She dialed a second, more desirable number.
“What the effing time is it?” Tuesday asked, her voice cranky and gravelly.
“I have an exclusive for you,” Kendall told Tuesday. “And it’s a good one. You’ll be glad I woke you up at seven A.M.”
“Oh, yeah? Is someone changing teams?” Tuesday’s sleepy voice perked up. “Coffee. I need coffee.”
“No, no one switched teams. But rookie driver Kendall Holbrook and teammate Evan Monroe got married last night right here in Mooresville.” Kendall lounged on the bed in her sleep shirt, the sound of Evan’s shower soothing to her ears.
There was stunned silence, then Tuesday said, “I don’t need the coffee anymore. Are you kidding me?”
She grinned in the empty room. “Not kidding. I’m married, can you believe it?”
“No, I can’t . . . my God. Wow. Congratulations! How did this happen?”
“I asked him. He said yes. We did it.”
“Just like that? Girl, I didn’t think you had it in you.” Tuesday’s voice was admiring. “And you asked him? Wow.”
“You said that already.” Kendall held up her left hand and admired her ring in the morning light. “I give you permission to post this information as soon as you’d like. I would do it before someone tattles. Only the courthouse clerk, the minister, and the photographer know about it, but someone always tells a friend, who tells a friend.”
“I’m on it. I’ll have it out there within the hour. Your phone will be ringing off the hook.”
“We talked about it. We’re planning to do a press conference and photo shoot tomorrow. Today is just for relaxing.”
“Yeah, I bet that’s what you’re doing.”
She laughed. Tuesday definitely had the right of it. Kendall was planning on making the most of their limited remaining time. “This is my honeymoon, after all.”
“Where are you?”
“The Hilton.”
“That’s your honeymoon? Make that man take you to Bora Bora.”
“Sure, in about six months. Until then, we have to work.”
“This is when I’m glad I’m me, and you’re you. I can’t be that disciplined. I’m too impulsive.”
“I’m more impulsive than I thought.”
“Apparently.” Tuesday’s voice softened. “You know I’m really happy for you. I know you must really love him.”
“I do.” Kendall sighed, feeling very content.
“So give me details. Who was there, anyone?”
“Just Elec and Tamara Monroe. The ceremony took place at midnight. And if you’re really nice to me, I’ll send you one of the pictures.”
“I’m not going to say no to that. But you know you could sell those shots.”
“Who wants to pay for our wedding pictures?”
“Ask your PR person. Plenty of media outlets. You could donate the money to charity.”
That held a certain appeal. But it also was another responsibility she didn’t want to think about at the moment. The shower cut off. “Alright, I’ll talk to my people. But go ahead with your story.”
“Awesome, thanks, babe. Maybe we can grab a cocktail in a day or two and you can gush about your new husband to me for an hour.”
She laughed. “Sounds fabulous.”
They said their good-byes and Kendall hung up right as Evan strolled back into the room, hair wet and chest still damp from his shower, the towel around his middle nice and low on his hips. “Who were you talking to? Didn’t sound like your parents.”
“Tuesday.”
“Yeah? What did she have to say?”
“I don’t care.” Kendall sat up in bed and reached for his towel. “At the moment all I care about is you.”
He dropped his towel. “Do you care if I’m naked?”
“Even better.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BREAKING NEWS
from Tuesday Talladega
Exclusive sources inform me that Kendall Holbrook, the female rookie driver burning up the cup series this season has just up and MARRIED Evan Monroe. You heard me, people. Married. A secret ceremony at midnight last night right here in Mooresville. Hell has frozen over and pigs have flown because the driver who swore he would never “put a ring on it” has done just that, achieving a first in stock car racing. Two cup competitors are married to each other. Eat your heart out, ladies, because for the number 42 car hottie his personal chase is over . . .
Let’s hope a little home lovin’ fixes whatever has been ailing him on the track. Screw the honeymoon. Give the fans a win at Phoenix on Sunday and we’ll forgive the both of you for having the nerve to fall in love behind our backs . . .
KENDALL still felt sleepy and rumpled and the most sexually satisfied she’d ever been in her life, and the last thing in the world she felt like doing was greeting the first day of her marriage by having a meeting with Carl, but it was necessary.
Smoothing her hair down again, she cleared her throat and steeled her back. Knocking on his door, she didn’t wait for a response before walking in.
“Kendall, good morning. What can I do for you? I was surprised to hear from you so early today.”
Ignoring the feeling in the pit of her stomach, Kendall said, “I just wanted to let you know, before you found out from someone else, that Evan and I got married last night.”
The team owner’s eyebrows shot straight up to his hairline and his smile disappeared. “Excuse me?”
“I realize this is a bit unexpected, but we’re very happy and would appreciate your support.”
Her heart was thumping hard, but she stood her ground.
Carl stared at her, the pause growing uncomfortable, but Kendall refused to pander.
“I told Evan this could have disastrous consequences for his career,” he said finally. “I’m not concerned about you, but him? That’s another story. He’s risking a lot.”
She had been afraid that’s what Carl would say, and the last thing in the universe she wanted was for her proposal of marriage to damage Evan’s career. He was her husband and she wanted to support him, not hinder him. He didn’t even know she was at the office. He had gone home to pack some bags and handle some business and had been intending to just give Carl a call.
“Marriage is enough of a risk, Carl, don’t put added pressure on him. What Evan is doing on the track has nothing to do with our relationship.”