Racing Heart, page 4
“Any chance of a beer dude?”
“Erm…” he stutters, “I don’t work here but just a sec.”
He walks over to a door at the other end of the bar and knocks. Calling a seemingly familiar name, I wait in anticipation for it to open. I put my back to the door and face my brother and manager. I hear him tapping the door again and a female voice following it.
“For crap's sake, Damon, chill your beans, man.”
Partially turning away, I dip my head and make sure she can’t see my face.
“Do you know who that is over there?” I hear the guy say.
“Well, seeing as I can’t actually see his face, then no.” She tries to whisper to her friend, but it’s much louder than that.
“Move, I better go serve them.”
Waiting just a minute or two until the drinks start getting passed around, I decide to turn around and show my face. Leaning my elbows on the bar, I wait for her to stop and notice me. Her gaze tracks from my forearms on the bar, right up to my face.
“Hello again, stranger.” I grin at her
The slow smile forms on her face, but her wide eyes tell me she’s a little shocked to see me again.
“Hi.” Jordan breathes.
“How are you today, Jordan?” I smirk cheekily.
“You remembered my name?” She tips her head to one side, with an adorable smirk lining her mouth.
“How could I forget?” Feeling the frown creasing my brow, I soon turn it into a grin. “So, what are you doing after, you should come out on the town with us.”
“I have a bone to pick with you first before I decide to go drinking with you.” She pokes a finger into my chest. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were, the last time you were here?”
“Would it have mattered?”
“Hell no, but it would have stopped that moron over there from accusing me of telling lies when I said you were here.” She points to the guy I first spoke to when we arrived.
“Finlay Cooper, this is Damon Shaw. He’s a good friend of mine.” Jordan introduces me to her friend.
“Cool. He puts his hand out to me and not being rude, I shake it. “So, Damon, do you follow Superbike?”
“Oh my god, I’m a big fan.”
“You should come to one of my races… I’ll get you VIP, in the garages, front row seats. How’s that?” Glancing to the side at Jordan, I wink, “Talk to Braydon.”
He soon turns around at the mention of his name; he’s a nosey fucker like that.
“This is my bro, Braydon. Bray, this is Damon. Sort him some tickets out.”
Moving away from the guys, I take the small step back to the bar.
“So, what’s the celebration?”
I’m sure she knows what I’m celebrating, but I humor her…
“Oh, I came second in the race today…”
She bites her lip as she tries to cover up a smirk and asks…
“Not first?”
Leaning into her, I decide to have some fun with her.
“As much as I love coming first, every now and again. I don’t mind taking a back seat and letting someone else take the lead.”
She looks everywhere but at me, as a blush rises over her face and she stands upright.
“Excuse me, I... I have customers.” She stutters, running her tongue over lips and turns away, walking to the other end of the bar.
Finn - one, Jordan - zip.
If I carry like this, she’ll be putty in my hands.
I turn around and nod to the guys, mouthing ‘shots’ to them, and in next to no time, they’re lining the bar.
“Bartender, any chance of a drink?”
She looks my way again, twisting her mouth up to the side, before making her way back to us.
“You know my name Finlay, so use it.”
“A sexy one it is too.”
I can tell there’s something running through her head, probably thinking of some come back for me. I laugh at her reaction.
“Jordan, can I get six shots of Jack, please?
“Yes, Superstar, you can.”
I watch her perfect precision as she lines the small glasses in front of us up and pours the JD. Tipping her head to the side, she gives me a sexy smile. Her green eyes sparkle as she looks at me. They all grab a glass and together, we knock the dark liquid back and bang the glasses down on the bar.
“Well guys, if you’ll excuse me a sec, I have some work to do.”
Jordan walks to the end of the bar, passing through the gap. Turning to put my back to the bar, I watch her every step, for some reason this woman has me entranced. Straightening up her posture, she puts an extra sway in her step. Teasing me with that sexy ass of hers in the tight leather pants she’s wearing. How I’d love to peel those from her. I shake the filthy thoughts I’m having and go to the restroom. Hopefully, a minute away from her will help for my dick to go back to sleep.
Not looking where I’m going as I push through the bathroom door, I almost knocked over the short redhead. Steadying her with my hands on her shoulders, I hold her still. Looking up at me, her emerald eyes pierce through my tough, ‘don’t give a fuck exterior.’
Chapter Nine
Jordan
Walking through the pub, I secure my fingers inside the glasses, holding on to them and make my way back to the bar. That is until I walk right into the solid body in front of me.
“Oh my god, I’m sorry.” Tipping my head up, Finn is stood right in front of me, blocking my path. I don’t think he’s able to get any closer to me as our bodies brush together, his hands moving to my shoulders, to steady me.
“No problem, I’ve been in worse situations.”
Sucking my lip into my mouth, I drag my teeth across it and release it.
“So, are you coming out with us, maybe show us the sights, you can tell us where the best places are to go.”
“Maybe not. Not tonight anyway.” I add quickly. “Maybe another time…”
Placing his two fingers beneath my chin, he tips my head back a little more and leans into me. He’s so close, his warm breath blowing softly on my face, and I think he’s going to kiss me. My heart beats a little faster, and my mouth dries up.
“I’ll hold you to that. Jordan.” He whispers.
The way he says my name… it’s all silky, a bit like Galaxy chocolate. He smooths the pad of his thumb across my chin and bends to the side of me, touching the skin of my cheek with his dry lips. Sending shockwaves through me. His hand drops between us as I take a step back, and I feel the blush rise up my neck and into my face for the second time tonight. With a shy smile, I walk away from him. I push through the staff door, put the glasses down and put my hands on the side. Taking a minute from all that is Finn Cooper. Once I’m composed, and my breathing has evened out, I stand tall and go back out there.
I try to avoid Finn the best I can; the man does things to me, he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with.
“So, Jordan.” Resting his forearms on the bar, he leans across, “We’re going to get going, you sure I can’t change your mind?”
“Afraid not.” I shake my head smirking, “I have to clear and lock this place up. It’ll be midnight before I get out of here.”
“Can I call you?”
“If you like.”
“Okay then, pass your phone over. I’ll put my number into your phone, and you can do the same.”
Unlocking my iPhone with my thumbprint, I open my contacts and pass it over to him, as Finn passes his over.
“Don’t be surprised if you get a message later.”
Leaning over further, he places a small kiss to my cheek. His brother Braydon clutches him around the neck and pulls him away.
“Later Jordan,” Braydon calls on the way towards the exit.
“Bye. Nice to meet you all.” I shout as Braydon raises a hand in the air as they leave.
It falls quiet in the pub suddenly, and I blow out a sigh of relief. How can just one man have that much impact? I’ve definitely never met anyone like him before.
Once I’m finally out of that bloody place, I walk into my flat, drop my bag, and kick off my shoes. Opening the fridge, I pull out a bottle of wine that’s been chilling for hours, pouring myself a large glass. I almost wish I said yes to Finn's invitation, but as I sink into the back of the couch, I know now that this was the right decision. My feet would never have made it to the end of the night and dancing would have been a huge no, no.
Grabbing my bag from the hallway, I take out my phone and place it onto the arm. Taking a gulp of my wine, I glance at the black screen of my phone and do something I shouldn’t… I hope to see a message, there’s not, and I doubt there will be, but one can wish.
Knocking back the rest of my wine, I put the glass on the table and decide to go up to bed. With my phone tightly clutched in my hand, I go up to my room, throw it on the bed, and head into the bathroom. I really can’t be arsed with a shower, so I run the hot tap, just quickly swilling my face and brush my teeth.
Once I’m changed into shorts and a vest top, I fall into bed, looking forward to a good sleep. I need a rest. I’ve done mostly late shifts because everyone else complains. So tomorrow, I’m going to use a day for me. I’m going to get my hair cut, my nails done, and some retail therapy won’t go amiss too. I’ve forgotten the last time I’ve done all that.
Pulling the duvet over me, I place my phone on the bedside table as the back of my head sinks into my pillows, I snuggle down. It doesn’t take long for my eyelids to begin to droop, and I’m falling off to sleep.
An incessant ringing stirs me from sleep; only if I answer and it’s not someone dying or some shit, I’m actually going to go fucking crazy. Tapping around on the bedside table until I find the offending object, I swipe across the screen, lifting it to my ear.
“Hello...:” I grind out.
“Jordan? Is that you?”
“Who’s this?” I frown.
“You’ve forgotten me already?”
Opening one eye just enough to see the time on the clock, I notice it’s three am.
“Who’s this?”
My brain isn’t up to guessing games at three in the morning.
“It’s Finn. I know it’s early, but hey, thought I’d say hi...”
I blink numerous times to get my squinting eyes to focus. I pull the phone away and see his name on the screen.
“Oh my god, Finn, I hadn’t even realised it was you.”
“Well, now you have to make it up to me and let me take you out.”
“Finn, it’s three in the morning, are you serious?”
“Very serious. I just got in. I was lying here thinking about this sassy, beautiful redhead I’d met and remembered I was going to ring and had forgotten.”
“Really?” That wakes me up. I pull myself up the bed until my back is against the wall.
“Yeah, really… I don’t suppose you know where I could find her do ya?”
“Right now - she’ll probably be sleeping, she’s a bit of a grouch when she’s woken up…”
“Oh, I’ll keep that in mind for future reference.”
“You do that. Also, if you’re going to wake her up, then ALWAYS…” I stress on the always, “Have coffee ready.”
“Sounds like good advice to me.”
I can’t help the wide smile that pulls at my mouth, from forming. It must just be Finn that does this to me.
“Honestly though, it could have waited until the morning, but I wouldn’t hold it against you.”
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
I almost lie and say I have to work, but if he comes into the pub and I’m not there, what do I say if he asks? I’m also wondering if going out with him is a good idea. He’s only here for a limited amount of time, after all.
“I’m off tomorrow.”
I give in way too easy for someone that has been having a war of words with herself.
Way to play hard to get, Jordan.
“Well, that’s just perfect.” He cuts me off, “Send me your address, and I’ll send a car for ya.”
“Erm, no. I have plans.” I argue. I wanted a pamper day.
“I know you do - with me. Night beautiful.” He cuts off the phone before I can object anymore.
Well goddammit, bang goes my plans for pampering.
Bloody men!
After the broken sleep I had last night, I’m more awake than I thought I’d be. Maybe that’s because I’m on edge since some American, gorgeous looking, Superbike racer decided to wake me up in the middle of the night. Putting the large mug to my lips, I inhale the smell of caffeine until it’s hitting my taste buds.
My phone sounds with a text, and I glance over at the screen. Picking it up and unlocking it, I see a text from the culprit himself.
Good morning, pretty lady.
I’m dying to tell him I’m not talking to him, but when he gives me those compliments, I’m done for.
Good morning yourself.
I reply right back, but as I click send, the bubbles are already bouncing up and down on the screen, indicating he’s typing again.
I need your address and your zip code babe; I’ll be picking you up in an hour.
An hour. An hour. Fuuuckkk.
I need to shower, dry my hair, shit I need clothes. Grabbing my cup, I swig back my coffee. Quickly sending my address and zip code as Finn calls it. Then run, grabbing a towel from the cupboard, I jump into the shower. I wash my hair and my body as quick as I can, shave my armpits and legs, cause’ you never know… I might wear a skirt; I mean, he hasn’t actually said where we’re going.
In all my overthinking, I realise that time is flying by, and at this rate, I’ll never be ready. I clear my mind, breathe deeply, and finish up my shower.
Chapter Ten
Finn
My knee bounces, as I sit in the large chairs in the lobby of the hotel. Sitting just off the entrance, I can see everyone that comes in. I don’t usually have nerves where women are concerned, but this particular woman has a way of setting me on edge.
“You need to chill, buddy. She’ll be here soon.” Braydon reminds me.
“What if she’s changed her mind? What if she’s stood me up?”
“I think I better get you a drink. Where are you taking her, I mean this is her country, you don’t have a clue.”
“Thanks, bro…” I add shaking my head, “I really needed that recap. Have you got nothing to do?”
“Nope. Except watch you make an ass of yourself.”
“Douchebag. Fuck off.”
I sent one of my crew to go and fetch Jordan for me. I thought about doing it myself, but I’m not very good at driving on the other side of the road yet. Give me a souped-up bike and a track, and I’ll do it. A road and a car in another country - I’m well out of my league. Pulling out my phone, I decide to pass the time away and scroll through my social media and fan page. A sharp kick to my ankle has me nearly getting up and beating the shit of Braydon, as he points towards the entrance, letting me know that my date has arrived.
She strides through the entrance, confident as shit, wearing a royal blue cami with black pants, a black leather jacket, and a pair of Chucks. Her legs look they could go on for days. My dick has just rocketed from soft to hard in less than a second. Luckily, I’m sitting, but I know it’s only polite to stand up as she gets nearer. I try to think of something else quickly, but it’s no use with her striding towards me as quickly as she is. She has my thoughts going wayward.
I nod a silent thank you at Mike as he walks past for doing dirty my work.
“You can sling your hook too,” I order my brother.
“Fine, I know when I’m not wanted.” Giving me the bird, he turns to leave, but not before speaking to Jordan.
“Jordan, looking sexy as always.”
The bastard kisses her cheek and smiles at her, before throwing me a wink.
I’m gonna knock that fucker out.
“Hello.” She steps up to me, raising her eyebrows. Fuck. Her British accent fucking messes with me big time.
“Hi,” I smirk.
“So, what did you have in mind for us today?”
“Honestly, I have no fucking idea…”
“Well, you better start thinking buster, I’ve given up my well earnt, but way overdue pamper day for you, Mr. big shot.”
Sitting down and leaning back, her forearms rest on the chair arms, and she crosses her long legs. Not taking my eyes off her, I sit down, smiling.
“What would you like to do today? I mean, I haven’t got the first clue on where to go or what to do.”
Blowing out a sigh and twisting her plump lips to the side, she looks across at me.
“Well, first, I’d like to get my hair cut, then I’d like to get my nails done because look at them…” She holds up her hands to show me her nails and her chipped polish.
Clutching her delicate, slim fingers, I hold them to my lips.
“I think they’re perfect.”
A stuttered breath leaves her lips.
“Obviously that’s what I was going to be doing if I had nothing to do today.”
Pulling her hands out of my hold, she places them in her lap.
“Well, I could show you some sights. I could take you to Hyde Park. There’s the zoo, but we’d have to get my car, and as you've probably realized, our weather is shit. It’s cold today too, it kind of ruins the mood, and the animals don’t come out in the rain.”
“Okay, we can do those another time. How about we go somewhere and get a coffee for now.” A sexy smile lights up her face. “Is there a Starbucks around here someplace?”
