“Yes,” Caitlin answered. Joshua had only seen Cameron for a short while, yet he’d remembered him, just like his mother had been unable to forget his father.

  “Glad to see you’re here today after yesterday’s crash,” the TV announcer said, mic in hand.

  Cameron grinned. “That makes two of us.”

  Off camera, the screams of women could be heard. The newsman chuckled. “I think we can safely say others are just as pleased. How do you feel about today’s race, Cameron? This is just the beginning of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series chase. You won the Chase last year, but you’ll have stiff competition from other drivers, including team member Reggie Young.”

  “The competition is fierce. Reggie, of course, is a fantastic driver,” Cameron said. “My team and I will take one race at a time. My Chevy is running great. I have the best crew chief and pit crew in the business. We’re ready to win this one.”

  “California Speedway is one of the five tracks that starts the races in the afternoon and finishes at night. How do you feel about night racing?”

  “This is one of the best tracks in the NASCAR Series. The lighting is fantastic.” Cameron flashed a grin. “In any case, I love challenges.” The smile slid away. “If I don’t win, it won’t be because I didn’t give it my best shot.”

  “Your best has put you in the top ten for the past four years. You’re starting in eleventh place today.”

  “That means I’m ahead of thirty-two other cars,” Cameron said with a chuckle.

  The announcer chuckled with him. “Good luck.”

  “Thanks.” Jerking down his baseball cap with HILLIARD MOTORSPORTS on the visor, he walked away.

  The reporter faced the camera. “That upbeat personality is why Cameron McBride is one of the most popular drivers today, but he has skills. It’s hard to believe he went winless and out of the top twenty for fifteen straight races before pulling out of a slump five years ago.”

  Caitlin’s hand clenched on the remote. After every race she’d gone to the Internet to look up the race stats. Each loss tore at her because she knew how competitive he was, how much he wanted to succeed. He’d been well on his way to winning the Chase Cup, finishing in the top ten ever since his rookie year when he’d been named Rookie of the Year. That year was supposed to be his. He’d told her as much. He had the car, the team, the sponsor, the woman. Nothing could stop him.

  Except her betrayal.

  The camera switched to Cameron. He grinned lazily. Her heart foolishly fluttered. She was afraid it always would.

  Flashing a thumbs-up sign, he climbed into the back of the truck that would take him to his car on the grass of the track. Cars were pushed onto the track by the pit crew. No engines were started until the signal was given. Hopping nimbly out of the bed of the truck, Cameron went to his car. With the ease of long practice, he slid through the window into his regular car, number 23.

  Joshua giggled. “He climbed though the window.”

  “That’s how they get into the cars they race. There’s no door.” There was no speedometer, either, to tell the driver how fast he was going. Often he reached a hundred eighty miles per hour with only inches between the next car at times.

  She hadn’t wanted Joshua to know anything about racing until he was older, but that choice had been taken from her. Cameron might be angry with her, but he wasn’t vindictive enough to take Joshua completely from her. He’d tolerate the mother for the sake of the child.

  “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

  The rumble of powerful engines was almost deafening. Cars took off around the track waiting for the green flag to come out to signal the start of the race.

  “They’re going around in circles. It’s like on the road with all the cars on the freeway,” Joshua commented. “I see Cameron’s car. I remember he’s number twenty-three.”

  It was the same number he’d had when she left. He’d wrecked that car two years ago, but apparently it had been repaired. She hadn’t been able to stop shaking when she’d seen a picture of the mangled car. He was blessed to walk away with only a fractured collarbone.

  Joshua watched the car duck and dive around the track, getting more of a feel for the surface. Caitlin watched her son.

  She hadn’t been able to watch a race since Johnny died with three races in the season to go. She and Cameron had planned to marry after the racing season ended in November and the banquet in New York to celebrate the winner of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Instead she’d left a note and her wedding gown in the suite of his family-owned hotel.

  The green flag came out. “They’re off!” shouted the announcer.

  “Wow!” Joshua said, awe in his young voice, as he watched the cars race around the track.

  The doorbell rang. Instead of running to answer it as he usually did, Joshua stayed in front of the television. “That’s probably Stephen and his mother,” Caitlin said.

  That got his attention. Joshua headed for the door. Tossing the remote aside, Caitlin followed. Joshua went to the glass panel by the door. On the other side was Stephen, grinning and waving. It was a game they played. Caitlin opened the door.

  “Hi, Diana and Stephen,” Caitlin greeted.

  “Hi, Caitlin. Joshua,” Diana said, stepping inside with her son. Tall and thin with shoulder-length red hair, she always wore a smile. Today was no exception. She had been the first neighbor to greet them when they moved in.

  They’d hit it off immediately and so had their children. Diana was a full-time homemaker and wouldn’t have it any other way. After trying for ten years to get pregnant, she said she planned to enjoy and watch every second of Stephen growing up.

  “Joshua, why don’t you take Stephen out back to play.”

  Joshua shook his dark head. “Can I show him Cameron racing on television?”

  “Cameron McBride?” Diana asked

  Caitlin blinked in surprise. Joshua took her silence for permission. Off he and Stephen ran.

  “No running in the house,” Caitlin and Diana said at the same time. They’d said the same thing dozens of time together. Usually they laughed about it when the boys were out of sight. This time Caitlin wrapped her arms around her churning stomach. She had never felt less like laughing.

  Diana studied her closely. “Caitlin, what is it? You said you needed a favor.”

  “I do. Let me check on the boys first.” Going to the family room, she saw Stephen and Joshua shoulder to shoulder, sitting side by side in front of the TV set.

  “That’s Cameron’s car. He climbed through the window,” Joshua said, pointing to the television set.

  “He came to your house?”

  Joshua nodded. “Last night.” Joshua turned to his mother. “Is he coming back?”

  Caitlin felt the weight of Diana’s stare. “Yes.”

  “Can I meet him?” Stephen asked. “You think he’ll let us climb through the window, too?”

  “Will he, Mom?” Joshua asked, his young voice gleeful with excitement.

  Caitlin moistened her lips. She had wanted to prepare him, had hoped he’d be bored by the cars going around in a circle. “The car is taken back to the home base in Charlotte, a long distance away, after the race.”

  The boys let out disappointed twin sighs and turned back to the TV.

  “Diana and I will be back in a minute. We’re going to the kitchen.” She’d learned the hard way that it was best to let the two active boys know where she was so that they were aware that they weren’t being left alone.

  In the kitchen, she folded her arms and leaned against the countertop. “Do you want anything to drink?”

  Diana caught both of Caitlin’s arms and nudged her to a nearby stool at the bar. “Sit. What is it, and how can I help?”

  “You already have,” Caitlin said. “Anyone else would be asking plenty of questions.”

  “I’m curious as the next person.” Diana took a seat next to Caitlin. “But I can tell this is difficult for you. You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

  “Thank you.” Caitlin stood and went to a message board and removed a set of keys on a metal ring. “Joshua and I are leaving in the morning for an indefinite period. I don’t have time to stop my mail or get someone to house-sit for me.”

  Diana took the keys and slid them into the pocket of her pants. “I’ll take care of everything. You need me to drive you anywhere?”

  Caitlin momentarily glanced away. “No, someone is picking us up.”

  “I know I said I wouldn’t ask questions, but would that someone be Cameron McBride?”

  Caitlin sidestepped the question. “How do you know Cameron?”

  “You know Stephen’s father is a sports fanatic. He recently caught the NASCAR bug. If he wasn’t on a business trip, he’d be at the racetrack now,” Diana explained. “As one of the few African-American drivers in NASCAR history, Cameron stands out. But it’s his racing ability that has taken him to the top of his field.”

  “Racing is dangerous.”

  “So are other sports, but I think there’s more to this.”

  Caitlin swallowed. “He’s Joshua’s father.”

  Cameron strode to the winner’s circle with a smile on his face. This time it was to congratulate the winner, Slim Oliver. You couldn’t win them all and unless you learned that Lady Luck wasn’t always on your shoulder and to appreciate the skills of the other drivers, it would make you a bitter loser.

  “Congratulations, Slim. One heck of a race.”

  The man who’d also won one NASCAR Sprint Cup grinned and shook the hand Cameron offered. “Thanks. You were dogging my tail all afternoon.”

  But not close enough. His concentration had slipped a couple of times. He’d lost ground and the race. He wouldn’t lose his son. “Get you next time.”

  Slapping the man on the shoulder, Cameron walked away. He’d come in at ninth place, enough to keep him in contention once NASCAR began the process of selecting the top drivers to compete for the Cup. And he would have one of those spots. This was his year.

  He grimaced. He’d thought that before, and his life had crumbled. His jaw clenched. That wouldn’t happen this year. All he had to do was stay focused. A driver without focus didn’t win races and he certainly didn’t win championships.

  Climbing up the steps of his motor coach, he opened the door and went inside. It was past midnight. If it wasn’t so late he’d go pick up his son. Tomorrow. First he needed a shower.

  “Cameron. Great race.”

  “Thanks, Frank,” Cameron answered, removing his race boots. “You can head out in the morning anytime you want. I’m staying tonight, but I’m taking a jet back.”

  Frank frowned. “You’re riding with Hilliard?”

  Cameron grunted, then stood and unzipped his race suit. Hilliard’s niece had made it pretty clear from the day they met two years ago that she wanted Cameron. Once he’d found her naked in his bed. “I’m not suicidal yet.”

  Frank, whose job as driver included taking care of Cameron’s gear, reached for Cameron’s boots. “Got it.” Cameron grabbed the shoes and pulled the race suit from the crook of the other man’s arms.

  “Are you going to let me do my job?” Frank asked.

  “Force of habit.” Cameron tossed his suit over his shoulder. “Mother taught us to be self-sufficient.” Cameron frowned as he recalled why. In case the curse that no McBride male would ever be lucky in love was true. Faith was happy, but she was also the first female born in several generations of unlucky McBride males. It was almost as if, because of their financial success, they were doomed never to find lasting love.

  “Cameron?”

  Cameron looked at Frank. “Yeah?”

  “You all right?” his driver asked.

  “Yep, and in the morning, I’ll be doing even better.”

  The frown on Frank’s lived-in face didn’t clear. “A woman? You never went in for the groupies before.”

  “Still haven’t. This is much more important than a woman.” With Frank staring after him, Cameron went to the shower.

  There were so many things going on in Cameron’s head the next morning that he wasn’t surprised that he’d forgotten to call and ask Caitlin for the gate code. Pulling out his cell phone, he shook his head and returned it to his belt loop. Somehow he knew without checking that Caitlin wasn’t listed.

  “It’s the gated development just up ahead to the left,” Cameron advised, hoping one of the cars ahead of them was turning into the housing development.

  “Yes, sir, Mr. McBride,” the driver answered. “I’ve been out here before to pick up or deliver.” The broad-shouldered man pulled up to the gate and punched in a code. “This is a beautiful neighborhood. The houses are spectacular and everyone takes care of their yards.”

  The gates swung inward and the stretch limo pulled through. One problem solved, and many more to take its place. “Fifth house on the right. Just park at the curb.”

  “Yes, sir.” The driver did as directed, then left the motor running to get out and open Cameron’s door. He smiled at Cameron, who was already on the sidewalk. “I could have gotten that.”

  “No problem, Kerry.” Cameron wasn’t the kind of man who liked being waited on, but he acknowledged that some of his haste was because he was anxious to see Joshua again. “I’ll be back, and we’ll head to the airport.”

  “Do I need to accompany you and get the bags?” the chauffer asked.

  “I got it.” Cameron started up the multilevel walkway. It was as the driver had said, the yards were well cared for. Despite his anger at Caitlin for not letting him be a part of Joshua’s life, he had to admit she had provided a good home for their son.

  But now it was his turn.

  He rang the doorbell. When seconds ticked by and there was no answer, he rang the bell again. Be here, Caitlin.

  The door opened. Caitlin stood there, her eyes huge in her face.

  “Where’s Joshua?” he asked, trying to look behind her into the wide foyer and beyond.

  “I—in the study,” she answered, moistening her lips. “Cameron, if we could talk about this.”

  “I’ve done more than enough talking.” He stepped around her, but she caught his arm.

  “What do you plan to do?” she cried.

  “Take my son,” he answered.

  She quickly looked behind her. “You can’t just blurt it out,” she hissed.

  “I wouldn’t have to, if you had contacted me. You let your fears cheat me and Joshua.” He glanced meaningfully at his arm. “I have a plane waiting.”

  Her fingers tightened. “Please, Cameron.”

  He refused to let the quiver in her voice, her unsteady hand, sway him. Once he would have gladly laid down his life for her. “You should have thought of this earlier.” Flexing his arm, he was free.

  She passed him and reached Joshua first. She looked as if she wanted to snatch him up and run. He shook his head. Once. If she disappeared again, he’d come after her and he wouldn’t be civil.

  Oblivious to the undercurrents, Joshua sat at a child-size built-in desk playing a computer game. Five feet away was another computer with an adult chair. Obviously they shared the office.

  He’d shared nothing with his son. Cameron’s hands flexed with the need to hold him. Instead he walked over. “Hello, Joshua.”

  Joshua jerked his head around. When he saw Cameron a wide grin split his young face. “Cameron!” He jumped up from his seat. “I saw you climb through the window.”

  Cameron couldn’t hide his start of surprise. His gaze went to Caitlin, who hovered nearby. “You did?”

  Joshua nodded. “Mommy explained how you don’t have a door. My best friend and me wanted to ask you if we could get in the car, but Mommy said it was probably on the way back to where you live in Charlotte.”

  Each innocent word condemned Caitlin more. She could have easily found him, yet chose not to. Instead, she’d chosen to live her life without him. So be it.

  “Your mommy’s right, but would you like to take a trip with me and see the car? Get inside of it?”

  “For real?” Excitement gleamed in the little boy’s eyes.

  Cameron hunkered down to eye level. “For real. We’re going on a little trip this morning.”

  “Wow,” he repeated.

  Her eyes huge with apprehension, Caitlin swung Joshua into her arms. Cameron told himself not to let the fear affect him. He couldn’t quite do it. His heart squeezed. He started to reassure her that he wouldn’t take Joshua from her, then decided to remain quiet.

  From the looks of the house she lived in, the expensive SUV she drove, her syndicated comic strip was doing well. If she bolted this time he might not be able find her. As long as she feared him, he could have time with his son.

  “Is he packed?”

  Her arms tightened. “We’re packed.”

  He didn’t miss the emphasis on “we.” “Unlike some people, I’m not that heartless. Yet!”

  Caitlin sucked in a breath. Her arms tightened. Cameron’s gaze was focussed on his son. Cameron didn’t want her pain to affect him, make him want to take her in his arms.

  When he felt there was nothing in his face or eyes to give him away, he looked back at her. “Just remember who is in charge,” he said, his voice unbending.

  “I understand,” she whispered, her voice unsteady.

  Slowly he reached out and gently touched Joshua’s arm. “How is your shoulder?”

  He smiled. “All better.”

  “Good, because I want you to be able to enjoy the airplane ride we’re about to go on.”

  “For real?”

  “For real,” Cameron repeated.

  Joshua grinned for all he was worth. “I’ve never been on a plane before. I wanted to go look for my daddy, but I didn’t know where he lived.” The smile died.

  Cameron’s hard gaze sliced to Caitlin, but she refused to meet it. She had a lot to answer for.

  “I wish I had a daddy like Stephen.”

  Cameron’s chest felt tight. Caitlin’s fear had deprived him and his son of so much. “Is Stephen your best friend?”

  Joshua nodded. “He lives next door with his mother and father, and they have lots of fun. I get to sleep over sometimes.”