Page 37 of Holeshot Heathen

Chapter 36

These last four weeks have been amazing, and I can’t help but hope I get into the team, but as time goes on, it’s clear that Ryder is going to be the one they select at this weekend’s final ball, where all the families will come and celebrate. I’m so happy for Ryder, and I know he deserves it, but I also know once I don’t make the team, I will have to go home and fulfil the plan my family have laid out for me. They said they would be here tonight, but I know they won’t.

I dress in my suit, and Ryder is standing, waiting for me. He reaches out his hand. “Will you come and sit with us? I want my family to meet you as my boyfriend. We said once this was over, we were going to give it a shot. Can we start tonight?”

I nod and steal a kiss. “I would give you the world right now. You know this is yours, and I couldn’t be prouder. Do you think they’ll like me?” I look at my shoes, nervous. “And Jay, what about Jay?”

“They’ll be fine. They know we’re together, and they couldn’t be happier for me. Come on.”

We walk into the hall and find our table; well, my table’s empty again—no shock there. I drop Ryder’s hand as we walk into the room. He notices, of course he does, but he doesn’t say anything. We walk over to his mum. She greets us both with a hug, and his dad rises, giving Ryder a hug and me a handshake.

Jay jumps up and throws himself at Ryder. “Fuck, dude, I’ve missed you so much.” They hug for ages, and I can’t help the tang of jealousy that washes over me. I thought he had nothing when I first met him, but then I realised he had it all, and I have nothing. Only now, it doesn’t sting as much as I have him.

The meal is nice; we sit and have conversations, and then the team announcement is to be made. They call Ryder’s name. Of course they do. I stand and clap with everyone as he heads to the stage to accept his placement, and I’m happy for him. I really am. I just know that the bikes are over for me now, and I know that was the deal. I got one shot, and that was it. It’s bittersweet. But I got the best prize, I got the holeshot heathen, and I smile to myself. I’m gonna be okay.

I stay for a bit but then make my excuses and leave. I head back to the room alone. I just need some space. I need to think.

When I wake up the next morning, I’m wrapped in warm, strong arms, and I don’t even remember him coming back last night, but we leave today, and it’s going to be weird waking up alone and being back at home. Not that it feels like a home it—never has. I turn in his arms and kiss him. I don’t want to say goodbye. I don’t want to go home alone, but I know he has things to sort out. I know the team are in talks with sponsors already. He’s really made a name for himself.

“Ryder. Can we talk?”

“H-huh?” he grumbles.

“How is this going to work now?”

“What?”

“Us, how is it going to work?”

“We go home, sort shit out, and then we see each other as much as we can. We will work around our schedules, and you’ll come to the tracks when I’m racing. We can stay in your motorhome.”

“You think it’s going to be that easy?”

“You don’t?”

“I don’t know what my father is going to do when he finds out.”

“They don’t know?”

I shake my head. “I haven’t seen them, and I’ve barely heard from them. I was hoping you’d come through to the house for a few days, and we can tell them then. Together.”

“You sure you want me there?”

“Yeah, I love you, Ryder. I want to tell them all. I’m ready.”

“Fuck, princess, I love you too.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief. “They promised they would be home Sunday. Will you come Friday and stay with me till they get back?”

He nods. “I would love to.” He leans in and starts kissing me, sliding his hand down my body. I groan, and he grins against me.

Then there’s a knock on the door, and Ryder gets up to answer it. Jay comes barging into the room. “Thought I’d drive back with you. Mum and them have left, said they’ll see you at home.”

I groan and grumble. “Cock blocking bastard.” He winks at me and walks past, flopping down on Ryder’s bed.

“Hurry up, lover boy. I’m starving.” Ryder grimaces at me, shrugs his shoulders, and gathers all his stuff. Within twenty minutes, he’s walking out the door.

“I will see you Friday, okay?”

I nod, and they leave. I feel alone all over again. I can hear them laughing all the way down the hall.