Racing Heart, page 7
The thunderous sound of all the engines revving up is amazing; this has always been my favorite sound in the world. My pulse throbs with excitement, the fact that I’m even here, being able to race in the UK, makes it even more thrilling. I know how lucky I am to have this chance, not many get it.
Clearing my head of everything, I prepare myself as the lights begin to change. As soon as they turn green, I’m gone. I’m right on Anderson’s tail as we head towards the first bend. I’ll let him have the first lap, then I’ll take him. I don’t stray too far behind, but I keep up with my game plan. He glances behind him to see where I am and when he realizes I’m right on his ass, he lets out the choke and gains speed. I don’t let him get far though. As we pass the line for the second lap, I bring myself level with him, and we pass down the back straight, with our front wheels battling for first place. I don’t give up easily, I wasn’t made that way. My dad wasn’t a quitter, and neither am I.
It’s time to let Anderson know who the real champion is.
It’s time to show my true colors.
I don’t let anything cloud my mind as I concentrate on winning this race, and that’s all.
Chapter Sixteen
Jordan
I cover my eyes with my hands; I can’t watch. First, he’s losing, then he takes the lead, then he loses it again… I definitely cannot watch this. What was I doing coming here? The way they take the corners and how close the bikes come together; I’m nothing but a nervous wreck.
“Can you tell me when it’s over please,” I say to Braydon, turning away from the track.
“Ah, come on, you’re not going to want to miss this, believe me. He’ll win, and he’ll win in spectacular fashion, it’s what he does.”
Standing behind me, Braydon forces my hands away from my face and fixes them at my sides, holding them in place so I can’t hide my face again.
“Watch, because you’ll be bummed if you miss it.”
He’s right, it's time to pull up my big girl knickers, if I miss this, I’ll just kick myself. After battling it out, Finn finally takes the lead. The scream tears right out of me, and I chant and cheer him on. Braydon laughs, shaking his head at the height of my voice, but I’m into this now.
“How many laps left?” I ask him curiously. I don’t think my nerves can take much more.
“Just five, this is where he’ll make it count.”
Every time Finn takes a bend, it looks like he’s going to be deprived of first place. My stomach churns, thinking he’s going to lose, but as soon as they hit the straight, he speeds up and takes control by taking off in front. By the time the last lap is finally upon us, my voice is hoarse from all the cheering. I’m not sure I can watch this last lap.
Braydon, his manager, and the rest of the team crew are all on edge, shouting and cheering him on as he hits the home straight. He gains some distance between him and second place, taking the checkered flag and his first win of the season. Screaming, I run down to the front with Braydon and watch him do his lap of honour for the fans, before taking the pit lane and coming back in.
The bike comes to a stop, but before he’s even turned the engine off, or taken off his helmet, I’m grabbing him around the neck, hugging him.
Pushing off his headgear and passing it off to someone else, he grabs my face and places hard kisses to my lips. Then he’s off his bike, unzipping his leathers and pulling them down to his waist. Bending at the knees he lifts me from the ground and wrapping my legs around him, I lock my ankles. Tightly holding onto him, he spins us around. I’m so proud of him. I’m so fucking happy I got to see him win, although I’m not too sure I should be getting this close to him really. After all, at the end of the season, he'll be going back to America.
I’m not sure where that leaves us.
Or me…
Forgetting all that for now though, I enjoy being wrapped around him. I can pretend that he’s not just here for a limited time, and then he’ll forget all about me.
Live in the moment Jordan…
It’s all we can do, without me sending myself crazy.
“Finn, you need to talk to the media.” Dave, Finn’s manager, tells him.
“Won’t be long, babe.” He kisses my cheek and turns around, running his hands through his hair. Tidying up his helmet hair, as the journalist comes over with her cameraman and introduces herself. Stepping back out of shot, I stand over the other side and wait for him to do his thing. Standing not too far from him, though, are three women. I think these are what they call the grid girls. They were down on the centre green as they started. They also shot straight over to my boyfriend as he passed the finish line and came to a stop. They’re giggling between themselves as he does his interview.
“Caleb Anderson. Pleased to meet you.”
I turn to the deep voice at my side and smirk at the other rider that’s holding out his hand.
“Hey. I’m Jordan Kennedy.” Shaking his hand, I give him a genuine smile this time.
“I take it you’re Cooper’s bit of stuff.”
“I’m not a bit of stuff, but yeah, we’re together…”
“You’re also British.”
“No shit, did you work that out all by yourself? I mean, what gave it away?” Rolling my eyes at his dense comment, I look away and watch Finn talking into the mic, the reporter lapping up everything he says.
“I was just stating a fact.”
Sliding my eyes from Finn and back to Caleb, I wait for his next smart question.
“How long have you known Cooper?”
“Only a couple of months.”
“Well, he’s a lucky man.”
“Thanks.”
I’m not sure if that’s sarcasm or if he’s genuine, but I thank him anyway. When I turn back to look for Finn, he’s moved. Those slappers who were hanging around not long ago, are now hanging off him. I’m not a jealous person at all, but really, they could at least have a little bit of dignity. Turning my back on the sight that’s making my eyes bleed, I try to ignore them. I don’t like that they’re trying to attach themselves to him. I know I haven’t known him that long either, but the last thing I want to do is make it look like I’m jealous of nothing.
Turning back to my conversation with my new friend, I pretend that I didn’t really have an attack of the green-eyed monster. That I wanted to claw their fucking eyes out with my nails and smile at him.
“They’re always like that,” Caleb states bluntly, bringing me back into the conversation.
“What?”
“Hanging off the winner, it’s what they do.”
“I’m not bothered.” I shrug.
A hand slips around my waist, and I know instantly it’s Finn. Turning me to face him, he brings me in close against his chest, smothering me.
“You’re my lucky charm; you know you have to come to every meeting now.”
“Is that right? I don’t think that is going to be possible.”
“Anderson.” Finn nods at him, “Good race.”
“I’ll have you next time.”
“If you say so. Babe, I need to go shower, I won’t be long. If you want to head to the bar, I’ll meet you there. Saves you hanging around out here.”
“Okay then. It was good meeting you, Caleb.”
“You too, gorgeous.”
Finn’s eyes cut to Caleb, silently warning him off, but I don’t hang around to see what happens next. Instead, I head over to the bar and order a Pepsi while I wait for the guys.
I’m sitting on a barstool, flicking through my phone on Facebook, when those same strong arms from earlier, circle my waist again, but this time I’m met with a kiss on the cheek.
“What’s a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this?”
His deep American tones run right through my veins, making me shudder and delving into that vulnerable side of me. The one that falls for an accent and a sexy voice.
“Oh, you know, just waiting on some sexy man that can sweep me off my feet and treat me like a princess.” I joke. “Mind you, I’d probably just settle for a drink.”
“Baby, I’ll do more than buy you a drink, I’ll show you the night of your life.” He still whispering in my ear, and I haven’t turned around yet. “I think I’ve already swept you off your feet.” Finn massages my shoulders, trailing his palms over my arms, making a shiver run down my spine.
“Maybe I should get you away from here and show you what I’m made of.”
His warm breath sweeps over my neck and down my back as his lips connect with the sensitive part behind my ear.
“Maybe you should…” Turning my head to the side, “I don’t like empty promises.”
A clatter of voices joins us at the bar, interrupting our moment. With a grin, Finn lifts my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles tenderly.
“One drink, and we’ll get out of here. I want you all to myself.”
Nodding compliantly, I smirk, sucking my lip between my teeth, and Finn turns to the others, asking what they’re having.
He smells so good. His white T-shirt clings to his lean but muscular frame and his blue denim jeans, round his butt cheeks quite nicely. In fact, I’m enjoying the view until someone calls his name, causing him to turn, ruining my vision.
“I’ll be back in just a minute…”
With a satisfied sigh, I nod and watch him walk away.
Braydon joins me at the bar as I turn back, picking up my glass of Pepsi and take a sip.
“So, did you enjoy your first race day?”
“I loved it, but I was so stressed. I was scared he was going to fall or lose at the last minute, but don’t tell him I said that, please.”
Braydon laughs... “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
A barman comes over and serves Braydon as someone takes the empty spot at the side of me.
“We meet again, Jordan Kennedy.”
Hearing my name like that causes my head to snap to the side.
“Hey.” I smile at Caleb, the other rider I met earlier.
“What was the betting I’d see you again so quickly, of course, I’m not complaining…”
“Maybe it’s because you heard Finn tell me to meet him here?”
“I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.” He smirks, “Would you like a drink?”
Just as Caleb offers to buy me a drink, Braydon slides a Pepsi across to me.
“That’d be a no, but thank you for the offer.”
I drink the rest of the contents of the other glass and push it away from me. I thank Braydon with a smile and wait for Finn, while Caleb orders his Guinness.
“So, what do you do for a living, Jordan?”
“I’m a bar manager in a pub in London.”
“Oh yeah, you’ll have to let me know which one, I may pay you a little visit.” He winks, nudging me with his elbow.
I’ve never had a feeling like I’m being watched before until now. Swinging my head around, I look to Finn and find his eyes on me, while he’s talking to someone else. I’ve always been an independent woman, no-one owns me, but I really enjoy having his gaze on me…
It’s making me fucking hot for him.
Chapter Seventeen
Finn
What’s that fucking moron up to?
I saw him walk in, but I never thought he’d have the fucking cheek to go right up to her, to my girlfriend. He wants to fuck off. After the death stare I gave him before we went off to shower, you’d think he’d have got the message, but then maybe I need to make my point clearer.
I excuse myself politely from one of the other riders and head over to the bar. Sliding an arm around Jordan’s shoulders, I pull her against me. Yes, I’m staking my claim against this cocksucker, because from where I’m standing, he’s trying to move in on her.
“Hey babe, are you having fun?”
She turns to me with a wide smile spread across her beautiful face.
“Yes thanks, it looks like I’ve made a friend, too.”
“Hmm, that’s great.”
Forcing a smile on my face, I take hold of the bottle of beer and place it at my lips. My eyes find Anderson’s as he smirks. I don’t shift them from him as I tip up the bottle, swallowing down a gulp. Jordan steps down from the barstool she’s been sitting on and stands in front of me.
“I’m just popping to the ladies.”
Leaving me with Anderson in front of me, and Braydon behind me, I place my bottle down, drop my bag on the stool next to us and lean my arm on the bar.
“Are you enjoying the view?” I ask as he watches her walk away from us.
“Yeah, it’s not bad at all.” He replies as he turns back to face me.
“As long as you remember she’s my girl, we’ll get along just fine.”
“Yeah,” Anderson smirks, “I’ll try and remember… but I can’t say the same for her.”
Taking a subtle step nearer to him to warn him off, I’m stopped from getting any closer with a hand on my shoulder. I completely forgot that Braydon was behind me.
“Don’t; you’re walking straight into his hands.”
“Don’t push me, Anderson,” I warn.
Standing an inch or so taller than him, I stare him down, but his shit-eating grin is beginning to piss me right off. Very soon, I’m going to put him in his place, whether it’s on or off the track.
“What’s going on?” Jordan’s soft voice reaches me from the side as she approaches and looks between us.
“Nothing. Anderson and I were just having a chat, you know, racing and all that.”
Turning my body towards her, I thread my fingers into her hair and hold the side of her face.
“Why don’t we get out of here, I’d prefer to have you all to myself.”
Sliding an arm around her waist, I pull her into my side and keep her close. At least this way, I can show that fucker who’s the boss around here. I notice Jordan narrows her eyes at my side, as she stares at me.
“Yeah, okay, come on then.”
She drinks down some of the coke in her glass and places it back down, grabbing her bag and pulling it onto her shoulder.
“Caleb, I’ll see you soon. Thanks for keeping me company.”
“It was most definitely my pleasure, sweetheart.”
Biting back a reply to Anderson, I turn to Bray.
“I’m going back with Jordan; I’ll see you later.”
Grabbing her by the hand, I pull her along with me until we reach her car.
“Feel better now?” She snipes.
“What do you mean?” I scowl.
“Well, your little caveman act with Caleb didn’t go amiss.” She answers bluntly, “I mean, I didn’t realize I was a piece of meat.”
“You’re not…” I fire back as I look over the roof of the car at her.
“Really? Could’ve fooled me.”
The beep of the alarm and the doors unlocking drags my gaze from her. She throws her bag onto the back seat, and I do the same and get in the car.
Once we’re seated, she just looks at me, narrowing her eyes.
“You’re a few weeks into the season, and already you’re at each other’s throats. You don’t actually know each other - I just don’t get it - what is it? He seems like a nice guy. Can’t you just try to get on?”
“He winds me up.”
“Obviously.”
The ride back to Jordan’s is a quiet one, and I think I’ve got some groveling to do. I know I fucked up with her, but it’s Anderson, he knows every one of my buttons to press right now. As much as I try to be the bigger guy, I just can’t seem to do it.
Pulling up at the curb, she twists around, grabbing her bag and gets out of the car, slamming her door behind her. She doesn’t wait for me; instead, she heads for the front of her house. I grab my bag from the back seat and follow her. The sound of the alarm setting from behind, me makes me look up. Once she knows her car is locked, she disappears inside the house.
“Are you going to give me the silent treatment all night?”
“Maybe.”
Huffing, I drop my bag and place my hands at my hips, dropping my head down to look at the floor.
“Do you think we moved a little too quickly?” Jordan asks, with her hands slipped into her back pockets. “We’ve gone from flirting to having arguments over another guy and you being all protective. It was never supposed to get this serious this quickly.”
“What did you see happening with us, Jordan?” I prowl towards her.
“Me? Lots and lots of fun and crazy, monkey sex. How about you, Superstar?”
“I’m always up for that baby; you know that. I don’t know what it is; you’re so different, I feel different with you. This between us feels kind of natural, don’t you think?” I pause for a second, “I feel like I’ve known you all my life…”
Her eyes widen, probably from my brutally honest answer. I shocked myself; I don’t seem to be able to filter what comes out of my mouth when I’m around her. Filling the space between us, I pull the white, button-down shirt out of her jeans, and holding either side, I pull it apart. The small buttons scatter across the floor, revealing her bra covered breasts to my eager eyes. Taking her by her small waist, I tug her closer to me. I cover her breasts with my greedy palms, I massage and knead them until her nipples are hard between my finger and thumb. A sharp gasp breaks from her as I’m doing this. Dipping my head until my lips are at her neck, I walk her backwards towards the wall. Yanking apart the buttons on her 501’s, I move my hands inside until I’m cupping her fine ass.
“Take off your pants, Jordan.”
She doesn’t argue; in fact, it’s totally the opposite - it’s like she’s been waiting for this. I watch as the tension slowly fades away from her face. Kicking her Converse from her feet, she turns away from me. Sliding her palms over her ass and pushing the denim down her fucking, sexy bronzed legs. My dick is ready to break free from the confines it’s been kept in. Unfastening my pants, I push them off and strip my tee from my body, pulling it over my head and throwing it the side.
