Page 36 of Down & Dirty (Holden Cove #1)

CHAPTER 36

SKYLAR

I wasn’t sure what had gotten under Cory’s skin, but when we landed back in California, he’d hit the gym like he was twenty-four, not thirty-four. He’d been in rare form at the practice course and a couple of weeks later, when he made his way to the gate for the first race of the season and I gave him a wave, my heart was pounding so hard in the loud arena I could barely breathe.

He winked at me, “See you soon, gorgeous.”

It was a different experience having both Ronnie and Cory to watch. I was rooting for both of them, scared for both of them. I didn’t think I’d ever been so anxious for a race to be done.

When the first qualifying heat kicked off, I was in the box with the rest of the OTM management. All conversations fell quiet as the gate dropped and Ronnie went for the hole shot. He got caught behind a rider from the Maverick Yamaha team, and then his first corner put him back even farther when he got bumped from the route he’d been on. Ronnie made up time in the whoops, speeding over the series of short, tightly stacked mounds. Cory was behind him, battling hard, trying to break into the top five. I was silent as I watched, the deafening roar of the pack of riders moving around us in waves .

The first heat ended with Cory in eighth and Ronnie in sixth. Neither were very happy with their runs, and I hung back as they talked strategy for the main event to come. Cory found my eyes from across the tour bus, a fire in them that felt like a caress. Racing had been in Cory’s life so much longer than I had, but the way he held my gaze, wordlessly making me feel important...It filled me like an updraft on a flat field. All my own emotions kicked up in its wake and I was in a storm of them by the time the main event of the night was finished.

“Not too bad,” Ronnie said to Cory, patting him on the shoulder as they walked toward me. Their faces were red and speckled with dirt, and their hair was sweaty, matted and pressed into the worst kind of helmet hair. But they were both smiling. And I exhaled a long sigh as Cory pulled me in for a kiss.

“Fourth and sixth will do for the first race,” Ronnie finished, beaming at me as he gave me a quick hug.

Waiting for my brother let me go, Cory jerked his head behind him. “I’m going to take a quick shower. Meet you in the hotel lobby?”

I smiled, their energy feeding my own. “Sounds good.”

Leaning against one of the stone columns a little while later, I was watching the local weather report when I heard someone clear their throat beside me.

A tall, skinny woman dressed in a very well-tailored suit held out her hand. “I’m sorry, we’ve never met, but I know who you are.” When I hesitated, she said in a rush, “I’m Cass. I’m friends with Cory.”

The name registered and I snapped my hand out to take hers. “Of course. He’s mentioned you.”

She laughed. “I can only imagine in what context my name came up.”

Suddenly a little more self-conscious, I shook my head. “No, no. It was good. I know about the other women.” I dropped my voice on the last part and her eyes narrowed conspiratorially even as she smirked .

“Wow. So he wasn’t kidding.” She looked me up and down and I pulled my shoulders back. “You two are the real deal.”

My hackles went up slightly. “I like to think so.”

As if she realized how her comment sounded, she put her hand out. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m sorry. It’s just still so strange to think of Cory being with someone. For real. He’s been solo for, what, like ten years. But this is good. I’m happy for him.” Her smile brightened. “I’m happy for both of you.”

Despite what she’d said, she seemed genuine enough that I let some of the tension drop. “I appreciate that.”

“You’ve really changed him. For the better.”

“He’s changed me too,” I admitted, wanting to give Cory credit for everything he’d done for me, everything he’d brought into my life. “We’ve been good for each other.”

Cass’s eyes were sparkling, pure warmth in them. “Yes. You definitely have.” Her gaze drifted to my other side and I turned to find one of the executives from OTM settling in beside me.

“Don’t let me interrupt you two powerful ladies,” he said awkwardly, laughing at himself.

“Never, Stewart,” Cass said cordially. She was good at this.

Stewart stepped in, closing our little circle, and my pulse sped up.

“Pretty great start to the season.” He nodded, looking between both of us for agreement.

“Plenty of room for improvement, but a good sign for where things are headed,” I said, feeling both of their gazes land on me, scrutinizing, dissecting. I wasn’t even sure which rider they were talking to me about? My brother or my husband?

“I love your fire, Skylar,” Stewart said, his smile widening. “Top fifteen finishes for our whole team, and you still want more.” He bit his lip as he nodded, eyeing me creepily, and I fought the urge to explain that wasn’t exactly what I meant.

Cass leaned a little closer to me. “I don’t know, I think you should get Skylar on one of your bikes. She’s an accomplished rider herself.”

My smile was more a grimace, even if I appreciated what she was trying to do.

Stewart’s enthusiasm only grew. “That’s right. But you know what might be even better? I think you and Cass should work together. I see much bigger things for you, Skylar. You’ve managed Ronnie with such skill and strategy. I see you flourishing this season and really finding your own niche.”

If it hadn’t been for the sincere look in Cass’s eye as she nodded in agreement, I might have just laughed them both off and walked away. I had no idea what he was talking about.

“I guess we’ll see,” I deflected. These people were strangers who hardly knew me.

Cass bumped her shoulder into mine. “I think Stewart is on to something. We should talk. If you’re looking to branch out, I know plenty of people who could use someone with your skills.”

It dawned on me she likely didn’t even know what my skills were, but I thanked her anyway, and took her card when she slipped it into my hand.

Stewart offered us a pair of quick goodbyes before slipping out the door with the head of finance for Hardspun Apparel, the sight of him reminding me of OTM’s warning to Ronnie before the holiday.

“For real, though,” Cass said when he was gone. “You ever want to talk career options, let me know. I worked in recruiting for years before I got into casting and shit. I can hook you up.”

Part of me wondered if Cory had ever mentioned to her that I wasn’t always happy being Ronnie’s handler. I doubted it by the look on her face. And it wouldn’t be like him to talk about me behind my back.

“I just might,” I told her, pocketing her card. It was unlikely I’d take her up on her offer, but it was nice she’d made it.

“Okay, I have to run.” She waved at someone across the lobby. “But te ll Cory I said hi.” Looking back over her shoulder as she walked away, she gave me another warm smile. “Call me.”