“Beautiful?” I whisper.
She moves ever so slightly, nuzzling in that much closer, her warmth seeping into every part of my being.
“I love you,” I say, fighting back the … what is that, tears? I can’t believe what a pussy I’m turning into. But I really love this girl, and it’s like my heart wants to leap out of my chest to be with her. I can’t get close enough. I control my breathing, and wipe a tear from my eye. This emotion shit is tough.
Now I just need to grow a pair of balls and tell her when she’s awake. Hopefully she’s strong enough to pick me up when I pass out on the floor.
****
* APRIL *
Sunday (Race Day)
“Stone’s racing hard for the spot, but wait, here comes Jones in the number eleven, going to the inside, and … yes … yes, he takes him! Jones is now in the lead, with one lap to go.” The commentator’s voice projects loudly from the speaker.
Goosebumps prickle all over my skin as the crowd roars. I’m so thrilled for Spencer . I try to steady my shaking hands by clenching them into fists. My stomach drops. I think I’m going to be sick.
Come on, Spencer. You can do it, baby!
Jumping up and down on the spot, my heart thumps hard and wild in my chest. I’m about to have a heart attack. I can barely hold my camera in my sweaty hands.
“Stone in twenty-four is pushing the pace … He’s hanging on, with KTM’s Stewart in number two bouncing to the outside … Jones just has to play smart, here … Any mistake could cost him. The title’s been within his reach for the last few seasons, but this might finally be it … Half a lap remaining, now.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and close my eyes, praying that Spencer can keep on track. He can do it. I believe in him.
“It’s almost over, Jones is coming in strong, with Stone hot on his tail … The Yamaha team at the side of the track are looking very happy. The boys are neck and neck now, riding hard into the last corner, in the final fight for the title. This is gonna be tight.
“And it’s Jones! He wins Moto Two in front of a packed crowd at Coolum.”
The crowd roars and I squeal out loud, throwing my hands in the air, almost dropping my camera.
“He did it,” I say under my breath.
“Stone comes in a very close second, which will place him a well-deserved second overall for the season, and Barrett in seventeen comes in third, after Stewart stumbled on the last corner.”
Happy tears run down my face, and I run down to the team. Spencer looks all around and straightens his arm out and points his finger in my direction when he sees me. I punch my two fists in the air in triumph, and laugh and cry as I approach him.
This time, I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks. I’m going to hug him. Whatever the consequences.
****
* SPENCER *
“So proud of you,” she whispers as she hugs me. The loud revs of the bikes on the track fade in the distance.
I nearly turn to fucking jelly and cry like a damn baby.
“Now I’ve got you in my arms, beautiful, I can breathe again,” I mumble close to her ear, giving her a squeeze.
She releases from my hold and steps back, her chin quivering. I can’t see her eyes that well through her sunglasses, but I guarantee she’s tearing up. We’re both about to lose our shit.
The hug was short and sweet, the kind I’d give someone I barely knew. I guess that was the idea. But it was better than nothing. I got to hold April against my mad beating heart while the adrenaline of the win coursed through me like a freight train.
April walks over to Stone with a happy yet sad smile on those lips. Sweet lips I’d wanted to crush with mine. I have to talk myself out of brushing those tears away. I knew they were happy tears, which only made it marginally better. I just hate to see her cry.
As much as I want those tears gone, I can’t touch her face like that. Mac is right there. He’s pre-occupied with Stone right now, but I know April hasn’t told him about us. That is something I know she’ll tell me for sure. And Mac won’t be fucking smiling.
Rocco, the new team mechanic, rubs his knuckles hard on top of my head and hands me a Yamaha cap, which I slip on.
“You fuckin’ owned that race, bro! Fuckin’ owned it,” he says, with such enthusiasm. Rocco pulls me into giant hug, and slaps me hard on the back. Thank Christ I still have armour on, because he’s a strong prick.
He pulls back and I grip his rounded shoulders firmly in my hands. I stare into his dark brown eyes. “You’re a dead-set fuckin’ legend, Rocco. You turned my bike into a dream on wheels.”
He shrugs. “Yeah, yeah. So everybody keeps sayin’,” he says, cool as anything, like it’s no big deal.
“Yeah, well start fuckin’ believing it, because I just became Rocco De Luca’s biggest fan. I’m gonna be stalking your arse.” I laugh. “They’ll be calling you the bike whisperer.”
Rocco chuckles, and grabs his dick through his skinny black jeans. “If you wanna suck my dick, mate, you’ll have to get in line. And it’s a long fuckin’ line.”
“Fuck off,” I say through a chuckle. I play-punch him in the gut, and he laughs.
Stepping back, he points an inked finger at me. “Later,” he says, with a cocky smirk. “Tequila.”
I know there’s not a chance in hell I’ll get out of the tequila slammers. I’ll just have to take it easy with what I’ve got planned later tonight.
Out of the corner of my eye I see a tall older man wearing a white polo shirt and jeans approach. Holding his hand is a smaller woman, dressed far too well to be standing on the muddy track.
What the fuck?
“Dad? Mum?” I can barely spit out the words. I’d had no idea they would be here. Dad didn’t mention it all week. Mum had been bubblier than usual when I saw her on Thursday, but she was just as tight-lipped. But it doesn’t matter, because they’re here. About fucking time.
I’m still so shocked, I can’t speak.
“I’m impressed with your riding today, son. You really deserve this win,” Dad says, patting me firmly on the shoulder. My father has never been one to show much affection, but in this moment I’m taking full advantage. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and squeeze him tight, patting him on the back.
“Thanks, Dad,” I choke out, my voice thick with emotion. “Means a lot.”
Pulling out of our hold, I turn to Mum. I have to stop myself from chuckling: she’s dressed immaculately in tailored pants, a silk blouse and her high heels are caked in dirt. She grabs a hold of me and pulls me into one of her smothering hugs. “I’m so proud of you, darling. We both are.” Mum steps aside, and I get a good look at who’s standing behind her.
Oh my God. No fucking way. What the hell is she doing here?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
* SPENCER *
“Victoria?”
Her long blonde ponytail swishes with each step. And she’s smiling. At me. I haven’t seen that in a while. She’s in jeans and knee-high boots, so at least she doesn’t look as out of place as our parents do.
“Hey, big brother. Congratulations,” she says and hugs me tight. I squeeze her, her small frame almost lost in my arms. She pecks me on the cheek, and I kiss the top of her head.
Maybe I’m finally forgiven. This is a massive step, for her to be here. Someone must have worked pretty hard at convincing her. She’s never been one to back down first from a fight. Ever.
“I can’t believe you guys are here … This is just …” I let out a long sigh. “Thanks. I’m so happy you came.”
“We just wished you’d asked us sooner,” Mum says, all smiles. I gave up asking a long while back, when I was still coming up the ranks and they prioritised other things over me. I guess I didn’t give them a chance to show them how much I’ve grown over the years, and how serious I am about it.
“By the way, where’s your friend April?” Dad says, a coy smile teasing the corner of his mouth.
I look over
to April, who’s chatting with Eevie. As if she can feel my eyes on her, she looks in my direction. Her bright smile confirms what I suspected. She helped make this happen. Who could say no to her? Certainly not big Carl Jones. Had April asked cranky-pants, Victoria to come or did Mum and Dad get her here? Life is full of surprises, but with April around, they’ve all been nothing short of exceptional.
Tonight, I’m gonna lay all my emotions out on the table. I’m telling her I love her. It’s a big moment, but it feels right, and even though I already had an inkling, the fact she’s got my family here means I know there’s gonna be a big-arse ‘I love you’ coming back at me. This sexy whirlwind on a bike had me from day one.
An ache comes from deep inside my chest when I remember the first time we kissed. Imagine where I’d be right now if she’d never texted me. I wonder if I would have made it this far if I didn’t open up my heart to a relationship. Right now, my guess is no.
“She’s over there,” I say, subtly pointing towards her. I’m finally going to put it out there. If he gives me shit, then so be it. “But she’s not just my friend, Dad. She’s my … everything.”
Dad smiles and nods in understanding. Mum sniffles as she dabs a lace handkerchief beneath her eye. I wrap my arm around Mum’s shoulders and pull her to my side.
“Come on,” I say. “Let me introduce you.”
****
Standing on the podium has my heart beating crazy all over again. It’s as if I’ve just gotten off my bike.
“Congratulations, Spencer Jones. That was smart riding today,” Greg says, handing me a microphone.
“Thanks very much, Greg. All the hard work has paid off, and a big thanks to the Yamaha guys, Robbie, Matt, our mechanic, Rocco, and of course Mac for all the hours and effort they’ve put in. I wouldn’t be here without them. These guys work damn hard, and this year has been incredible.”
“You’ve been consistent with your wins most of this season, but it seems like you really found yourself out there the last few rounds.”
“When you’ve got supportive people around you, pushing you, believing in you? It’s amazing what you can do,” I say, my gaze fixing on April.
Her cheeks flush a brilliant shade of red. She’s pushed me more than anyone—well maybe except Mac. But it’s April who made me really believe that I could do it, and really live my dream.
However, now my dream is changing. I’ve got the championship, but now I want more. I want a solid future with April. The woman I love.
Not wanting to draw much more attention to April, I look in my parents’ direction. They are both smiling proudly, and even Victoria has a smile on her face. I still can’t believe they’re here, and they’re actually … happy. Happy for me.
“I also wanna congratulate my teammate, Aidan Stone, on coming second overall for the season, and young Billy Valentine in MX2 is becoming fierce competition,” I say proudly. I look to Stone, who gives me a nod. I feel a bit guilty taking the title from him, but it was mine for the taking. It’s actually an honour to have beaten my strongest competition.
“Yeah, it’s been a great win for the team. So what did you think of the track?” Greg asks.
“I love the track at Coolum; it’s one of my favourites. I managed to figure out the track early in practice, and I’ve been working hard on my starts and cornering. The guys made a few changes to the suspension and tyres to work better with the track, and it paid off.”
“How does it feel to have the championship, Jones?”
Fucking epic.
“Awesome.”
****
* APRIL *
The noise of our celebration in the surf club is growing louder with each round of drinks. I wonder how much longer it’ll be before they start kicking the drunks ones out.
“April, this is Pete Griffin from Transmoto,” Greg says, handing me a glass of red wine and motioning to the tall, slim guy who moves in beside him. Pete is probably not far from Daddy’s age, with sandy-brown hair and a strong widow’s peak. He’s wearing a black polo shirt with the magazine’s logo on it. He gives me a wide smile as he shakes my hand.
“Pleasure’s all mine, April. I’ve had a look at some of your work, and I’m really impressed. You come highly recommended,” he says, looking to Greg and then back at me.
“It’s great to meet you, Pete, and thanks. That’s really kind of you.”
“I’ve had a talk to some of the team, and if you’re available we’d like to take you on for the next six months whilst our senior photographer is on a break.”
Butterflies run a race of their own in my stomach, and on the inside, I’m squealing fuck yeah!.
“Oh my God, really? That would be such an honour.”
“Well, consider this the start of your time with us. I’ll get a draft contract put together ASAP and we’ll work out the finer details in the next day or two. The first round is in Hidden Valley in the Northern Territory in a couple of weeks, and we have the same chopper as last year. We’ve got the same videographer on board, too. I think you’ll work well together.”
“That sounds perfect. Yep, in two weeks I’ll be set. I’ve got a few jobs to finish off, but I’ll be ready.” I must be smiling as if I’m high as a kite right now. Hopefully he doesn’t think I am.
“The supercross season it’s gonna be a busy, exciting time, April,” Greg says and winks at me before he takes a swig of his beer.
I’m dreaming. Surely. I’ve worked tirelessly, building up my reputation, and now it’s time to shine.
“I’ve been talking to some of my contacts about the latest high-tech equipment, and I’ve got some great ideas for some of the high-def slow-motion gear,” I say, trying not to gush with excitement.
“Can’t wait to hear more about it, April. Ring me when you’ve got the contract and we’ll get this squared away.” Pete turns, and looks amongst the crowd. His eyes widen and his smile grows, as if he recognises someone. “I’d better go and have a chat with Mac. I owe him a beer or three.”
“Thanks, Pete. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”
I spot Spencer’s sister close by, and excuse myself from Greg.
I tap her on the shoulder and she swings around, smiling once she runs her eyes over me.
“Hi, Victoria. Are you having a good time?” I ask.
“Oh, April. Please, call me Vicky,” she says.
“Here. Let me get you another champagne,” I say, taking her empty glass from her and nodding in the direction of the bar.
I order another glass of red, and a champagne. While we wait at the bar for our drinks, I can’t help but feel her scrutinizing gaze. I turn to face her, and the same baby blues as Spencer’s stare back at me.
“So, what’s the deal with you and my brother?” she asks.
I love him, that’s the deal.
But of course, I can’t tell her that. With Daddy so close by I have to be careful. I’ll tell Daddy next week. Alone. I’m not about to tarnish the win and have a public display of Daddy going psycho-protective-parent on me. That’s best saved for a place where it’s just the two of us. I’m not involving Spencer, although he was sweet enough to offer to be with me. I’m letting him off the hook because I’m sure I’m not strong enough to hold Daddy back. Daddy will need time to cool his head before he’s face to face with Spencer.
“We’re good friends,” I say and smile. Which is the truth.
“Friends, huh? Well, I’d say he’s pretty lucky to have a friend like you,” she says, using air quotes with the word friend. Yeah, she doesn’t buy it. She looks around and finds Spencer in the crowd. And he’s staring in my direction. Not cool.
Her eyes flit between Spencer and I. She obviously knows all too well what Spencer was like with women, especially since he slept with her best friend. I’m sure she knows that he isn’t often just friends with a girl.
Our drinks now in front of us, I hand one to her. “Tell me about Spencer, Vicky. I need dirt,” I say, taking a diffe
rent tack.
She laughs, sweet and high-pitched. She takes a gulp of her champagne, and presses her hot-pink painted lips together. “Let me see, he’d probably string me up from the nearest tree for telling you this, but once upon a time, Spencer was an altar boy.”
I snort wine from my nose, and nearly pee my pants. She hands me a serviette and I wipe my upper lip. When I finish coughing, I laugh out loud, along with Vicky.
“I knew I’d like you,” I say. She gives me a cheeky yet heart-warming smile.
“The Jones’ are strong Catholics. It’s a rite of passage for the men in our family. Our dad was one, our grandfather too, although it’s been a loooong time since Spencer’s been to church.”
“Ha! I can’t wait to ask him about his first confession,” I say.
“Oh God,” she mutters and shakes her head, her blonde ponytail swishing around her slim shoulders. “I wouldn’t even go there.”
“Oh, I’m going there alright.” I can’t wait to tease the little altar boy. I’m seriously going to have to get Vicky’s number, because this shit is gold. You never know when this stuff will come in handy, but besides that, I want to get to know his family, and when our relationship is out in the open we can work at bringing our lives together, because what we have? I know it’s gonna last.
Vicky laughs softly, and nods. “It was lovely to meet you, April. Really lovely. I’d better go round up the oldies. We’ve got to get to the airport soon.”
“So glad you all came. Thank you. I know it’s meant a lot to Spencer.”
Vicky stands on tippy-toes and throws her small arms around me. I don’t hesitate to reciprocate the hug.
“No, thank you,” she says, and then walks away.
I survey the room, and find my pretty boy laughing and talking with his parents. It’s a beautiful sight to see him so happy, and having his parents dote over him. I wish I was right there beside him, holding his hand. Vicky stands next to him, and he wraps his arm around her shoulder.
Strike Page 19