Page 32 of Revved up & Ready

Cutest part of a motorcycle race?

The racers slow after they cross, lifting their visors. One after another, they swerve closer to the other racers, fist-bumping and even reaching across for hugs, congratulating each other on the race.It is quite adorable, but I wish they’d stop letting go of their handlebars.

When Cam pulls into the pit, the tightness I hadn’t realized was still in my chest loosens. My hands and teeth unclench, and I take a proper deep breath, one that isn’t a forced count.He’s safe. It’s over.

His smile is even more oversized than usual as he pulls back into the pit, mouth open wide, eyes crinkled, right on the edge of laughter.I’ve never seen him happier, and this was only second place. What does he look like after winning?

His team greets him with shoulder squeezes, hugs, and congratulations.I want to feel for myself that he’s in one piece.For the first time since the race’s start, I remember I’m supposed to be his girlfriend.Should I go up to him?

“There she is!” Cam calls, pointing through his team to the corner of the tent where I’m standing. He leaves them behind, rushing toward me.He’s a much better liar than I am, doing a magnificent job of acting like he’s into me—like he’s my boyfriend.

He’s already taken off his helmet and unzipped his leathers, exposing his sweat-soaked undershirt and tattoo-covered neck. Red hair sticks to his forehead in a way that should look ridiculous, but doesn’t.He’s safe. He’s okay.There’s only a moment to take him in before he’s gathering me up in his arms.

I’ve seen him pick Allie up before, hugging her and then swinging her around in circles, letting her legs fly out wildly until she erupts in giggles. That’s not what he does with me.At all.His arms scoop under my ass, bringing me up flush against his hard, sweaty body so my legs wrap around his torso and rest just above his hips. I collapse against his chest, pulling him as tightly to me as possible.

He’s safe.I don’t let go, needing to keep feeling for myself that he’s in one piece.Can he tell I’m shaking with relief?

When I finally loosen my hold enough to pull back, it brings my eyes level with his, our lips barely inches apart. He leans into me.

Is he going to kiss me? It’s what a boyfriend would do. Should I kiss him? Do I want him to kiss me? I—

Cam gives my ass a solid squeeze then brings his teeth down in a light nip on my nose. I can’t help the giggle that bubbles up in response. “It was amazing seeing you from out there,” he says.

“You saw me?” I ask, not sure if I’m more shocked by that information, the ass squeeze, or the lack of a kiss.Am I disappointed he didn’t kiss me? No, I’m not.

“Of course I saw you. You’re much more important than any info on the pit board.”

“That can’t possibly be true,” I laugh, squeezing him again.He’s safe.

“It is,” he says, dropping his forehead to mine. “Thank you for being here. I know it was hard for you.”

“It wasn’t hard,” I say, the words getting stuck in my throat.

“Adorable little liar,” he says, kissing the top of my head.

Chapter 7

Cam

Race season’s off to a great start. –caption from Cam’s social media post – a picture of Sadie kissing his helmet just before the race,March 3rd

“Morning, boss,” I say, walking into Luke’s motorcycle shop,Voyeur Motors.

He lifts his chin toward me in greeting, then continues with his work.

Leaning back on his worn leather couch, I check the text from my contact atIncite Energy.

Ian: What’s going on with this Sadie person? Seems like a really good move.

Me: Dating her. Living with her. If it helps my rep, that’s great, but she’s my girl.

Ian: Love to see it. Keep up what you’re doing.

It’s working.Sadie and I pretending to date is having the exact impact on my image that we’d hoped for.

The changes are slow, but I can already see a shift. Normally, I’d have to strip down to my boxers and do a wheelieobstacle course to get the kind of reaction I’m getting off one photo with her.It’s refreshing how many people want to see me happy.

Thereisa small, loud subset who would rather see me reckless or hurt. I made a career attracting douchebags, and dropping them is a fucking battle in itself. As long as their hate stays pointed at me, and not Sadie, I don’t care.

---