Carrick and I went to visit him while he was in the hospital. Leandro didn’t seem like his normal self, but he was still making jokes, so I took that as a positive sign.
Carrick’s on the other side of the garage, talking with Ben, and I’m watching him. Well, I’m staring at his arse. It’s a really nice arse.
Turning, Carrick catches me staring. A smirks spreads across his face, making my cheeks redden. But I up my game and give him a cocky look.
Leaving Ben, Carrick comes over to me. “You checking out the goods?” He places his hands on my waist.
“Maybe. They are good goods.”
He gives me an offended look. “Only good?”
“Okay, the best goods—ever. That better?”
“Much.” He smiles. Brushing my hair from my face, he says in a quieter voice, “You doing okay?”
“I’m a little scared. Announcements freaked me out a bit, but I’m coping,” I answer truthfully.
I made a promise to him that I would always be honest with him, no matter what, and I intend to keep that promise.
“You remember what we talked about?”
“If I start to panic, sit down, take slow calming breaths, and drink some water. No running. Stay put, and wait until you’re back.”
His lips lift as he squeezes my waist. “Petra’s staying with you, right?”
“Yep, she’s my bodyguard.”
I give him a look, and he sighs.
Carrick asked Petra to stay with me while he races. I got a bit pissy with him about it, not that I don’t love being with Petra because I do, but I don’t need Carrick getting me a babysitter either.
“I just didn’t want you to be alone.”
“I know. It’s okay. I get it.” I rest my hand against his chest. “I appreciate you looking out for me. It’s good that she’s here, so I won’t be alone.”
His brow furrows. “You’re never alone, babe. You need to hear my voice, go sit with John and my da, and you can put an earpiece in. Okay?”
“Okay.” I smile.
He returns my smile before kissing me.
I can taste his pre-race chocolate on his lips. Delicious.
“You taste good,” I murmur into his mouth. “Chocolate…yummy.”
“Carrick’s chocolate kisses.” He kisses me again, giving me another taste.
“Hmm…I like that.”
“And I like you. A lot.”
“Seriously, dudes. Enough with the kissing!”
I break away from Carrick to see Petra standing there.
“Jealous?” I smirk.
“Yeah. Totally. I really need a man.” She lets out a faux-dramatic sigh. “Now, you, shoo,” she says to Carrick. “I want some time with my girl. You have her enough as it is.”
I stare back into Carrick’s eyes, touching a hand to his face. “Good luck.”
“Thanks, but you I don’t need it, babe. Carrick Ryan, god of the tracks, remember?” He gives me a cheeky wink. “See you soon, babe.”
One final kiss, and he’s gone.
Sitting on the chairs with Petra, I watch as he pulls on his helmet and gets into the cockpit. Ben straps him in. Then, Carrick is pulling out onto the track, and I feel my heart start to race.
I reach for Petra’s hand.
“He’s just warming up. He’s gonna be fine, Andi,” she says softly. “He’s gonna win this race, and then you guys will go back to the hotel and have a marathon sex session.”
That makes me laugh. I turn to look at her, and she’s grinning at me.
“Glad you’re here, Pet.” I give her hand a squeeze.
“Yeah, me, too.”
“He’s set to do it. The reigning champion is on the home stretch, set to take the gold home…”
I’m on my feet at the sound of the announcer’s voice. My heart is beating faster, knowing that Carrick is almost there on the home stretch, so close to crossing that finishing line.
Come on, baby. You can do it. Come back to me safe.
It’s been a tough hour for me, not that Carrick’s racing hasn’t been seamless because it has. But now, I’m watching him closing in the gap to the checkered flag, and my heart is in my throat, excited for him, but still nervous, and just needing him back here with me.
The flag is down.
He won!
Yes!
The whole team is on their feet, cheering and hugging each other. Petra and I are jumping up and down, screaming.
But I won’t relax, not fully, until he’s here with me and I’m in his arms.
My eyes are glued to the pit, waiting for his return. The moment I see his car pulling in, I’m running out of the garage to him. He’s only just climbed out of the car when I’m jumping into his arms.