Right Before His Eyes by Wendy Etherington Read Free Book Online Page B

them, Rafael walked over. “Hey, boss, Sheila.” His blue-eyed gaze swept Sheila. “You look different.”
    Gil laid his hand on her shoulder. “That’s a compliment.”
    Rafael cocked his head. “Definitely.”
    Like the other night at dinner, her wavy hair was loose of its usual ponytail. Though she wore plain,slightly worn jeans and a Double S Racing polo she’d requested he bring her, she looked as beautiful as any other woman would in high-class designer clothes.
    â€œAre you flirting with my date?” Gil asked him, his tone casual even if his intent wasn’t.
    â€œNot at all.” He exchanged a knowing look with Gil.
    â€œI’m just a little surprised to see her here.”
    â€œI’m pretty successful when I’m focused—just like you.”
    â€œCan I see your helmet, Rafael?” Sheila asked, seemingly unconcerned that they were discussing her as if she wasn’t standing right next to them—a fact that any other time would have at least elicited a sarcastic comment.
    Her fascination with his world only made him fall for her even harder.
    â€œSure.”
    The moment the driver handed over the helmet, Sheila started asking questions. She kept a running dialogue going all the way to pit road, where Rafael broke off to wait by his car with his team.
    Gil spoke briefly to the CEO of Hometeam Insurance, driver Ben Edmonds’s primary sponsor, and when he turned to Sheila to introduce her, he realized she’d moved a few steps away to run her fingertips over the pit wall. The gleeful look on her face made everything inside him go soft.
    He grasped her hand in his and led her toward Rafael’s stall, where he assured her she could not only touch the wall, but sit on it and watch qualifying. She grinned as the first car roared onto the track, and he was certain her smile never dimmed the entire time.
    Rafael’s team took good care of her, bringing herdrinks and snacks and patiently answering her many questions, and Gil was happy to be part of the group who catered to her, especially since she was usually the one making sure all of them were happy and well fed.
    When he offered dinner after qualifying, she shook her head. She wanted to watch the truck race.
    Maybe an addiction to racing would keep her by his side.
    He encouraged her to watch the race from on top of one of the haulers. So, binoculars in hand, she kept her attention focused on every lap. She even called Mellie from her cell phone and held it up, so she could hear the roar of the engines as everyone in the field fought like tigers for victory.
    By the time they left the track, it was nearly eleven o’clock, so Gil’s plan of a romantic steak dinner was scrapped. They wound up driving through a fast-food place, then eating burgers, fries and salads as they sat on the sofa in her hotel suite.
    With a satisfied sigh, Sheila dragged a fry through ketchup. “Just like home.”
    â€œYour burgers are better, and I promised steak.”
    â€œSorry. I got carried away at the track. Tomorrow night, maybe?”
    He slid his thumb across her cheek. “Whatever you want.”
    â€œYou’re awfully agreeable these days. After all the arguments we’ve had, I never would have guessed we’d actually get along.”
    â€œHey, you started most of those arguments. Probably to make sure I kept my distance.”
    Shrugging, she polished off another fry, then leaned back into the sofa cushions. “Probably.” She lookedaround the spacious suite, her gaze lingering for a moment on the vase of yellow roses sitting on the desk. “You gave me your room, didn’t you?”
    â€œYes.” He’d hoped his switch wouldn’t be noticed. She always seemed suspicious of generosity. “I thought you’d like the space.”
    â€œWhere are you staying?”
    â€œAcross the hall. Room 1214.”
    â€œMost of the owners have a