Page 35 of Narrow Margins
I see the shell-shocked look on his face when I almost make a complete idiot of myself. What the fuck? I nearly said the L word! What’s more surprising is the total acceptance in his features at my slip up.
“I know, because I know you, baby, and it’s okay; I feel it too. Don’t forget, I still want you on the back of this machine.” Dropping a far-too-brief kiss on my still parted lips, he walks away and turns, looking over his shoulder. “I mean the bike as well!” With one more heated glance, he climbs over the frame of the bike and takes his helmet from the crew.
With his gloves on and a glance over his shoulder, he points his finger forward and the other bikers, which now includes two riders I didn’t notice, set off up the pit lane.
I stride past the others and step up to the wall, ready to watch what’s going on. It looks like they are all warming up on the first lap, but as Griff goes past me, he gives me a quick nod then opens the throttle, leaving the others behind. Ryan picks up speed next and I see Nico grinding his teeth together.
“Not a huge fan of bike racing?” I ask.
“No, I love it. I just don’t like seeing my husband try to race your world champion boyfriend.” Nico sighs. “His competitive streak scares the crap out of me.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine and you can think of a way to chastise him.” I chuckle. We go back to watching them, Raff doesn’t seem to like being left behind and he catches up with Ryan.
“Dear God, he’s killing me here.” Troy mumbles to himself.
We fall silent as they go round and round. After ten laps, Griff signals he’s done. As he passes me for the last lap, I notice a subtle difference in his body and I know he’s going to pull something out of the bag as he finishes. A minute and a half later, I watch as he approaches us and pulls the bike up on its back wheel and speeds past us on one wheel. Then, as he drops it back down, he spins it around in a shroud of smoke from the burning tire as he performs perfect donuts. Finished with his cocky display, he brings it back up and comes down the pit lane from the wrong direction.
Coming to a stop, his mechanics grab hold of the bike as Griff shuts the engine off. Thank fuck for that, it looks like he won’t be getting me on the back of a bike. He swaggers as he walks up to me, pulling his crash helmet off. His smile is devilish, he bites down on his tongue as he grins at me.
“You are a fucking lunatic, Griff.” I wrap my hand around the back of his neck and pull him in to me so I can kiss him. Letting him go, I smile smugly, “At least you’ve burnt out you tires, I guess we won’t be going out after all.” My comment is in jest but see disappoint flash in his eyes.
“Don’t you trust me? Do you really not want to go out with me?” He looks so dejected my heart feels like it’s being squeezed hard in my chest.
“Ah, fuck it. Come on, get me some leathers and we’ll go. I’m guessing they have new tires?”
“They do, and your leathers are at the back.” Griff grabs my hand and guides me to the back of the garage.
“I’m not as happy to strip off as you are, Griff. Is there somewhere I can change? You may need to help me get the suit over my leg.” My voice is low as I try not to bring attention to myself.
“Let me check, baby. I’m sure there’s room here somewhere.” Griff walks away and seeks out Ryan. I see them talk and Ryan points to a door to the left of me.
Ten minutes later, my legs are wrapped in leather racing trousers and a matching jacket zips to the trousers to make it a one piece. It was thoughtful of Ryan to make them separate; there is no way I would have been able to squeeze myself in an actual one-piece.
“You look hot as fuck, Corr! Let’s just go home now.” Griff nudges me with his elbow. “Come on, let’s go and do a few laps.” With a peck on my cheek, Griff leads the way back to the bikes. The mechanics have sorted out new tires and I am handed a crash helmet and some gloves. It’s time to go. Strangely, excited butterflies flutter frantically in my stomach.
Giving Griff a grin, I’m helped onto the back of the bike, Griff has already got on and swivels to me. “Hold on to me.”
I nod and put my hands on his waist as he pulls away, slowly at first as we get used to the balance. Then I hear him shout out, asking me if I’m okay.
I shout back my affirmation and squeeze my legs against his, and he speeds up. Oh my God, I’d totally forgotten the thrill of speed, the exhilaration as you lean into the bends. Griff is in complete control, I can’t believe I doubted my safety or, more, his ability to keep me safe. This man is a god on this machine, he instinctively knows and understands how to get the best out of the bike.
We race around about five times—I’ve lost count, I’m enjoying myself so much. Then we start to slow down, Griff sits upright and I loosen my grip and rest my hands on my thighs as I straighten. Griff takes his hand off the handle and rests it on mine, it’s such a tender action that a lump builds in my throat. Today has had a cathartic effect on me, I have let my feeling for Griff show in front of my friends. I have freed myself of the chains that have been holding me back from this amazing man, I am ready for this, what? Relationship? Hell, yeah, it’s a relationship: he’s my boyfriend and I haven’t had one of those for many years.
Pulling into the garage, I scan around and see everyone smiling, applauding and cheering, but not Raff. He’s at the back, chewing the edge of his thumb nail with a concerned look on his face, or is it anger? But he pushes from the wall and walks up to me, draping his arm around me.
I accept his hug and his help as I climb off the bike, making sure it’s my own leg that hits the floor first. I feel a bit wobbly as the vibrations from the bike still course through my veins. I unfasten my crash helmet and scrub through my hair, then the other guys are around me. The congratulations, hugs and fist bumps are overwhelming. Griff looks at me and the pure lust, the desire etched over his face, has me gasping for breath. In two, long strides he reaches me and pushes his hands through my hair before mashing our mouths together. My eyes flutter shut as his tongue seeks entry. Tasting his need and desire, I match it with my own, but it’s over way too soon and Griff moves away. My eyes slowly open and I focus on his face.
Leaning his forehead against mine, he whispers, “Thank you, thank you.” Wrapping my arms around him, we stand still, locked in an embrace that speaks louder than words.
When we break apart, I see everyone has moved away and are chatting to each other as they stand by their vehicles. Troy looks up and, finding we have pulled apart, wanders back to us.
“We’re having a cook-out at the house, if you want to come? After that much emotion, I’m not sure if you want to spend any more time with us, but you’re both very welcome.”
I look at Griff and he smiles and nods, so I reply for us. “Yeah, we can come for a while. I am pretty hungry.”
“Cool, see you there in thirty.” Troy walks back to Raff and they get in Troy’s Ferrari.
“We’ve waited this long, I think a couple more hours won’t kill us, don’t you think?” Griff kisses my cheek. “Come on, let’s get out of these leathers.”
“You just want to be stripped down and naked.” I joke but Griff’s eyes darken as he looks at my mouth.
“Come on, do you need my help?” Griff starts to unzip his suit.
“No, I think I’ll be okay. Am I too tempting?” I unzip the jacket and walk to the room at the back, shrugging the jacket off as I go.
“Too damn right.” Griff grumbles behind me.