Page 46 of Ryder

“A new company, Fly Racing, sent this over for me to wear today. I modeled for their company a few months back, so I have to wear their gear today,” he says, shrugging as he pulls out the blue and white leather jacket with matching pants.

“Wow,” I muse.

“But, I got you something, too,” he says, moving to the closet and emerging with a black shopping bag.

I sit up and watch him move over to the bed. He sits next to me, the mattress slumping under his weight. He hands me the bag, and his eyes wash over me.

“Ryder, you didn’t have to get me anything,” I say, feeling a little excited.

“Sure, I did. I wanted everyone to know that you are mine,” he says, his deep voice resonating through me.

I open the bag and pull out a blue and white dress and quickly realize it matches the racing gear Ryder will be wearing today. I marvel at the dress, holding it up so I can take in the colors and design.

“It is beautiful,” I say, leaning in to kiss Ryder.

“I’m glad you like it. I also have this for you, too,” he adds, handing me a VIP lanyard.

I take the items and move them over to the nightstand. I pull Ryder over to me and feel his laugh as he falls on top of me.

“Looks like I have a little something for you, too,” I say against his lips.

Two hours later, and after a joint shower together, Ryder and I make our way to the Rev Speedway. This time, we take a car sent by Travis’s company. The bike Ryder will be riding today is already at the track being prepped and inspected by his crew.

As we arrive, I feel tremendously small walking beside Ryder. He is larger than life here, and heads turn with every step he takes. His hand holds firmly onto mine, and pride gushes through me at the thought that he wants the world to know that I am his.

While we might be moving way too fast, the notion of being Ryder’s surpasses any hesitation I may feel.

We walk into the VIP area, and my eyes go wide as I spot a few famous actors I recognize from my favorite television shows. Grammy Award-Winning artists also occupy the space, and suddenly, I realize I am the only non-celebrity amongst this group.

“Ryder, everyone in that section is famous,” I say, my voice trying to be a whisper, although it is so loud here, I practically have to scream.

Shaking his head, Ryder leans down and places a sweet kiss to my cheek. “Don’t worry, you are brighter than all of them,” he says.

I suck in a breath as his kiss lingers on my skin. A few people walk up and talk with Ryder, and I find myself a little star-struck.

Suddenly, I hear my name, and as I turn, I spot Allison and the boys heading our way.

They all have VIP lanyards hanging from their necks, and the boy's smiles could light up a room right now.

It is amounting to a perfect day as the sun is shining brightly in the sky, the crowds are anxious to see the race, and Ryder looks devilishly handsome as he watches me.

The boys say hi to me, before quickly moving over to Ryder. Once they see the star-studded cast of celebrities and artists filling the VIP area, their mouths fall open in shock. This may just make their entire year.

A man with a clipboard enters the area and begins to tell Ryder something. They nod to one another, and then Ryder heads back over to me.

“Hey, I have to go sign in and get ready to take my place on the track. Apparently, Alex Sweat is already talking shit,” Ryder says, shaking his head in angst.

“Don’t worry, you will do great like you always do,” I say, trying to relieve some of his worries.

I have never seen him look nervous before, and it is unsettling to me.

Ryder waves to the boys and Allison before starting to leave the area. Grabbing his arm, I stop him before he has a chance to walk away. I crush my lips to his and then whisper just loud enough for him to hear, “I love you.”

Ryder glances down at me as he stands towering over me. He is a dream in his racing gear. “I’m going to marry you,” he says, his words strong with conviction.

Tears swim in my eyes as I watch him. I go to open my mouth, but Ryder stops me. “We will talk after the race,” he says, and then leaves.

Allison rushes to my side, gushing over how cute Ryder and I are in our matching outfits. I can barely respond to her as I try to catch my breath.

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