Loving Lucas (26 page)

Thank God the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor my attorney sent me to recently determined
no treatment required.
A copy of her finding was included with the letter my attorney sent to my ex.

“But there’s no change in the welfare of our child,” she claims.

“No?” I ask. “Your own mother says differently. I don’t want to hurt you. But I’m fully prepared to file for a custody change. Read the letter again, Willow. It’s not personal; this is about Alex. The court demands whatever parent retains custody not only address the emotional, developmental, and physical needs of our son, but also encourage a relationship between him and the other parent, someone who is going to be a positive influence, free from abuse, neglect, and violence. After speaking with Alex over the last week, I’m not convinced you’re meeting those standards.”

“Oh God . . .”
 

“Willow?”

“My life is falling apart.”

“It doesn’t have to.”

There’s a long stretch of silence. “I can’t believe you’re getting married.”

“Karlie is a wonderful woman. She’ll be good to Alex. I promise.”

“An evidentiary hearing?”

She’s stuck on the negative aspects of the letter, not seeing the silver lining. If she relinquishes custody voluntarily, she’ll avoid court. No one will know about her little sleeping pill habit she’s had since high school or that she’s going through another breakup. “Name the date—I’ll fly to Minnesota and pick him up. Or come here for a visit. Meet Karlie, see the house. I’ll never keep Alex from you. Think about it, Willow. We’ve known and loved each other for a long time. I’m not your enemy.”

She’s weeping. “I never wanted things to turn out this way, never.”

“I know,” I say quietly. “That’s why I’m willing to help you.”

Karlie is standing in the doorway. I wonder how long she’s been listening. I flash her a smile.

“I’m welcome in Texas?” Willow asks.

“Always.”

“Will you consider letting him spend Thanksgiving here?”

“If you sign a certified agreement through your attorney, I’ll grant your request. My attorney fully expects to set up visitation rights with you. It’s not going to be easy, Willow, but if we work together, I’m sure the four of us will be happy.”

“Four?”

“Alex, Karlie, you, and me,” I explain.

Karlie hugs me from behind.

“Guess I’d better get used to that number,” Willow says.

“Yeah,” I agree. “It’s never going to change.”

“Are you disappointed?” Karlie asks as she slips under the covers, curling beside me.

It’s the night before the big post-season race. “Not really,” I answer, looking up from my book. “We’ll still have fun.” Only a handful of guys signed up, so the once formal event has been downsized to a couple of practice heats and a barbeque.

She plucks the novel I’m reading out of my hands and tosses it on the mattress. “And now that Connor has court-ordered rehab, I don’t have to worry about your safety. Marie, Brandon, Charles, and the basketball team are going to be there to cheer you on.”

I roll my eyes. “No hot chicks in skimpy clothes asking me to sign their tits?”

She punches my arm playfully. “Don’t push your luck, Mr. Lafontaine.”

“Why not, soon-to-be-Mrs. Lafontaine?”

“Because if you don’t behave, you’ll miss out on this . . .” She grips me tight, her hand sliding up and down my erection.

“Hey.” I reach between her legs, cupping her center. “No sex before a race—that’s the rule.”

“Not tonight,” she corrects, rolling on top of me. “Tonight you take one for the team.” Her sweet lips find mine and I know we make the perfect pair.

To Doug—thank you for the past.
 

And to Scott O. my favorite racing partner—miss it always!

Acknowledgments

Thanks to all my readers—none of this is possible without you.

Big hugs to Jill Marsal, the best agent ever, who puts up with all my nutty ideas and phone calls.

To my editor, Sue Grimshaw—do I drive you crazy yet? Thank you for everything you do.

All my love to B.J. Scott, Jessica Jefferson, J.J., Dan Skrzynski, Debbie McCreary, Kathryn Le Veque, Melisa Zornes, and my beloved husband, Jeff.

Listening is the greatest gift you can give an author.

By Violetta Rand

Devil’s Den

Surrender

Seduction

Sin

Lies & Leather

Loving Lucas

Winning Mason
(coming soon)

Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska, where she studied environmental science and policy as an undergraduate before attending graduate school. Violetta then spent nearly a decade working as an environmental scientist, specializing in soil and water contamination and environmental assessments.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative New Adult romance and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends. In her free time, she loves to hike, fish, and ride motorcycles and four-wheelers.

www.violettarandromance.com

Facebook.com/ViolettaRandRomance

@ViolettaRand