Page 81 of Rider Forbidden
“Now come on Danish, stop distracting me - I’ve got a race to win.”
*****
If I thought the racetrack was buzzing earlier, I had no idea. It's packed full of people. Eli and I have special passes, dad does too but he has wisely chosen not to come to the pit with us - he and mum are going to watch in the investors' box. Mum has already told me that they're taking Eli home with them tonight to give Jack and me some time alone.
Jack and me.
I can't believe it. We’re happening. The buzz of the track is going with the buzz that is happening inside me at the moment. I feel so full of happiness. I’ve gone from six months ago, being pretty much alone in London with Eli, and I thought we were happy to this. Sure, men had asked me out but I said no, who would have Eli if I went out on a date? I didn't trust anyone enough to leave him with them, plus, I didn't want to. Not one second of regret do I have having Eli. Of course, we have our bad days, who doesn't? It isn't all trips to the park, it can be telling him thirty times to get his shoes on, or a battle to eat his healthy foods or getting him to come off his tablet when I give him screen time. But all in all, he’s my world. My world was small with Eli at the centre, but now its unlimited, this world of mine, Eli is still at the centre, but it's gotten so much wider. He has family, I have made real friends here, friends that feel like I’ve known them forever. I'm looking into teaching, something I’ve wanted to do since before I had Eli. I'm still mad at dad. That isn't going to go away any time soon but my relationship with dad apart, I'm happy . . . really happy and I feel like I finally have the life I wanted - not just for Eli - but for me.
Then there’s Jack. Excitement floods me just thinking about him. He’s my boyfriend. I have a boyfriend! And a hot one at that! He’s all mine. Tonight. Jack and I together again.
We make our way to the pit. The race is due to start in an hour. Jack isn't there but everyone else is, including Sophie.
She comes running over. “I'm so excited I can't contain it. Jack’s back in the game big time, I know it was messing with his head - the thing between you and him - but we didn't realise how much until we came back after you left, he’s been acting like a man possessed. Everything is on point and he’s out to win. No question.”
I grin at her. “That’s brilliant, I'm so excited too, and you've seen lots of races before, I’ve never even seen one for real - just practice runs. Eli and I are so excited.”
Her face goes soft. “Seriously hun, I'm so happy for you, I'm sorry you went through hell last week, but at least you're here now.”
I nod. “Thanks, Sophie. I'm happy. What about you? Is your Sicilian man here today?”
Her eyes light up. “Maybe.Maybehe’s been in touch . . .maybeI'm seeing him later.”
I laugh. “Yey, well I'm happy for you too then!”
“Where’s Jack?”
“Here, baby.” I hear his voice from behind me. I turn around and he’s dressed in full leathers, the top half is zipped down hanging around his hips, showing a white fitted t-shirt underneath, I can see the shape of his torso through it. Heat pools in between my legs to think I'm going to have this man inside me again tonight.
“Hey,” I say softly
Before he can move Eli goes running towards him and wraps his arms around his legs. “Jack! You're gonna win, you're gonna win!”
He bends down and scoops him up lifting him to eye level. “You bet I'm gonna win. How are you doing little man? I missed you this week.”
My heart hurts - seeing him be like this with Eli, making my son so happy, Eli in his arms, grinning at him, it means something profound.
Eli shouts “I'm good. I'm excited for the race.”
I laugh. “So excited he hasn't been quiet about it all day, I think if I hear the word Jack or race one more time I’ll explode.”
Jack looks around and then back to me making a point. “If you don't wanna hear those words you’re in the wrong place sweetheart.”
I laugh, he’s got a point.
He comes over while still having hold of Eli and bends and kisses my cheek, saying into my ear “So fucking happy you’re here baby.”
I smile up at him shyly. We have to keep the pdas at a minimum in front of Eli for the time being.
“Did you get my text?” I’d text him telling him that mum is having Eli tonight.
He grins. “Oh yeah, can't fu . . . can't wait.” He checked himself for swearing in front of a four-year-old.
Jack wins.
Of course, he wins. Was there ever any doubt? He was amazing. It wasn’t an easy win by any means, Dom, his arch-nemesis battled with him all the way around, and a couple of other contenders I didn’t know. But he beat them in the end. And what a high - watching him do it on the screens and then him pulling up into the pit. I wanted to go over, but I was embarrassed, all his team went rushing over to him, Eli was jumping up and down, he removed his helmet and grins at me the happiest grin I’ve ever seen. He motions his head for me to go over to him, I grab Eli’s hand and go over. He reaches behind my neck and pulls me in for a kiss. It's a firm quick one, but he’s making his claim to everyone. I’m touched that he wants me as soon as he’s won. He’s got everyone’s attention right now, but he wants mine.
He scoops Eli up and plops him in front of him on the bike, much to Eli’s elation.
