Page 107 of Hook Up

But despite his bravado and the electricity sparking through the air, my heart thuds at the unknown. “You’re really doing this?”

“I have to, Gigi. I have to prove to myself that I’m still Ryder Gray.” His lips seize mine, the desperation evident in his kiss. “But you were wrong. I’ve always loved you more than racing.”

“Five minutes, Ryder,” Colton’s voice sounds from the other side of the door.

Cupping his face, I press a hard kiss to his mouth. “Stubborn ass.”

Ryder’s eyes—those beautiful blue eyes—are bright with emotion. “Will you stay?”

“Of course. I even brought my pompoms.”

“I don’t mean the race. Will you stay with me? I didn’t wait twenty years to marry you, only to lose you a few months in. I love you, Gigi. My world is nothing without you.”

All my insecurities race to the forefront of my brain, vying for position. But, with a deep breath, I kick them back where they belong. “I know it’s terrible timing, and you said this wasn’t a path you desired anymore, but I have something to tell you.” Grabbing his hand, I place it on my stomach. “You’re going to be a dad, Ryder. So, you’d better get out there and win.”

I hold my breath, awaiting his reaction. Unsure if I should have said anything.

The brightness in Ryder’s eyes increases as he tangles his fingers in my hair, resting his forehead against mine. “I was so afraid something happened to the baby.”

Pulling back, my gaze widens in surprise. “You knew?”

He nods, dropping to his knees and wrapping his arms around my waist. “The way you smelled and tasted changed. It was so slight, but it was there. You were even more appealing than before and trust me, I already want to jump you twenty-four hours per day.”

“You’re not angry?”

Glancing up at me, I wish I could freeze Ryder’s smile forever. “It’s the greatest news in the world. You’re having my baby. Three for three.”

“What?”

“Inside joke with Greg and me.” Popping to his feet, his mouth claims me again, his tongue demanding everything I have. “I love you, Greer Gray, and I’m going to win, for both of you.”

With a final kiss, he walks out the door, my heart racing like a locomotive. All I can manage is a whisper of love and a prayer for his safety.

I stand toward the back of the crowd, my hands clenched as my eyes dart between the screen and everywhere else in the room. To say I’m a nervous wreck would be the understatement of the century.

Gazing to my right, I note a beautiful brunette. Even with her designer sunglasses covering her eyes, I feel her gaze upon me. No telling who she is or what her relationship is to Ryder, but that doesn’t matter right now.

Returning my focus to the race, I realize Ryder is winning. Digging my nails into my palm, I can’t breathe as he maneuvers around the track, seizing the inside corner. Within seconds, he crosses the line to the waving of the checkered flag.

Ryder Gray just won his first race back after a life-threatening injury. That crazy, insane, amazing man did it.

He’s back on top of the world, and the crowd knows it, their cries drowning out even the roar of the motors. When the cameras focus on Ryder exiting his vehicle, the stands go insane. They all know he accomplished the unfathomable.

Talk about a comeback king.

When he takes his rightful place on the podium, I can see the giddiness on his face as he sprays his adoring public with champagne.

What a moment.

What a man.

I’m jostled from all sides as the crowd pushes closer, desperate for a piece of Ryder Gray.

He belongs to the world again. I always said one day I’d have to give him back.

After being bumped one too many times, I slip to the side, letting the throng of people pass.

Once again, that feeling of uncertainty settles over me, the nagging idea that I’m in the way, much as I am for the crowd of fans. It’s been such a whirlwind romance, Ryder and I, that it’s hard to know where my place is, or if I even have one.

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