bye." Kiara said, just before ending the call. She smiled as she looked at Sydney, who was patiently waiting for her, both of them looking forward to a day full of shopping.
"Let's go!" They both said in unison as they raced for the door.
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Chapter Thirty Eight
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“I can’t believe how much we bought!” Sydney exclaimed as they started taking all the bags out from the back of her car after they had spend the entire day shopping. Kiara giggled as she grabbed a handful of bags.
“I don’t think I’ve spent that much money in, well, forever!” she laughed. “I’m gonna need to get some new suitcases just to get all this stuff home.”
“We did go a little wild didn’t we?” Sydney grinned sheepishly. Kiara shook her head.
“Nope, I still say we needed everything we got.”
Sydney made a face as she started pulling out Victoria Secret bags. “Do you have any idea how much we spent here?” she asked holding up a bag. Kiara grinned slyly.
“Nope, and don’t want to think about it. As I said, it was all needed…desperately.” Sydney laughed as she started towards the door that would lead up to her apartment.
“Well all I can say is that judging from what you bought, Dale is going to be one happy man.” Sydney giggled, laughing harder when Kiara tried to give her the finger, but found it nearly impossible with all the stuff in her hands. “Oh bite me!” Kiara shot back jokingly. “Like Kevin’s going to have any complaints. Not all those bags are mine, remember!” Sydney opened her mouth to respond, but shut it when the made it to her front door and found it slightly open.
“Okay, I know you closed and locked your door.” Kiara whispered. Sydney sighed wearily.
“I did. This can only mean one thing.” She said, her voice suddenly sounding very tired. The words were barely out of her mouth when her front door swung open to reveal her mother standing there. She heard Kiara softly groan behind her.
“And where the hell have you been, young lady?” her mother demanded, not even sparing Kiara a glance.
“Shopping, obviously.” Sydney said as she held up the bags in her hands and brushed past her mother into the house. “And to what do I owe this visit?”
“Well, you told your father and I that you would be back from your trip this morning, and we’d yet to hear anything from you, so naturally we were worried.” Her mother said indignantly, shutting the door behind her.
“Hey!” Kiara exclaimed to having the door nearly shut in her face. Sydney’s mother spun around, feigning surprise.
“Oh, my, Kiara darling, I didn’t know you were here. Please come in.” she offered as if she owned the place. Kiara gritted her teeth as she gave her an equally fake smile.
“Gee, thanks.” She mumbled as she made her way in and started for the back room, one to put the bags down, two to get the hell away from Sydney’s mother from hell.
“And just what is she doing here?” her mother asked, not even bothering to hide her obvious dislike of Sydney’s best friend.
Sydney rolled her eyes. “Don’t start, Mother. You know damn well that Kiara is my best friend, and nothing you can do or say will change that fact. It hasn’t for many years, don’t think that’s going to change now.”
They both looked up when Kiara came back out in the room. Although she really didn’t to be around the older woman, she didn’t want to leave Sydney alone to the grilling they all knew she was about to get.
“So, Kiara, how have you been?”
Kiara sat down on the couch. “Good, and you?” she asked, with just as much fake interest.
“Oh just wonderful. Did Sydney tell you we found the perfect man for her? Which reminds me, dear, although you were very rude the other night, leaving like that, he’s willing to give you another chance. Here’s Trevor’s number, he’d like to take you out this weekend.” Her mother handed over a piece of paper, completely ignoring the stricken look that crossed her daughter’s features.
“Mom, stop it. Stop trying to fix me up with people you know I’m going to hate!” Sydney cried.
“What are you talking about? Trevor is perfect!”
“Trevor has the personality of a wet mop!” Sydney shot back. Kiara muffled her laughter when Sydney’s mother glared at her.
“Sorry,” Kiara apologized feebly, rising up off the couch. “Actually, Sydney can’t do anything this weekend. I’ve invited her to the race in Texas this weekend.” Kiara lied smoothly, seeing the relief and thanks in Sydney’s eyes.
Her mother spun around to face her daughter. “You certainly are taking a lot of ‘trips’ lately. Is there something going on you’d like to tell me about? A new man in your life perhaps?” her eyes narrowed as she studied her daughter.
“It’s nothing you need to know or worry yourself about mother.” Sydney kept her expression innocent. She fought not to squirm under her mother’s penetrating gaze, and just when she though the might give in, her mother suddenly smiled.
“Well, I hope you have a great weekend, and when you get back, we’ll have to have another dinner party and get you and Trevor together again. You’ll call me when you get back of course.”
“Of course.” Sydney said gloomily, wincing when her mother kissed her on the cheek.
“It was great seeing you again, Kiara, take care of yourself.” She called over her shoulder as she waltzed out the door. Nothing was said for a moment then Kiara let out the breath she’d been unaware she was holding.
“Man, she just gets worse and worse as the years go by!” Kiara exclaimed, sending her friend a sympathetic look. “I don’t know how you do it!”
Sydney shook her head, knowing that she was going to be in for one hell of a fight once her parents, namely her mother, found out about Kevin. Taking a deep breath, she pushed that thought away, deciding to deal with it when the time came. “Thank you so much for covering for me.” She said gratefully.
“Well, I was going to ask you anyway, so what do you say?” Kiara asked. Sydney nodded happily.
“You know I love races, so yes, I want to go! I’ll be there!”
“Good…now, start thinking about moving in with me, and you can go to as many races as you want.” Kiara grinned. Sydney chewed on her bottom lip.
“You know, that idea is sounding more and more appealing. Let me think it over a few days, and I’ll let you know, okay?” she asked, although deep down she already knew what her answer would be.
“Okay, but just to warn ya, I’m not taking no for an answer.” Kiara grinned, then turned towards the bedrooms. “Now come on, I want to go through all this stuff we got. Then, I’ve got to call Dale and you just know you’re dying to talk to Kevin. Hey, even better idea, invite him to the race too!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Thirty Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“So ya gonna win the race this weekend?” Brett joked with Dale as they talked on the phone.
“You’re damn skippy I am!” Dale stated confidently. “I’ll have my good luck charm rooting for me.”
“Good luck charm?” Brett questioned in confusion.
“Unlike some people, I had the guts to confess my feelings to a certain someone.” Dale paused knowing that if Kiara hadn’t first admitted her feelings for him, he’d most likely have not said anything yet.
“Screw you!” Brett snorted at Dale’s smart-ass nature. “I’m happy for ya though.” He said, his sincerity evident. “It’s about fucking time you told her!” Brett couldn’t help adding, a grin lighting his face as he said it.
“Speak for yourself, Scallions!” Dale shot back, not about to let his friend get the best of him.
“I’m gonna call her. I just haven’t had time yet.” Brett gave his feeble excuse, not willing to admit that he was still scared to call Sydney.
“Didn’t you just have most of the week off?” Dale questioned, knowing that he had because Kevin had been at Sydney’s and had told Kiara that that the band had some days off.
“I’ll call her! I…” Brett stopped when Dale cut him off.
“Ya might as well save your breath now.” Dale stated before he realized he was doing so. He hadn’t planned on telling Brett about Sydney and Kevin. He thought that Brett should know, but he didn’t want to be the one to tell him. Plus he knew that he’d have Kiara, and probably Sydney and Kevin, on his ass if he did tell Brett.
“Huh?” Brett asked in confusion, not quite getting what Dale was saying. “What the hell are you talking about?” He demanded.
Dale groaned inwardly, wishing he had kept his mouth shut. But now that had said something, he knew Brett wouldn’t let him off without an explanation. But then again, maybe it was exactly what Brett needed to hear. Maybe he’d get his ass in gear then.
“Sydney has moved on, Brett.” Dale told him and then waited for his reaction.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Are we there yet?”
Kiara groaned as she glared over at Sydney, who was sitting on the edge of her seat looking through the window.
“If you ask me that one more time, so help me God, I’m turning this car around!” Kiara threatened as she grinned. Sydney sat back and smiled sheepishly.
“Sorry, I guess that did sound a little four year oldish didn’t it?” she giggled.
“Well, since you’ve only asked me that fifteen times in the past five minutes, I’d say more threeish.” Kiara teased.
“Sorry, I’m just really, really anxious to see Kevin.” Sydney sighed as she sat back. She immediately brightened up when she saw a sign for the track, saying they were only two miles away.
After Kiara had suggested she invite Kevin to the race, she had immediately called Kevin and asked him to come. At first he had declined, saying they had rehearsals, but then just before they were leaving for the airport, he’d called and told her there was a change in plans and he would meet her at the track. She was beyond ecstatic!
“Gee, I couldn’t tell.” Kiara laughed. But she knew exactly how her friend was feeling. She herself could feel her heart beating faster and faster the closer they got to the track in the anticipation of seeing Dale.
Then, at the same time, she was also a little jealous of Sydney. She and Kevin were able to be open about their relationship, where she and Dale could on appear in public as ‘friends’. It wasn’t even guaranteed that she would be able to have any kind of private time with him until they went back home after the race in two days.
Although she had ever intention of making sure they got at least a few moments alone together.
“And I don’t even have to ask what is putting that mischievous grin on your face.” Sydney smiled. “Thinking of a certain studly NASCAR driver?”
Kiara simply grinned wider and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “So what time is Kevin supposed to get there?” she asked.
Sydney shook her head. “I’m not sure really. He said he’d call when he got to the track. God I hope it’s soon!”
“Well, we’re here and I’m sure there will be quite a few people around to keep you occupied until he gets here.” Kiara assured her as they pulled in.
Sydney nodded as she unbuckled her seat belt, then grinned knowingly. “Well, you know who I’m just dying to see?” she asked.
“Mmm, who?” Kiara asked as she got out of the car and walked around to the truck to grab her bags. She looked up when Sydney stepped next to her.
“Junior. And since I’m not allowed to wander around here by myself, I think you’re the perfect person to take me to him!” Sydney grinned, then laughed when Kiara hugged her suddenly.
“You’re a genius! A fucking genius!” Kiara exclaimed happily then slammed the trunk. “Come on, this stuff can wait!”
With that they turned and started across the parking lot, headed to Dale’s motor coach.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty One
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dale looked up and toward his coach door when he heard a knock on it. He got up and opened it, a bright smile forming when he saw Kiara standing there. His smile faded somewhat when he saw Sydney standing behind her.
“You gonna make us stand out here all day or can we come in?” Kiara teased when Dale just stood there, looking surprised.
“Uh…sure, come in.” Dale replied as he stepped aside and held the door open for them to enter.
Kiara smiled up at Dale as she stepped past him. Sydney followed behind her and nearly slammed into her friend when she stopped suddenly in her tracks.
“Hey!” Kiara exclaimed as she struggled to maintain her balance. “What did you stop for…” Sydney trailed off as Kiara moved again and her eyes touched on Brett, who was staring at her, looking just as surprised as she felt.
“Sydney! Kiara didn’t tell me that you were going to be here.” Dale stated to break the awkward silence that had suddenly filled the coach and to explain when he saw the questioning look that Kiara, Sydney, and Brett were giving him.
“Well, it was kind of a last minute decision and you haven’t exactly been available for me to talk to you the last day or so.” Kiara told him, knowing full well that if Dale had known that Sydney was going to be there, he wouldn’t have invited Brett that weekend. She smiled as Dale gave her a sheepish grin.
Brett remained silent as he continued to watch Sydney. She was even more breathtaking than the last time he’d seen her. It was very obvious that whoever she was seeing, had made her very happy. He was unable to stop the jealousy and regret that surged through him, knowing that he wasn’t the one putting that extra sparkle in her eyes.
Doing her best to ignore the fact that Brett was there, Sydney turned to Dale and gave him a reassuring smile when she saw the apologetic expression on his face. She opened her moth to say something, but stopped when her cell phone began ringing. After talking for a few moments, she was finished with the call and turned to Kiara, her eyes shining brightly.
“He’s here!” Sydney exclaimed as she turned and began heading out the door. Kiara followed her. She didn’t miss the look that Dale shot her now knowing that Kevin was there now as well.
Dale turned to Brett after they were gone. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know that she was going to be here.” He hoped that the situation hadn’t made him or Sydney too uncomfortable.
Brett waved off Dale’s apology, his mind on other things. “Who is she seeing?” Brett demanded as he rose to his feet and watched through the window as Sydney walked away. “You wouldn’t tell me before. I know you know.”
As much as Dale wanted to tell Brett, he didn’t know how. How could he possibly him that the woman that he loved above all else, was seeing one of his best friends. He couldn’t…he didn’t have the heart.
“Alright, if you don’t want to tell me, I’ll find out for myself.” Brett stated as he headed for the door. Before Dale could say anything to stop him, Brett was gone.
Brett followed behind Sydney and Kiara, making sure to stay far enough back so that she wouldn’t see him. He was determined to know whom she was seeing. He wasn’t sure why he wanted to know. It was just something that he had to do.
He got his answer a short time later when they arrived at the track entrance and he watched as Sydney rushed forward to where Kevin was waiting for her, throwing herself into his arms as his lips came down to meet hers in a burning, passionate kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Two
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett’s breath caught in his chest, and he honestly felt like someone had punched him in his stomach. He didn’t want to watch anymore, yet at the same time he couldn’t tear his eyes away as he watched the woman he loved return his best friend's kiss with a passion of her own.
He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder and tore his eyes away from the scene in front of him as he turned his head and met Dale’s sympathetic gaze.
“I’m so sorry, man. I really didn’t want you to find out this way.” Dale felt horrible. He couldn’t even begin to imagine how Brett was feeling at the moment.
Brett shook his head, trying to find the words, but his voice failed him. He took a deep shuddering breath and turned and hurried back towards Dale’s coach.
Kiara glanced over just in time to see the stricken look on Brett’s face, her own heart breaking for the other man. For the first time she believed Dale when he said that Brett was still in love with Sydney. She’d had a hard time thinking so up until that moment. No one could have faked the pure anguish she had seen on his face.
She turned to look at Kevin and Sydney, seeing they were still locked in their embrace. She walked away, knowing that Sydney would know how to find her, as she walked briskly in the same direction she had seen Brett and Dale go.
She got back to the coach and walked in without knocking. Her eyes immediately met Dale’s and she looked around, confused when she didn’t see Brett.
“He’s in the back room.” Dale told her as he came forward and pulled her tight against him, just holding her close. This was what he had wanted to do the moment he saw her at the door the first time, but things had gotten a little chaotic.
Kiara melted in his arms, sighing softly, feeling like she was home at last. She wanted to just stay there and hide from the rest of the world, but that was impossible. They both pulled away from each other reluctantly at the same time.
“Did he say anything?” Kiara asked, glancing towards the back room. Dale shook his head.
“No, he won’t even answer me.” Dale sighed, running his hands through his hair.
“Ugh, this has turned into a huge mess.” Kiara groaned, feeling horrible for everyone involved.
“I’m sorry, if I’d known…” he trailed off when she cut him off by pressing her lips to his. After the kiss ended she smiled reassuringly up at him.
“It’s not your fault Dale. This isn’t anyone’s fault.” She said softly.
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
They both turned, startled to find Brett standing in the doorway. “This entire thing is my fault. My stupid fucking mistake. But it’s something I’m going to fix. Right now.”
Dale and Kiara watched as he walked out, back towards where they had left Kevin and Sydney. They looked at each other then rushed after him, hoping like hell they would be in time to stop him from doing something he would regret for the rest of his life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Three
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kevin and Sydney began walking back to Dale’s coach, but stopped in their tracks when they saw Brett walking toward them, the determination in his step obvious.
“Oh by the way,” Sydney said, having completely forgotten about Brett being there until that moment.
“Brett is here.” She wasn’t sure how Kevin would feel about him being there as he was one of the biggest reasons why he’d never pursued a relationship with her even when he’d wanted to for so many years. And even now that they were involved, she knew that the last thing Kevin wanted to do was hurt his friend.
Both Sydney and Kevin held their breath as Brett stepped up to them, waiting for the outburst that they were sure was coming judging by the expression that he wore.
“Brett,” Sydney began, trying to calm his temper. She stopped when he looked at her, the hardness disappearing from his eyes, being replaced with so many different emotions that she couldn’t read him.
Brett raked his fingers through his hair as he looked Kevin in the eye as he did Sydney. “I have something that I need to say to you two.” He stated, his heart feeling as if it was being ripped apart as he thought about the words that he was about to speak. But in all sincerity, all he really wanted was for Sydney to be happy. And if he wasn’t the one able to provide that for her, he was glad that she had picked someone like Kevin.
Damn, it hurt though knowing that the only person he could blame for his anguish, was himself.
“I just want you both to know that I’m happy for you. And I hope that you have a wonderful and fulfilling time together.” Brett told Kevin and Sydney. It was the truth. Although it broke his heart, it was the truth.
Kevin and Sydney stood there, both shocked silent by what Brett had just said to them. They were certain that Brett would be furious and would tell them that they were making a huge mistake or something. Instead it was the complete opposite.
“Thanks.” They said softly in unison a few moments later, both still surprised.
Brett nodded slightly, giving Kevin and Sydney one last look before he turned and walked away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Four
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett stopped a few feet away when he stepped up to Dale and Kiara. He gave her a halfhearted smile when she laid a hand on his arm.
“I really respect what you just did.” She told him sincerely. She had just seen Brett in an entirely new light…and she had a feeling that she and the man standing before her could indeed be friends. She’d had doubts before after the way he’d hurt Sydney, but it was plain to see he was no longer that same person.
“Me too.” Dale agreed.
“Thank.” Brett sighed. “Listen, I don’t feel like going back to the coach right now, so I’m going to take a walk. Will security say anything to me if I’m walking around by myself?” he asked, needing to be alone for a few minutes.
Dale shook his head. “Nah, should be fine. If anyone stops you, just tell them to call me.”
Brett nodded then turned and walked away. Kiara put on a bright smile as Kevin and Sydney caught up to them. “Everything alright?” she asked, looking closely at Sydney.
“I think so.” She answered, feeling a little shell-shocked with everything at the moment.
“Dale, nice to see you again.” Kevin said. Dale nodded, not really knowing what to say. He didn’t have anything against Kevin, but he also felt that his loyalty was to Brett.
He grunted when Kiara elbowed him in the side, glaring at him, sending him a silent message to be nice. “You too Kevin, this is certainly a surprise.”
“So, anyway, I’ve got to get over to the track to get ready for qualifying. You all want to come with me?” he offered.
Sydney and Kevin looked at each other then nodded. “Yeah, sounds like fun.”
Kiara glanced down at her watch, frowning when she saw the time. “I’ll have to meet you all later, I need to go catch up with Michael and see what kind of trouble he got himself into while I was away.”
“He was good, I kept a close eye on him for ya.” Dale grinned. Kiara groaned and rolled her eyes.
“Oh lord, that means it’s worse than I though!” she teased. “Alright, I’ll see you all in a few.”
***
Brett stopped walking when he heard his name called. He looked over his shoulder, then smiled genuinely when he saw who was coming towards him.
“Hey, it’s Happy Harvick.” He grinned. Kevin rolled his eyes.
“Careful, Junior’s rubbing off on you.” Kevin replied. “It’s good to see you, I didn’t know you were going to be here this weekend.”
“You’re not alone in that one.” Brett’s smile slipped a little.
“How’s it going?” Kevin asked.
“Been better, and been worse.” Brett admitted, although he couldn’t really think of when he’d felt worse right off hand. Kevin didn’t say anything, clearly seeing that something was going on and didn’t want to pry.
“So, you staying all weekend?” Kevin asked, trying to lighten the mood a little.
Brett shrugged. “I doubt it. I’ll probably leave tonight.”
Kevin looked confused. “You came just to watch the practice?”
“Well, I was going to stay for the weekend, but I’m thinking that it would probably be best if I left. I don’t feel much like being a fifth wheel.” Brett sighed. He really did want to stay and hang out with Dale more and get to know Kiara a little better, but he didn’t know how he’d handle being around Kevin and Sydney. And he didn’t want anyone being uncomfortable in his presence.
“Fifth wheel?”
Brett nodded. “Yeah. Sydney is here…with Kevin.”
“Oh... OH!” Kevin exclaimed as it began to sink in. “Damn, man, I’m sorry.” Brett just shrugged again.
“Well, just because they are here together doesn’t mean you have to leave. Hell, you’ve still got Dale…not that that is any kind of consolation. Damn, I’d leave too.” Kevin joked, earning a laugh from Brett.
Brett shook his head. “Nah, I think it’s best if I leave. Besides, I think Dale will probably be a little too preoccupied with Kiara, and I don’t want to intrude on their time…”
Brett trailed off when it hit him what he had just said. He had completely forgotten all about the fact that Kevin didn’t know about Dale and Kiara. The look on Kevin’s face told him that he’d very well understood the meaning behind his words.
“Uh, what I mean is, they are –“ he cut himself off when Kevin spun around and stalked towards the track, the anger in his step evident.
“Oh shit!” Brett muttered, wondering if the day could possibly get any worse. “Shit, shit, shit!”
He quickly followed behind Kevin, hoping somehow he’d be able to get to Dale and Kiara before her very pissed off brother found them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kiara was leaving the garage area, heading toward the track after talking to Michael. Her progress was halted rather abruptly when her arm was grabbed from behind and she was spun around.
“What the hell are you doing?” She yelled before she even realized that it was her brother, Kevin who had stopped her. She felt her temper flare as she looked up at him and found him glaring down at her, his eyes blazing.
“What the hell is going on with you and Junior?” Kevin demanded.
“What?” Kiara questioned in return, her voice faltering despite her efforts to keep it even. She had a sinking feeling that Kevin had some how found out about her and Dale’s relationship.
“What are you talking about? There is nothing between Dale and I.” Kiara continued to deny even though she knew that it was futile.
“Bullshit!” Kevin yelled, causing Kiara to jump a step back in surprise. “Stop lying to me, Kiara! What is going on with you and Junior?” He demanded to know once again.
At that point Kiara had had enough of her brother. “Fine!” She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “You want the fucking truth? Then here it is.” Kiara nearly screamed, ignoring the people who were around and beginning to wonder what was going on between the two siblings. They’d been witness to their past fights, but it had never been anything like the one currently taking place.
“Yes! Dale and I are a couple. There, now you fucking know!” Kiara stated, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders as the words left her mouth. She glared defiantly up at her brother, daring him to say something. And when he did, she cut him off before he could get even one word out.
“I know what you’re going to say, Kevin, and quite honestly, I do not care what you think! You have no say in who I want to be with.” She told him as she looked up at him, her anger dying just slightly.
“Dale makes me happy. Why can’t you be happy for us?” She asked, her voice almost pleading for his approval.
Kevin folded his arms over his chest, not willing to back down. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, Ki. Nothing good will come out of your relationship with Junior. Nothing but hurt and heartache.” He said, not able to understand why she didn’t get it. Yes, Dale was his best friend, but the simple fact was that Junior was a womanizer. And just like he’d done with so many other women, he would soon tire of Kiara and toss her aside.
Kiara shook her head in disbelief. “This is fucking hopeless!” She hissed, unable to believe that this was becoming a major issue between Kevin and herself when it really didn’t have to be.
“Save it!” Kiara snapped, again cutting Kevin off when she saw that he was about to say something. "I’m not going to stand here and argue with you, Kevin. Dale and I are together…whether you like it or not!” With that said, she turned and walked away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Six
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“That doesn’t look too good.” Kevin said softly, gaining Sydney’s attention. She turned to see what had captured his attention, frowning when she saw Brett standing close by, frantically scanning the area. Obviously he’d been looking for Dale, because the instant he spotted him, he hurried over to him.
She watched as he pulled Dale away from the crew, she guessed to talk a little more privately. It looked as if Brett was talking a mile a minute, and was very animated with his hands. Her frown deepened when she saw Dale stiffen suddenly, then suddenly turn away. He was now frantically scanning the crowd the same way Brett had been just moments ago.
“What’s going on?” Kevin asked, looking down at Sydney who appeared just as confused as he was.
“I honestly don’t know, but it certainly doesn’t look good, does it?” She jumped and nearly yelled out loud when Kiara suddenly appeared beside her. “Jesus Christ you scared the shit out of me!” She paused when she took in Kiara’s tight expression.
“Is everything alright?” she asked. Kiara shook her head and shrugged at the same time.
“Kevin knows.” She said flatly, her voice void of much emotion.
“Huh? What do I know?” Kevin asked in confusion.
“Not you, my brother.” She clarified.
“Well, what does Kevin…oh my god!” Sydney’s eyes widened when it hit her. “How? How did he find out?”
Before Kiara could answer, Dale and Brett made their way through the crowd. “We have a problem.” Dale said urgently.
“Kiara, I’m so damn sorry. I swear I didn’t mean to say anything.” Brett said at the same time, looking just as stricken as he was feeling.
Kiara looked at Dale. “I know.” Then she turned to Brett. “So that’s how he found out. Well, it’s probably better in the long run that he knows, so don’t feel bad about it. I don’t blame you.” She said reassuringly.
“I take it you’ve seen Kevin.” Dale stepped closer to her, putting his arm around her. Hell there was no reason not to now, and in all honesty, he felt better. She nodded, her head against her shoulder.
“Yeah,” she sighed. “It was…not pretty, but I basically told him that I was happy with you and that he just needed to get over it.” She told them all. “I have a feeling things aren’t going to be real cheery with Kevin for awhile, but it’s his own doing.”
“Damn, I am so sorry.” Brett apologized again. Dale and Kiara both smiled at him.
“Kiara and I don’t have to hide anymore, so don’t be sorry.” Dale told him.
“So what do we do now?” Sydney asked, glancing around, breathing a sigh of relief when she didn’t see Kevin Harvick anywhere around.
“Well, right now, I go qualify…and try like hell to avoid Kevin for a couple days.” Dale answered, grinning sheepishly. He knew that he and Kevin’s time for talking wasn’t too far away. But it would have to wait until at least after the weekend. Here at the track was not the time and place for the kind of discussion they were going to have.
After wishing Dale good luck, he and Brett went to catch up with his crew to wait by his car until his turn to qualify came around. Kiara turned and smiled at Sydney and Kevin.
“Come on, let’s go crash at Dale’s coach. I need to relax.” She said leading the way.
“I thought you had to be with Michael.”
She shrugged. “Nah, he’s a big boy. He doesn’t need me to qualify. Besides, it’s safer in the coach.”
“Why?” Kevin asked.
“Won’t run into Kevin there…and ‘accidentally’ hurt him.” She replied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Seven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Penny for your thoughts.” Kevin said as he watched Sydney, who was sitting across their hotel room staring absently out the window. “Sydney.” He tried again, not getting an answer after several minutes. He got up and walked across the room and laid his hand on her shoulder, making her jump in surprise as he finally gained her attention.
“What’s up?” Sydney asked as she looked up at him, seeing the concern clouding his blue eyes. She sighed inwardly, hating what she was doing to him.
“What’s on your mind, Syd?” Kevin asked, even though he already knew the answer. Over the course of the weekend, she’d become distant with him. It had first started after they’d seen Brett on Friday and since then it had gotten steadily worse. Especially when they were around Brett.
“Uh…I…” Sydney stuttered, completely at a loss for words. How the hell could tell him that Brett had been the only thing on her mind the last few days. Even though she tried desperately not to think about him, she did. She knew that she could deny it until she was blue in the face, but she knew Brett had changed. What he’d said to Kevin and her only proved that. And while she was very attracted to Kevin, she was beginning to realize that it was purely a physical attraction. When she thought of Brett it was with her body and her soul.
“This isn’t going to work, Syd.” As much as it hurt to say that, Kevin knew that it was inevitable. He knew from the beginning that there was a big chance Sydney still had feelings for Brett and would most likely end up back with him eventually. But even knowing that, how could he not take the chance?
“No! No that’s not true at all. We can make this work!” Sydney exclaimed, her eyes wide at hearing his last statement. She really did want to make things work with Kevin and she wasn’t ready admit to the feeling that she still had for Brett.
Kevin sighed, raking his fingers through his hair as he sat down in the chair across from her and met her eyes. “Tell me honestly; who you want more? Brett or me?” He asked, his breath stuck in his throat as he waited for her answer.
“I don’t know.” Sydney whispered, but her eyes belied her words and told Kevin the truth.
Rising to his feet, Kevin gathered his things and headed towards the door. Hearing Sydney’s voice, he paused and turned back to look at her.
“I’m sorry, Kevin. This wasn’t my intention at all.” She told him, the sincerity of her words obvious.
Kevin gave her a ghost of a smile. “I know.” He replied, his voice gruff. “Take care, Sydney.” He said before turning and leaving. Once outside the door, he paused to gather his thoughts. He knew that that eventually he and Sydney would still be friends, but for now he needed time to heal his wounded heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Forty Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett, Kiara and Dale all looked up from the movie they were currently watching when there was a knock on Dale’s door. Dale groaned as he got to his feet. It had been a long hard weekend, the race going very well, as he ended up second. He somehow had managed to avoid Kevin all weekend, aside from catching a few heated glares from his best friend.
He opened the door, surprised to find Sydney on the other side. She and Kevin had left shortly after the race, and he hadn’t expected to see either of them again, since they were all heading home the next day.
“Syd! What are you doing?” he asked, opening the door wider for her. “Where’s Kevin?” he asked, frowning when he took in her pale face and her reluctance to step any farther into his coach.
“Is Kiara here?” she asked softly. Dale nodded and turned to call her but found he didn’t have too since she was now standing beside him. She took one look at Sydney and hurried down the steps.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” she demanded, worried about her friend’s appearance.
“I-we-it’s over.” Sydney finally got out. Kiara shook her head confused.
“What is over?” she asked.
“Me and Kevin.” Sydney whispered so softly Kiara had to lean in close to hear her. When she did she simply nodded, it not really coming as a huge shock. She had noticed the way Sydney had been pulling away from Kevin all weekend, and also the way her eyes lingered on Brett when she thought no one was looking.
“I see. Well, maybe in the long run that’s a good thing.” Kiara suggested gently. Sydney’s head jerked up.
“How can you say that? Kevin is a wonderful man, and I should have been better to him. He’s gentle, caring, sweet, and passionate…” she trailed off, hanging her head once again.
“But he’s not Brett.”
Sydney’s shoulders slumped in defeat, not even bothering to try and deny her friend's statement. With a deep breath she raised her head, ready to respond. But her words caught in her throat when she saw Brett standing in the doorway, staring at her.
Kiara turned and also saw Brett there and had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning. She and Dale had convinced Brett not to leave the track early, and she was damn glad he had decided to stay. Over the course of the weekend, she had spent a lot of time with the other man, and she had to say, she truly liked him. And she could definitely see where he and Sydney were meant to be.
Maybe this was just the kick in the ass they both needed to get their relationship back on track.
“I’m going to go back inside.” Kiara announced, completely ignoring Sydney’s panicked look. “You two…take your time.” She grinned, winking at Sydney, who immediately felt her cheeks burning.
Brett stepped down on the ground to give Kiara room to pass by and smiled at her when she gave him a reassuring grin. After the last couple days, he could definitely understand why Dale was so head over heels for her. She truly was a magnificent woman.
Once the door shut, Brett turned around and looked at Sydney who was studying the ground. “I’m sorry.”
She jumped slightly at his voice, and looked up at him slightly confused, then sighed when she realized he must have heard her conversation with Kiara. “Brett…” she started but cut herself off when she realized she didn’t really know what to say. After a moment, she decided to try again.
“I don’t blame you for any of this, Brett.” She said honestly. “Not anymore. This now, is my doing. I should never have tried to rush into something when my heart still belongs to someone else.”
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Chapter Forty Nine
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After arriving home the next day, Sydney wanted nothing more than to take a hot bath and crawl into bed. The weekend had been exhausting to say the least; more so emotionally exhausting than it had been physically.
She and Brett hadn’t gotten much further in talking as shortly after Kiara had left them alone and gone back inside Dale’s coach, Delana had come by to make sure that Dale and Kiara were all right. And then a few minutes later, Michael showed up needing to talk to Kiara.
After that they gave up on the conversation. They knew that they still needed to talk, but it would have to wait until a later time. She wasn’t sure what happen between them, but the one thing that she was sure of was that she wasn’t going to be foolish and rush into anything. She’d learned her lesson well about that after what had happened with Kevin. She knew that she’d hurt him, and she never wanted to do that again. Before leaving for home, she gave him her phone number, not knowing that he already had it. She told him to call her and promised to do the same when he gave her his number as well.
Her plans for a bath and then bed were brought to a halt by the sound of her doorbell ringing just as she was heading for the bathroom to began running the water for her bath. Sydney groaned inwardly, just knowing that it was her mom on the other side of the door.
Sydney knew that it was useless to try to ignore her mom because she obviously knew that she was home and even if she did try to ignore it, her mom had a key to unlock the door. Sighing with annoyance, she went to the door and opened it, fully intending to tell her mom to go home and not to come back until she invited her to do so. But before she could get the words out, her mom brushed past her and stepped into the apartment. And much to Sydney’s total shock and disbelief, Trevor followed behind her mom.
"This really isn't a good time, mom." Sydney stated, her voice tired. "I just got home and I'm exhausted. I really want to go to bed." She hoped her mom would pick up her subtle hint to leave, but she knew her words were going unheard when it came to her mother. Trevor, on the other hand, at least had the decency to look a little uncomfortable with the situation.
Mrs. Hudson gave her daughter a faked look of sympathy. "Well, if you wouldn't go traipsing all over the country, maybe you'd get an adequate amount of sleep and you wouldn't be so exhausted. Just what do you do on these trips of yours that you've been taking lately."
Sydney's eyes narrowed, her temper barely contained as she glared at her mother. "Don't even start with me." Sydney warned, not at all in the mood to put up with her mother's crap.
Mrs. Hudson brushed off her daughter's words as though they hadn't even been spoken. "I'll be leaving now so you and Trevor can have some time alone to get to know each other seeing as you really didn't get the chance at the dinner party." She stated as she moved toward the door to leave.
Sydney was so stunned at what her mother had just said and was doing that she was momentarily truly speechless. After what seemed like an eternity, but was only a second or two in reality, she found her voice.
"Yes, you will leave mother and you will take him with you!" Sydney demanded, gesturing toward Trevor. Then she turned to Trevor. "You seem like a really nice guy, but in all honestly, I'm not up to having any kind of relationship right now." She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep back the grin when she heard her mom gasp in shock. Sydney smirked slightly, knowing that if that shocked her mom, what she was going to say next, may very well do her in.
"Besides, in a few weeks, I'll be moving to North Carolina...and those long distance relationships just don't work well from what I've heard." Sydney said and waited for the explosion that was sure to come.
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Chapter Fifty
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Kiara groaned irritably and buried herself deeper in the bed, trying to ignore what was disturbing her peaceful sleep. She opened one eye and glared at the man lying next to her who was still trying to wake her up.
“This better be a joke.” She snapped testily, earning a grin from Dale. “I thought you didn’t get up until after lunch, so why are you waking me at…” she paused as she raised her head to look at his clock next to the bed. “At 7:30!”
“Sorry, but I can’t sleep when your cell phone keeps ringing.” For the first time she noticed he was holding her phone in his hand, and that she had several missed calls.
She rubbed her eyes, trying to wake herself up a little, feeling as if she had just gotten to sleep, which was basically the truth. They hadn’t arrived back in North Carolina until early in the morning, and instead of driving home, she had stayed with Dale.
She took the phone and checked the numbers, seeing it was Sydney who had called her so many times. “It’s Syd.” She told Dale as she quickly dialed the numbers and waited for Sydney to answer.
“Hey.” She said with a yawn when Sydney answered, sounding too wide awake for the early morning hour. “What’s up?”
“Did I wake you?” Sydney asked, pacing around her apartment. Once she had announced she was moving, she hadn’t been able to sleep until she told Kiara. After her mother’s reaction the night before, she was ready to hurry up with the moving process. Her mother had been completely unreasonable, and all but forbid her to move.
“Uh, yeah, but that’s okay. What’s going on?” Kiara asked, a little more awake.
“I want to move to North Carolina.”
Kiara bolted upright in bed, scaring the hell out of Dale as she did so, a huge smile spreading across her face. “You better not be joking!” she threatened.
“I’ve already told my mother, so I’m definitely not joking.” Sydney told her, feeling a hell of a lot better.
“When?” Kiara demanded, ready to get Sydney moved right then.
“Whenever you’re free. Your schedule is a little more hectic than mine, so we can work around yours.” Sydney told her.
“House hunting? But you have a house.” Sydney said, the confusion in her voice, matching the confused look Dale was giving her at the moment.
“I’ve been toying with the idea of moving for a while, needing my own space, and now with Kevin being…well an asshole, I definitely don’t want to be there right now.” Kiara ran a hand through her bed tangled hair as she explained.
“I understand. Okay, I’m going to get everything straight here, and I’ll call you later this afternoon to let you know when I’ll be there. Oh by the way, tell Dale I said hi, since I know he’s right there.” Sydney giggled.
“Bite me.” Kiara laughed. “Later, bye.” She hit the end button then flopped back on the bed, smiling widely at Dale.
“Sydney’s moving here!”
Dale laughed. “I gathered that. You really gonna look for a new house?” he asked, and she could see the concern just below the surface of his blue eyes.< p>
“Yeah, I think it’s the best thing to do. I’ve been thinking about it even before all this shit with Kevin…this just kinda helped me along.” She admitted, scooting closer to him, lying down, cuddled up against him, ready to go back to sleep.
“Have you talked to Kevin?” Dale asked. He felt her sigh.
“No, I haven’t. I really haven’t gone out of my way to get a hold of him, and neither has he. I’ve talked to De, but not Kevin. What about you?” she asked, tipping her head back to see his face. She didn’t miss the sad look that crossed his features before he was able to cover it.
“No. I tried calling him and left a message for him, but he’s not talking to me.” Dale replied, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close.
“Yet.” Kiara said, closing her eyes once more. “It’s only going to be a matter of time before Kevin comes to confront you.”
Dale was quiet for a moment. “I know, and I’m ready.”
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Chapter Fifty One
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After rushing to get the door unlocked, Sydney quickly, but carefully dropped her bags on the floor and grabbed the phone. “Hello?” She answered as she flopped down in the nearest chair, tired after a long day at work and the running several errands afterward. She probably would have ignored the phone if she hadn’t thought that it was Kiara and needed to talk to her friend to finalize their plans for her moving.
“Hey, did I catch you at a bad time?” Brett asked, hearing that she sounded out of breath.
“Brett…hi!” Sydney exclaimed, surprised to hear from him. Even though she had told him to call her, she had convinced herself over the last few days that she’d never hear from him again.
“No, this isn’t a bad time. I was just coming through the door when the phone was ringing.” Sydney explained as she got more comfortable in the chair, somehow knowing that this would be a long phone call.
“Good thing I didn’t call a little sooner then. I would have missed you.” Brett commented as he really began to realize how good it was to hear her voice and to be talking to her. The only thing that could have made it any better was if it had been face to face rather than over the phone. He had a feeling that that would come soon enough though.
“How’ve you been?” Brett asked, not meaning just in general. As much as he was happy, or maybe it was more relieved, that she wasn’t with Kevin any longer, he still felt bad that when it came right down to it, it was because of him that things had ended for them before they really even got a chance to get started. He also knew that Sydney carried a good amount of guilt over the entire situation. And he hadn’t seen or talked to Kevin all week, which didn’t really make him feel any better.
“I’ve been… good.” Sydney answered. In all honesty, she’d been so busy tying things up at work and getting ready to move that she really hadn’t had a chance to think about much else. “I’m getting ready to move to North Carolina with Kiara on Monday.”
“Really?” Brett asked in surprise.
“Yeah, it’s actually something that I’ve been thinking about doing for a while now, but my mother’s behavior after I got back from Texas was the last of the convincing that I needed.”
“Ahh, I see.” Brett replied, knowing first hand how intolerable Mrs. Hudson could be. “Well, I’m free until next weekend…do you need any help with moving?” He was certain that she would decline, but hell, it never hurt to ask.
“That would be great!” Sydney heard herself respond without any hesitation. And if truth be told, there was no need to hesitate. It all felt right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Fifty Two
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“That better have been the last box, because I’m too damn sore to move anything else.” Kiara complained as she sat down on the floor of Sydney’s now empty apartment.
“Wimp.” Dale eased.
“Ha ha.” Kiara shot back, then looked over at Brett. “Are you coming to North Carolina with us to help us unpack all this stuff?” she asked.
Brett looked over at Sydney who smiled and nodded her head. He had arrived Friday afternoon to help her start packing, and their time together had been absolutely wonderful. There had yet to be a tense moment between them, and they had established something they’d never really had before. A friendship.
“Yes I am. I have free time until this Friday, so I’m here to help.” He said.
“Oh goody. And I’ve got Michael all lined up and a couple guys from the shop to help…so I think that means you and I can just sit back and dictate.” Kiara grinned at Sydney.
“Sounds like a great idea to me!” Sydney nodded enthusiastically. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had parts hurting on her that she had never even known she had until they moved everything out. Luckily they had a day to rest. They were all flying out that night to North Carolina, and all her stuff was being shipped the following day. She and Kiara were planning on doing some serious house hunting the next day.
“Well, I think we’re done here, and it’s about time to head to the airport.” Dale said looking at his watch.
“Does that require me getting up?” Kiara grumbled from where she was lying on the floor.
“What the hell is going on here?”
They all jumped and turned to see Mrs. Hudson standing in the door way. Kiara and Brett both groaned softly as Dale looked confused and Sydney looked panicked.
Mrs. Hudson glared at Brett for a full minute before spinning around to look at her daughter. “You’ve got some serious explaining to do young lady!” she hissed.
“I told you I was moving, Mother.” Sydney said through clenched teeth. This was the scene she’d been hoping to avoid, and had just about succeeded. She should have known better than to think she would have made a clean get away.
“I didn’t know you were this serious! And what is he doing here?” she sneered glaring once more at Brett.
“He has a name, Mother. And Brett is here helping me move.” Sydney snapped, having had enough.
“I don’t believe this. I just can’t believe you, Sydney.” Her mother shook her head. “This is just going to break your father’s heart. All this time we’ve been trying to get you to move, and you refused. Now, you’re going to move to North Carolina.” She turned around abruptly and advanced on Kiara who had risen to her feet when Sydney’s mother had first walked in the door.
“This is all your fault! You’ve always been nothing but a bad influence on Sydney!” Kiara’s eyes narrowed dangerously, but Sydney stepped in before she could say anything.
“That’s enough mother!” Sydney yelled. She pointed to the door. “Get the hell out.” She ground out, surprising everyone, especially herself since she had never used that kind of tone with her before.
“W-what?” her mother stuttered, unable to believe the way her daughter had just spoken to her.
“You heard me!” Sydney snarled. “You come into my home, and yes this is still my home for the time being, and totally disrespect my friends. That’s unacceptable, Mother. Now get out! Christ, it’s no wonder I’m moving to North Carolina. It’s to get the hell away from you!”
No one said a word as Mrs. Hudson stared at her daughter wide eyed, her face completely pale. A full moment of silence passed before Mrs. Hudson turned and walked out of the house, the door slamming behind her.
Sydney chewed on her bottom lip, and then looked at everyone. “I guess I went a little overboard, huh?” she asked, fighting the guilt she felt at the look on her mother’s face. She really hadn’t meant to say all that, but she had just reached her breaking point where her mother was concerned.
“Hell no, you should have done that a long time ago.” Kiara exclaimed, grinning at her friend.
“Wow, I’d heard you all talk about her, but damn she really is a piece of work.” Dale said softly, having never had the ‘privilege’ of meeting Sydney’s mother before. “And here I thought you all had exaggerated.”
“Looks like the years haven’t changed her any.” Brett muttered to himself, then walked over to Sydney, putting his arm comfortingly around her shoulders, not missing the way she leaned into him without hesitation.
“Your mother will be fine.” He told her. “That may have been exactly what she needed to realize you’re going to live your own life, and not the life she has picked out for you.”
Sydney smiled gratefully up at him. “Thanks. And you’re right. I’m not going to let her get to me. Come on all, we’ve got a plane to catch…and I’m more than ready to get out of Tennessee.”
2003 K&K Productions