Page 42 of Ride with Zane

“Hi Ash, were you sleeping?”

“Not at all, are you okay? You sound so pissed.”

“I should have called you hours ago, but my phone’s battery died and I couldn't find a darn charger, can you believe it? So sorry for the late call.”

“That's okay…” She starts fidgeting with the hem of her top. I kiss her shoulder, trying to comfort her. To make her feel I’m here for her even though I’m more nervous than her for sure.

“I know you're dying to know if you were listed or not. So get ready, the next months will be like hell, Ash. You made it.”

“Are you talking about the Olympics?”

“Yes, make sure your passport is ready because in nine months we'll be in St. Moritz.”

“F..f...for real?” She mumbles, making us laugh. She bites her bottom lip while some tears run down her cheeks.

“I'll let you have a free weekend but from Monday you'll be on a diet and a hellish training program.”

“Got it. Thank you, Raven.”

“See you on Monday.”

Silence. It seems she’s holding her breath.

I hug her tight, but she bursts into tears.

“Hey baby, come here.” I stroke her back “I'm so fucking proud of you, Princess. I knew it.”

“Thank you. It seems so surreal.”

Surreal but also it comes in handy for me.

“Indeed is all true, because you're amazing.”

“I love you, Rock.”

“Then come stay with me.”

“What?”

“Move in with me. You'll be so busy with your training, and I don't want to waste time going back and forth. Having you at the Clubhouse will be amazing.”

“Isn't it too soon? We barely know each other.”

“You'll know me even more, living with me.”

“But why the Clubhouse? Why not my place or yours?”

“I spend all my time there, I barely go home, plus you'll also have the girls there.”

“I don't know what to say.”

“Say yes.”

She holds my gaze and seconds seem infinite.Come on baby, say yes.

“Okay,” she licks her lips, and I can’t help but kiss her. It's for her safety but I'm too selfish to leave her alone. I need her. I couldn't even sleep when she wasn’t with me. She's the piece I was missing, and I'll do anything to have her by my side.

Chapter Eleven