“She’s nice. Give her a chance.” Leaning in, he kisses me swiftly. “And taste me while you do.” Smacking my ass, he lifts me up and turns me around to my locker. “Come on.” He does, in fact, help me into my suit—well, more like feels me up since it takes five minutes longer than it should, and by the time I escape the locker room, I’m blushing and hard.
As I’m heading to the track where Sky and Alek wait, I run smack into her and her camera crew.
“Mackie!” She smiles brightly at me, exposing a dimple on one side. Her perfectly painted lips annoy me. She’s even more beautiful up close. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Clarke. Noah has told me so much about you.” Her happiness is genuine, and it lessens some of my annoyance. “We’ll be around for a few weeks. If there is anything you don’t want me to shoot or use, let me know. I want you to be as comfortable as possible. We’ll do some interviews, but when and how is totally up to you. I don’t want to get in the way.”
Well, shit, why did she have to be nice?
“Of course, no worries,” I respond politely, giving her a genuine smile.
“Great.” She signals her crew away, and when they are gone, she leans in. “Honestly, anything you don’t want me to shoot, let me know.”
“Will do.” I nod.
“Like the locker room.” She gives me a look, and my eyes widen. “I knew it. The looks you two were giving each other were obvious.Word to the wise, you might want to hide if you’re trying to be on the down-low.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say worriedly.
“Sure, sure, sorry about earlier. I saw you looking. I wasn’t flirting if that’s what made you mad. Trust me, Noah isn’t my type.” She winks.
“He’s everyone’s type,” I grumble before realizing that gives me away, and my eyes widen, but she just laughs and nudges me.
“Not unless he has breasts and a vagina.” I blink at her before a genuine smile curls up my lips. “See? Now we can be friends. I don’t want your man, but if you have a sister”—she runs her eyes down me—“who is as good looking as you, I’ll take a shot . . . or a mom. I’m into the older woman thing.”
“I like them older too,” I share as she falls into step at my side.
“They are just better, aren’t they?” She nudges me, and we exchange a knowing smile. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I have no intention of exposing your relationship. I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. I am literally just here to follow you to your title win and help in any way I can.”
“Thank you,” I say softly. “Are you into racing?”
“Since I was little. Any sports, really. Making documentaries is my passion, but following people like you who do the unimaginable is addictive to me. When I got the offer, I jumped at the chance. A few others have expressed interest in being part of it as well, so we might make it a series.”
“That’s a really good idea. I think the fans would enjoy it. I’m sure Noah can arrange some access for you in the cars as well and stuff so you can get all the shots you need.” I brighten up as we talk, and she follows me onto the track where Skylar is waiting, blowing kisses into his phone at Bones, who looks annoyed.
“About time. I thought you were fuck—I mean fucking around,” Skylar scoffs. “Gotta go, bye, love you.” He hangs up as he winces at me and looks at her. “I’m Skylar.”
“I know.” She laughs as she takes his hand. “Clarke. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Only bad things, I hope.” He grins.
“Terrible things. Is it true you enjoy getting arrested to flirt with your boyfriend?”
“It’s called foreplay, Clarke. Look it up.” Groaning, I look at Sky, but he’s smiling widely.
“Alright, enough chatting. Time for work,” Noah calls with a clap as he walks onto the track. “Clarke, you’re with me. Sky, Mackie, you know the drill.”
Nodding, I wave at Clarke, smiling at her as she heads to Noah’s side. He winks at me before I turn away, and Sky and I knock arms. “Time to show them what speed is.”
“Let’s give them something good to film.” I grab my helmet. “And see if you can keep up, old man.”
“Young ones have no respect now. Don’t worry, you’ll be behind me, riding my ass.” His smile grins. “Just like you enjoy outside of the track.”
“Idiot,” I mutter as I laugh and stride over to my car, ready to prove to Noah and Clarke why we are going to win this title.
With Skylar and me working together, no one else stands a chance.
FORTY-FOUR
It’s the first race of the season, and everyone is high on excitement and nerves, but Mackie seems distracted. Even before he headed to the asphalt, he was glued to his phone. I tried to talk to him, but it’s always busy pre-race, so he managed to escape me. He stayed at his home the last few nights, needing to rest after long practices to prepare for today. I know something is wrong, but pushing Mackie to talk never works.
