“Same as gymnasts, with a giant foam pit.”
“Wait, are you saying the bike lands in the pit with you?” His mouth falls open just slightly, and it’s so fucking adorable I can’t stop myself from leaning in to plant a kiss on those stunned lips.
“I’d go through a lot of bikes if I let them crash to the ground.” I lick my lips as I wait for his response.
He blinks a few times and shakes his head before glancing back to the riders practicing the course. “Between the diesel you love to sniff and the likelihood of a head injury I feel like you’re looking at a pretty short lifespan.”
“Maybe, but I’ll have fun doing it.” I kiss the sarcasm off his mouth. “Come on, let’s keep going.”
I tug him up and lead him around to the opening at the north end of the arena where the riders hang out before it’s their turn to go. “This is where we start and finish. You can watch from here with Jace.”
“I can’t see the whole course from here.” A tiny crease separates his brows.
“You can walk to the corner over there for a better angle—” I point to our left “—or watch the TV at the other end of the course.”
He follows the direction of my fingers like he’s weighing which option will give him the better view. I hope that means he’s interested in being here, because right now I can’t read his expression.
So far, since I’ve picked him up, he’s seemed surprised or curious, but not excited. Well, he did seem excited to see me at the airport if that beaming smile was any indication, but since then, he’s been a little subdued.
I’d never expect him to love these events the way I do, just like I don’t love the restaurant business the way he does. Although, I was hoping he’d be comfortable enough to picture himself here on a more regular basis.
It’s stupid as shit, but I’m fucking giddy over the fact that he’s with me right now. Walking around with his hand tucked in mine, stealing kisses every now and then, it makes me feel lighter, like there’s nothing to worry about. If Jace and the guys knew that, they’d probably freak out. They believe a certain amount of nerves before an event is a healthy thing, and I agree it can keep you grounded. But with Lennon here, I’m living in the moment, and I figure that has to be just as healthy.
The thunderousbraaapof an engine revving just behind us makes Lennon jump closer, clinging to my side as his head swivels to find the source.
“Axel.” Colin pulls up next to us after finishing his practice run.
I offer him my fist and he bumps it in return. “Colin, this is Lennon…” It’s on the tip of my tongue to saymy boyfriendsince I have the green light to do it, but he beats me to it.
“This your guy?” Colin extends his hand, and Lennon lets go of mine to take it.
“Yep.” I link our fingers together the second his hand is free, and watch in horror as Colin gives my boyfriend a once-over. I’m about to call him out on it when he breaks into a smile.
“You weren’t kidding, that skirt is legit,” Colin says.
My chest inflates as my brows draw together. “Are you checking out my boyfriend?”
“Dude, you’re the one who said he rocks a skirt.” Colin rolls his eyes. “And for the record, I wasn’t checking out your man, just his clothes. You said skirt and I thought something frilly, but that’s sort of badass.” He points to Lennon’s lower half, which is draped in black fabric adorned with a slew of silver buckles.
I don’t get a chance to see how Lennon reacts to that statement since Colin jumps right into talking about the condition of the track, reminding me why I love this sport despite the unconventional lifestyle it brings. There’s a sense of brotherhood here I’m not sure other professional competitors get to experience. Despite the fact we both want to win, we also want to see the sport grow, which means we want each other to do well at these events.
Of course, there’s a limit to that camaraderie. He’s not going to tell me what tricks he’s planning to throw, same as I won’t share mine. You don’t want to give someone the opportunity to add an elementto their run at the last minute that will put them on the top of the podium. That said, we’ve each got a pretty good idea what the other is capable of, and sharing what we’ve learned so we each have a clean run is a show of respect, something that makes the circuit feel like an extended family. Or what I imagine as one, anyway.
After Colin and I wrap up, I take Lennon back toward my trailer where the guys are cleaning the bike from my practice run earlier, to make sure the brakes and gears aren’t overly dusty.
“Lennon, you remember the guys?” I point to each of them as I say their names. “Nick, Trevor, and Jace.”
He gives a little nod as the guys all say hello then seem to clam up. I get it—none of us has ever brought anyone around—so they don’t know how to act. But they knew he was coming, so you’d think they could do more than just stand there gaping at us.
“First time at an event?” Jace tries to break the tension.
“Why would you think that?” Lennon’s voice is curious, but his brows draw together as if he’s on the defensive.
Jace scratches the back of his head and lowers his gaze to the ground, as if he’s hesitant to admit what he sees. “You don’t seem as relaxed as you did behind the bar.”
“It’s much louder than I expected.” A slow smile spreads across Lennon's face.
“Wait until the crowd gets here tomorrow.” Jace looks up, mirroring his expression, and I feel Lennon exhale next to me.
