Page 100 of Hook Up

“Very good,” I lie, forcing yet another artificial smile. “Do you really need me with you on the circuit? Won’t I be in the way?”

The smile fades from his face, his grip tightening. “You’re never in the way. I need you by my side during the race. You’re my cheerleader. You’re my wife.”

Ryder has a plethora of people at his beck and call, both on and off the track. Still, his words warm my heart until I glance down at our entwined fingers and the chill immediately returns.

“Where’s your ring?” The band he slipped on last night, promising me he wanted the world to know the truth, is no longer on his hand.

Ryder clears his throat, averting his gaze. “I took it off earlier today. I didn’t want the press hounding me with questions—”

“About your wife.” A fat tear rolls down my cheek as reality sinks in. I’m not even an afterthought. I’m a secret.

“It’s not like that. I promise, I’m going to tell them soon. Right after—”

“The next race. I’ve heard that one before.” Rolling my shoulders, I call upon all my strength to present a strong front. Facade, don’t fail me now. “You don’t have to tell them anything. You don’t owe them an explanation of your private life. It’s probably better you don’t say a word. I’m not much for the limelight, anyway.”

“Gigi, I know how it looks but I swear, I’m not hiding you.”

“I never said you were, but you just did.” Slipping my fingers from his, I fold them in my lap.

Strike four, and this time, it’s the final out.

Chapter 17

Ryder

Istretch out, my hand drifting to the opposite side of the bed, but instead of Greer’s soft curves, all I feel are the cool cotton sheets.

The woman is always awake before the sun. Likely on her third cup of coffee by now.

Sitting up, I rub the sleep from my eyes and grab my phone. Half-past seven. Time to get moving.

First order of the day? Driving to Colton’s house and getting Greer’s ring. Then I need to get on my damn knees and beg the woman to give my sorry ass another pass.

I’ve screwed up royally the last couple of days. It’s not intentional, but what does that matter? My actions have hurt the woman I love, and it’s time to make amends.

The last few days blur together, a whirlwind of frenetic activity as I plan my comeback to my former life. Before Greer, I only had myself to worry about—my needs and desires sat shotgun—a perk of being single. But now, my life is about more than just me. When I married Greer, we became a package deal. A team. The only issue is I’ve kept my teammate in the dark since regaining my sight.

I’m one hell of a lucky guy to have a woman like Greer by my side, and I’ll be damned if I let my stupidity drive a wedge between us.

With a sigh, I dial Francine. Time for another press release, and this time, I’m ensuring the world knows about my wife. The look on her face last night when she noted I wasn’t wearing my wedding ring gutted me, as did the distance between us for the rest of the evening.

I know a press release won’t fix things, but it’s a start.

But the phone slips from my grip as I notice something lying on Greer’s bedside table.

Her wedding band.

It sits atop a folded piece of paper, and I know what it’s going to say without opening it.

“No, no, no,” I mutter, my heart pounding as I snatch the note.

I have two requests. The first is that you continue to be your amazing, remarkable self. The second is that you’d better not die on me, Ryder Gray.

Do you know how hard it is to leave you? To step away from the only man I’ve ever loved? I would never ask you to choose between me and racing, but I can’t stand idly by and worry if this race will be your last. That this time, luck might not be on your side.

I leave all my luck with you because the world needs you. You might not realize it, but you’re a hero. The ultimate comeback king.

But the truth of the last few days is that there isn’t room in your life for me. I’ve never been one for parties and late-night festivities. In some weird way, I’m grateful for the accident, because it allowed me those months where it was just us. You and me against the world.

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