“We remained on separate sides initially.”
“Definitely.”
“This contact occurred while unconscious.”
“Completely innocent.”
Her thumb moved once across the inside of my wrist. Not unconscious. My breathing changed. Dani’s gaze dropped to my mouth. The promise from last night returned. After the race. I released her and sat up.
“We need to prepare.”
She smiled against the pillow.
“Professional timing.”
“The shuttle leaves in forty-five minutes.”
“You scheduled fifty.”
“Breakfast, dressing, bathroom, equipment check, and transit to the lobby.”
“Romance doesn’t stand a chance.”
“This is not the time.”
“No. The time is after the race.”
Her smile made my stomach feel less stable than race anxiety had. I stood. The room tilted slightly. Dani sat up immediately.
“Dizzy?”
“No. Fast movement.”
“Sit.”
“I am fine.”
“Amy.”
I sat on the edge of the bed. She tracked my face, fear arriving before she could hide it.
“My knee does not hurt,” I said.
“That wasn’t my first question.”
“I am not dizzy now.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Dani exhaled. The worry remained. I reached for her hand.
“You cannot monitor every variable.”
“Yes. You can trust me to report changes.”
Her eyes held mine.
