Page 89 of Revved up & Ready

I lied to him yesterday when I said I only had a few moments of fear during the race, but today is better. I saw him race safely on this exact track. Hecando this without getting hurt.

I run back and forth from the screens that stream the race to the edge of the pit to see him pass by each lap. He’s getting close to the lead racer now.He could really do this.He could win this race. There are only two races left this season after today, and he’sstillin the lead. Cam is so close to getting exactly what he wants—a superbike championship and a spot on his dream team next year.

And I’m only two and a half races away from relief until next season.Next season. Will we still be together next season? Are we even together now? I think so, but we—

“Shit,” Luke’s low voice says from beside me. “Shit,” he repeats, with an edge to his voice I don’t want to believe is there.

My eyes scan the screens, finding the one he must be watching.There is smoke coming from Cam’s tailpipe.Smoke can’t be good, especially if Luke is concerned—which he is. His jaw is clenched, and he keeps stepping closer to the screens—as if it will show him something different if he gets close.

My breath catches in my throat, but I try to reason with myself.Maybe this doesn’t mean—flames accompany the smoke. Occasionally, a small burst of flame will appear at the end of a tailpipe during a normal race, and it actuallyisn’tsomething to be concerned about.But that’s not what this is.This is fire.His bike is on fire.And he’s still racing.

Chapter 21

Cam

Look who’s back.– caption from Cam’s social media post–a video compilation of Sadie at the track before today’s race, May 19th

This race is mine. I can taste it.

Twelve laps left, and I’ve already passed Ludlow. Chad Green is next. I haven’t raced with him as much,but he hasn’t raced with me either.

My favorite set of turns on this track is coming up. I’ll find my line and—heat nips at my heels, and not the usual heat of racing in Texas in the summer. I chance a quick look behind me.

Fire.

My bike is on fire.

Sadie must be terrified.

The heat intensifies on my heels and calves, moving up my legs.

Shit.

I’ve got to get this bike off the track.

My leathers are almost unbearably hot as I pull to a rushed stop on the concrete shoulder. The second I’m off the track, I set the bike down,but the heat doesn’t stop.

My suit is on fire.

I have to get to her.

Flames lick further up my legs, intensifying the heat. Instinct kicks in, and it’s a good thing becauseshe’sall I can think about. Dropping to the ground, I roll and pat the fire with my leather-gloved hands, but my attempts are barely enough to keep the fire from spreading.It’s not going out.A rare twist of fear tightens my throat.

I have to get to her.

I have to put out this damn fire so I can get to her.

The corner marshals reach me, spraying foam from fire extinguishers all over my bike and suit. It’s less than a minute before they have the fire out, but knowing she’s watching—and she’s scared—it feels like an eternity. If they hadn’t been here, I might not have made it.But they were here.

I’m okay, but is she?

I have to get to her.

The overwhelming heat slowly ebbs as the guys help me to my feet, but the temperature inside my suit is the furthest thing from my mind.

She has to see that I’m okay.

I have to see if she is.

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