Sierra’s smile grew. It was nice to have someone besides Ronni care about her. It may have been wrong, but she had felt some satisfaction at making the apology difficult. Kara was good at hiding her emotions and the fact that she had worked so hard only proved how much she truly did want her.
As she watched Kara leave, the shapely backside caught her attention, as it had several times before. Sierra couldn’t deny she wanted to try a relationship, but first, she had to gather herself. And she would, as soon as she was finished enjoying the view.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Two days had passed since her meeting with Kara and Sierra hadn’t done much beside ride and hide. Lounging on the couch watching Ronni play video games had served to keep her mind off important things, which was what she needed for a now. Life had been getting too stressful lately and that was something she had always made a habit of avoiding.
Sierra chuckled as Ronni ducked and moved with the action on the screen, masterfully manipulating the controller to execute pinpoint kills. As she conquered yet another level, she hit pause and let out a triumphant yell, “Take that zombies!” She set her controller down and headed for the kitchen, high fiving Sierra along the way.
“How many versions of that game are there? I know you’ve been kicking its ass for years now.”
Chugging half a can of Dr. Pepper and slamming it down on the counter, Ronni belched before replying, “Six, so far.” With can in hand, she made her way back to the living room and asked, “So, you going to go see her or what?”
Sierra groaned. Her head fell back against the sofa and she stared at the ceiling. She wished Ronni would quit hounding her. She knew what she had to do, but life was much easier inside her little cocoon, for now anyway. Taking a deep breath, she sighed out, “Yes, Ron, I will. I kind of want to wait until after this next race before I ask her out. I don’t need any more drama right now.”
She had hoped that would satisfy her persistent friend, but no such luck. Ronni plopped down on her lap and gave her the familiar “what the hell” look.
“I thought you guys cleared the air?”
“We did.”
“If you don’t want to talk to her yet, you should at least call that other chick about the sponsorship. It’s a sweet-sounding deal.”
Rolling her eyes, Sierra sighed again, exhausted from repeating the conversation they had had several times since she had spoken to Kara. “I know. I know. I’m scheduled to be at the lab tomorrow. I don’t know if Kara is still running my tests or if she gave it to someone else, but I’m sure I can see her then.”
“Okay. I’m going to take your word for it, but don’t make me break out the movie quotes.”
“You know I hate it when you quote movies at me.” Sierra cast a sideways glance.
“Indeed, I do, but if it helps kick you in the ass a little, then...”
Sierra raised her hands in surrender. “I will, okay? So, go back to killing your zombies or aliens or whatever.”
Having gotten what she wanted, Ronni kissed Sierra on the cheek and hopped up with a smile. “Okay. She’ll understand, you know? She may suck at personal issues, but she doesn’t want to mess with your career. That much I know for a fact. Besides, she never would’ve made that offer if she didn’t want you to be the best…err, well, second best,” Ronni said with a cheeky grin and a wink.
“Jeeze! When are you leaving for France, again?”
“Hey!”
“Just kidding.” A challenging smirk formed. Sierra loved a good competition. “You know, I may be out of the running this year, but watch your little B.F.F. butt next year. I’m going to win that championship.”
Ronni threw her head back with a fake laugh and then stood tall and proud. “I welcome all challengers,” she announced as if it were a royal decree. “Bring it on biyatch!”
“Oh god!” Sierra crowed, doubled over in laughter. “I love you, Ron.”
“I love you too, Wiley.”
There were fist bumps and a hug and then Ronni proceeded to annihilate another level of her video game.
***
Arriving early for her appointment at the lab, Sierra side-stepped Christie’s hungry gazes and glided down the hall toward Kara’s office in hopes they could talk for a few minutes. She stopped outside the door and peered through the window. Kara was sitting at her desk entranced in paperwork. Not wanting to disturb her, Sierra took a few moments to enjoy how adorable she was when engrossed in her task. With a furrowed brow and a tapping pen, Kara was oblivious to the world around her as she read through a file.
When Kara set her pen down, Sierra saw her opening. “Hey,” she whispered from the doorway, then quickly glanced to her feet in a sudden bout of shyness.
Kara’s head whipped up. She appeared startled for the briefest of moments before slipping back into doctor mode. “Hello, Sierra. It’s good to see you again,” she said in her well-practiced, authoritative tone.
“You too.” Glancing up through her lashes, Sierra asked, “I uh, know I’m a bit early, but I was hoping we could talk. Is that all right?”
“No problem at all. We can talk when we get there.” Kara stood, grabbed an armful of files, and then moved with graceful precision toward the door. “Let’s head over and get you started.”
“Great.” Sierra’s lips curved into a soft half-smile as she lifted her head to fully meet Kara’s eyes. Her inability to get a read on Kara’s emotions made her uncomfortable, but what else could she expect? They had both admitted to their attraction and were only trying to protect themselves from more heartache. She couldn’t blame Kara for being guarded when she hadn’t yet given her an answer to her question.
The walk to the testing room was silent, but not entirely uncomfortable, which gave Sierra some bit of comfort. She wondered if Kara would still oversee her care. She hoped so, but would be sure to let her wishes be known, just in case.
They stepped into the office and Kara shut the door behind them. Sierra spun to face her, anxious to get the words out and officially make amends. “I’m sorry I haven’t spoken to you sooner. I was trying to clear my head and figure some things out, but I’d like to sit down with you and Nicole to discuss the contract. Also, I’d like you to keep working me, if you’re comfortable with that.”
Kara shoved her hands into her pockets, something Sierra had discovered served as a defense mechanism. Kara gave a soft nod. A half-smile touched her lips, though she maintained her professional demeanor. “That’s great, Sierra. And I would be happy to.”
They shared a smile. The tension that had weighed heavily upon them dissipated, allowing Sierra to take a deep breath for the first time in days. The light was back in Kara’s eyes too, causing Sierra’s heart to skip with joy.
“You should start looking at companies you’d like to be associated with. Nicole is as good as a sports agent at getting deals done.” Kara finally relaxed. Her shoulders lowered and her voice fluctuated with a hint of excitement for their new venture. “Also, find a bike mechanic to staff and figure out the components and such that you’d like. Call it a wish list of sorts, and then after we sign the contracts, you let Nicole work her magic.”
“I can’t wait,” Sierra beamed, thankful to have gotten that over with, but she did have one other thing she needed to get out into the open. Embarrassed to admit it, but she owned it like a trooper, Sierra explained the origin of her cuts and bruises, leaving out her rendezvous with Harley.
Kara had a laugh when she heard the bike crash was due to Sierra’s attempt at blowing off steam after she had sped away from her house. The doctor performed a systematic check of her spine and extremities for any limitation of motion as a result of the accident. Finding several areas to be addressed, Kara came alive with excitement.
Whatever Kara was saying went right over Sierra’s head. The words sounded medical and boring, yet the spark in Kara’s eyes and the enthusiasm with which she spoke made Sierra equally as enthused for their session. Plus, she did love t
o listen to Kara spout fancy medical jargon. Weird as it may be, it was an absolute turn on for her. Having been seen by doctors before without experiencing the same response, she could only credit the increase in her libido to the woman delivering the words.
“I can’t wait to compare the results from other days before the crash to today,” Kara spouted with passion. The thrill of science emanated from every cell of her being. “I mean, not that I’m happy you wrecked, but…” she apologized.
A hearty laugh filled the room. “I know, but you’re happy I wrecked,” Sierra acknowledged, not at all offended. On the contrary, she was intoxicated by Kara’s honest fascination with the way the body worked. “I love it when you talk science.”
Kara rolled her eyes as a light pink flush tinged her cheeks, but she couldn’t stop smiling. “Normally people can’t stand it, but yes, scientifically speaking, I am happy that you had an accident. I’m also very happy you weren’t hurt, but now we can truly see how much difference spinal manipulation can make.”
Sierra hopped up, grinning from ear to ear as she said, “Anything for science.” A laugh followed her words.
Well, maybe not for science. But to see that smile? There was no imaginable limit.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sierra flew down the final course of the season with pinpoint accuracy. The ride through the torturous Whistler trail was almost too easy—reminiscent of her last race descent, which had not ended favorably. A flicker of concern trickled into her mind, but she shoved her fear aside and pushed forward. She wouldn’t allow the course to bite her this time. Her mind, body, and bike were one.
Drops and rocks. Berms and roots. Sierra choose her lines wisely, allowing her to remain aggressive without working too hard. As she soared over the last jump, she landed perfectly and then pedaled like a maniac through the finish line. She eased up and skidded to a halt, gasping for breath. Her legs burned like an inferno, but she had never felt better.
Had it been the treatments? The doctor? Or perhaps her contentment with the decision to sign the contract? Maybe a combination of all three. She couldn’t be sure of the answer, but it was the first time she had ever felt truly at peace.
A cheering Ronni hopped out of her leader’s Hot Seat and rushed up to congratulate her. “Yeah! Now, that’s the Wiley I know!” She gave her a high five as Sierra slowly pushed her bike off the course. “Damn great run, girl. Not enough to beat me though.” Ronni nudged her shoulder. “But I bet that time hangs on for second."
“Thanks. I felt good. Better than I have in a long time. That was a great ride to end the season too.”
“Sure was. Gives you good motivation for off-season training.”
“Yeah and there’s going to be a lot of changes this off-season, you watch.”
“I hope so. You say it every year, but this time I believe you. There’s a look in your eyes today that I’ve never seen before. And you’re so close, Wiley. If you keep this up, you’ll be making my life hell every time we compete. I’m looking forward to next season. There’s some World Cup in your future, girl!”
Sierra stopped and considered her friend’s words. Only one thing had changed in her life since last season and it seemed the effect was even more profound than she had thought. She draped an arm around Ronni’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Me too. Thanks for always being in my corner, Ron.”
“Always.”
“Now get back in that Hot Seat. I’ll catch you later.”
“Go get your girl.”
Sierra smiled wide. Her girl. At least, she hoped so. Since Kara had appeared in her life, it had been an unbelievable journey, and they were just getting started.
She couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead.
After putting up her gear and throwing on her ball cap, Sierra rushed to the clinic, anxious to find a few minutes alone with her favorite doctor. Now that the season was over, she would ask Kara out on a real date and set a time to sign the contract. As requested, she had made a list of her needs for the upcoming season. Racing had a way of making her feel like a kid every day, but finally planning her future made her feel more grown up than ever before.
Two steps inside the clinic, she came to a screeching halt. Camryn was standing far too close to Kara and Sierra didn’t like it one bit.
***
Kara cheered with the rest of the clinic staff that had gathered around the television as Sierra completed her successful run. A swell of pride lifted her chest knowing she had played a small part in getting the rider back into top shape after suffering two wrecks. With six riders remaining, she was hopeful Sierra would hold onto the second spot, finishing a touch under a second behind Ronni.
She wanted to stay and watch the final runs, but paperwork called and if she wanted to get finished on time, she needed to get started. Luckily, it hadn’t been a busy day for crashes, but this time of year lent itself to more pre and post ride care. Stretching, ice, massage, and adjustments helped ease the athlete’s aches as the wear and tear of their sport set in.
Pulling a folder of forms that needed filling out, Kara took a seat at one of the higher treatment tables within view of the television and began her work. Within minutes, a body hovered over her. She turned with a smile expecting to see Sierra, but her smile quickly evaporated as her face morphed into a look of confusion.
“Can I help you?” she asked, hoping it would be a quick question, though her gut told her that wouldn’t be the case.
“I was just stopping in to visit. We haven’t had a chance to meet. I’m Camryn O’Reilly.” She grinned like a cat on the prowl.
“Hello, Camryn. I’m Doctor Kara Davies. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry, but I’m trying to get the last of the paperwork finished so we can all leave on time, so if you don’t require any medical attention, I do need to get back to work.”
“Of course. Don’t let me interrupt you. I’m just one of those friendly, chatty, gals who like to ‘shoot the shit,’ as you American’s like to say.”
A tight-lipped smile pulled harshly against the corners of Kara’s mouth as she nodded. “Perhaps another time then?” Kara turned to focus on her work, praying her lack of further engagement would give the woman the hint.
In Kara’s effort to ignore her, she failed to notice Sierra’s arrival, but Camryn did not. Instead of moving away, she moved in closer. A devious smirk crawled across Camryn’s face and her eyes twinkled with mischief as Sierra glared daggers from the back of the room.
“Sure thing, Doctor.” She leaned in, her hot breath sliding uncomfortably over Kara’s ear. “I wouldn’t want you to consort with the unsavories in our sport. You know the type, like that Cody woman.”
Kara tensed hearing Sierra’s name. She wanted to pull away, to rise up and tell her off, but she refused to give Camryn the satisfaction, choosing instead to focus harder on the work in front of her.
“Sure, she’s a pretty face, but she gets around. You know what she did the other day? She went on a rant after she didn’t get her way, wrecked her bike, and then ran to her ex for pity sex. Pathetic. I’d hate to see someone like that trying to get her hooks in you. You are much too good for that.”
“Thank you for your concern,” Kara replied without looking up. “But I’m here to render medical attention, not gossip. So, if you wouldn’t mind taking your leave…” She left it hanging as she pulled another sheet from the file.
“Good talk, Doc.” Camryn slapped her on the back and walked toward Sierra.
Kara was startled by the contact, her head somewhere else trying to comprehend why the racer would drop such information about Sierra. Deep down she knew she had no right to be angry, but she couldn’t help feeling betrayed after Sierra had made such a scene about Jamie. Was this Sierra’s regular theme when things didn’t go her way? Did she always run back to her ex?
“Good luck. I hope you blow a tire,” Sierra spat.
Kara spun around at the sound of her voice. As happy as she was to see her, Camryn�
��s ear worm was currently on replay, throwing her heart and mind into a vicious tailspin.
Camryn smirked as she replied, “Is that the best you could do after our little heart to heart? I’m not sure it was worth my time. Enjoy the rest of your day, Sierra.” She glanced over her shoulder and threw Kara a wink.
Needing a moment to collect herself, Kara turned back around, a blank stare landing on the paper in her hand. She didn’t look up when Sierra reached her side.
“That must be some riveting stuff,” Sierra remarked, her voice soft, almost apologetic.
“Yeah, I was just, uh…anyway…” Kara stumbled. She fumbled with the papers and glanced up. “Hello.”
A genuine smile graced Sierra’s face at Kara’s awkward greeting. “I had a great run. I’m still behind Ronni, but I’m hoping it’s good enough to hold second place. I wanted to thank you,” she said, though the excitement of a great ride was nowhere to be found.
Titling her head, Kara stared at Sierra, questioning her meaning. She didn’t want to make assumptions. “For what?”
Sierra placed her hand gently on Kara’s shoulder. “For treating me, and for the input from the research, of course. It helped to learn that my left leg was actually stronger than my right on takeoff.”
“You did great. I watched your run. But no thanks needed. That’s my job,” she smiled, though it was not as bright as it usually was when directed at Sierra.
“Is everything all right?”
The expression on Sierra’s face showed concern, no doubt feeling the discomfort radiating off her. Kara may not have known much about the riders on the tour, but she was keenly aware that some people enjoyed playing the instigator. She hadn’t wanted Camryn’s words to affect her, but they had, and now she needed some time alone to think.
“Yes, just fine. I’ve been a little busy today. I really am happy for you.” Kara forced another smile, but she had locked herself behind her professional mask.
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