Feel what we have between us.
I run my hands down his chest, stopping at his shorts. He raises his eyebrows in a question. I pull myself up a little, making space to lower his shorts and boxers. Another glance into his eyes and he’s smirking.
I align myself against the tip of his erection. He takes a deep breath and I lower myself, moaning as he fills me completely. We both still, our breathing heavy. His eyes are glazed and full of something else… something I don’t recognise.
My heart is bursting, and I think I know what the feelings and emotions are that are filling me, but I’m terrified to admit them to myself, let alone him.
His rough hands push me upward, then pull me back down, every damn inch of him filling me. He captures my mouth with his. He growls as I dig my fingers into his shoulders, gripping on with everything I have, not wanting to let him go. I rock my body against him, sliding up and down his length. He feels so fucking good.
He pulls his lips back from mine and I miss them already. I need them on me. He thrusts against me harder, still pushing and pulling. I watch him, taking note of small beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His face tightens, and I’m sure his climax is within reach. I’m so busy watching Ryan that, when I feel the bubbling and sizzling, I’m not prepared for the intense heat that spreads through me like a wildfire as my own orgasm takes hold. I cry out and drop my head onto his.
He thrusts wildly once, twice, three times and then his hands hold my hips. I lift my head to see him throw his back and growl loudly as he loses control.
Our breathing is laboured, and as I wrap my hands around his neck gently, I listen to the noise coming from the many floors below us on the streets. People singing and talking. Car horns tooting. And here we are, two lovers who are blissfully happy.
“You, sweetheart, are full of surprises.” A slow grin curls on his perfect, kissable lips before he presses them softly to mine.
My heart races again.
How can I possibly want him again, now?
He pulls away from me and laughs. Does he know the thought that just filtered through my head? Of course he does.
I yawn.
“This time we’re going to bed.”
I pout as I lazily stand, his shirt falling, covering my bare arse. He pulls his shorts and boxers back into place. “Bed! Because now I can’t think of a better end to the night than with my arms wrapped around you as you sleep.”
“You are an old romantic at heart,” I say tip-toeing and pressing a kiss on his lips.
“Just don’t go telling everyone.”
“I’ll never kiss and tell,” I say as we walk back into the bedroom hand in hand.
“No, I don’t think you will.”
Chapter 24
It’s Thursday and I’m waiting in the bar for Colton. I have my trusted notepad and a pen, ready to take notes and I’m so bloody nervous. It’s true Colton Donavan isn’t a household name in the UK, but he is in America, and I’m lucky he agreed to an interview.
I’m not sure where Ryan and the team are. I’d like to say trackside, but given that this race takes place in the streets, they could be anywhere. The bar is the quietest it’s been all week and I presume that’s because everyone staying in this hotel has something to do with the race.
I see Colton and smile as he walks toward me. I’m catching up with Rylee for lunch tomorrow and I’m looking forward to having some female company for a change. “Afternoon,” I say, standing. He greets me with a kiss to my cheek and I feel tiny standing next to him. “Thanks for this.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he says, waiting as I sit back down. “I might not be able to give you much.”
“I’m sure you will.” We order some coffee and I wait for him to get comfortable in the seat.
“Hit me up, what do you want to know?”
“Truthfully, I don’t know where to start.”
He smirks. “I could listen to you talk all day, but you might need to slow it down a bit, otherwise I won’t understand a damn thing you say.”
“Sorry.” It’s my turn to laugh as I cover my mouth with my hand. “I forget we talk fast.”
“That’s better.”
“Let’s start with Rylee. How did you two meet?”
He sits back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other. “How long have we got?”
“All day if you like.”
I sit and listen, quietly writing down some of what he tells me but I don’t write down the first time they actually met because I swear the similarities to my own meeting with Ryan are there. Although, I’m not sure who had the best meeting point; them in a cupboard, or us in a bathroom.
As Colton talks about Rylee, I can see and hear his commitment to her. This tough man would do anything for her. “I give interviews all the time back home, but I’ve never been so open and honest about our relationship,” he tells me.
“Why not?”
“Because I tend not to answer questions about our relationship. I know there are pictures of the two of us together, and a few stories but I guess there are still people who like to believe I’m single and available.”
“Nonsense! I knew you were unavailable from just seeing you two together. So, tell me about you and Rylee. Isn’t your charity work because of your wife?”
“Yes, my deep involvement with the charity work is because of my wife. You could say it brought us together. My wife is very passionate about the things she believes in and her passion has rubbed off on me.”
“Let’s talk about the charity that ultimately brought you and Rylee together. Am I right in thinking it’s a home environment for children who… I don’t know the right words,” I say.
“Don’t get adopted,” he tells me.
“But doesn’t that make the kids feel unwanted and unloved? Please forgive any ignorance on my part because this is something new to me.”
“You could be correct, but what I love about it is that it is a home environment where the boys live full-time, and the support workers who work there love those kids. Rylee treats every one of them as though they are her own.”
“Rylee come across as a very special person,” I tell him, and his smile widens.
“She is. I’m lucky to have her in my life.”
“But now you’re married and very happy and helping others. What does the future hold for you?” He closes his eyes briefly and I see pain and anguish in his face. It’s only momentarily, but it’s there, and I know I need to change the subject.
“When is your next race?”
“That’s the question on everyone’s lips. We’ll see.”
It’s just as well I’m good at short-hand and manage to keep up with him as he tells me about how he started and all his accomplishments. He talks about his family too, and yet again Rylee comes into the conversation. It’s very clear she’s played a huge part in the prior few years. The love and devotion he has for his wife comes across so strong.
I’m still scribbling in my notepad when Rylee joins us. Colton looks at his watch. “Looks like our time is up. We should all be somewhere else.”
“I didn’t realise that was the time. Are you going to the qualifiers?” I ask him.
“Yes. Les said we should join you.”
“Perfect.” Rylee sighs. “Just what I wanted.”
“Rylee…” Colton stands, giving his wife a kiss on the cheek.
“Sorry, Ellie. My husband’s love of racing is very distracting. We should go and see how Ryan places.”
“I suppose I should.”
Rylee links her arm with mine and we all set off, leaving the hotel, Colton walking in front of us. I hope he knows where we’re going because I don’t.
“Did the interview go well?” Rylee asks quietly.
“Yes. I’m grateful to both of you for spending some time with me, given that you’re on holiday.” She frowns at me. “Sorry, you call it vacation.”
“An interview is nothing, just time, and when it comes to c
harity work, we’re happy to talk about it. What about your Ryan? How do you think he’ll do?”
“My Ryan?”
“Ellie, the similarities between you and I are obvious. I see things you might not even know yet. But he is your Ryan, although I sense he’s figuring it out quicker than Colton did.”
“I can hear you,” he calls over his shoulder. “And I think Rylee is right. I was so stupid back then, but I certainly recognise the signs now. And Ryan… I’m sure he’ll tell you how he feels soon enough.”
Colton turns back, facing the direction he’s walking and I’m left with his wife’s arm linked with mine, wondering what the hell is going on.
We arrive at the gates and we’re allowed entry without anyone asking questions, although I’m sure that’s because of Colton. He’s been stopped more than a few times by fans asking for his autograph and pictures. Rylee stands back and watches with a smile on his face.
“Do you ever get used to this?” I question.
“To him, it’s normal, and for me, it’s just something I’ve grown to put up with. What is it you’re scared of, Ellie?”
“Everything. Us. I don’t want to make headlines.”
“I understand. But love isn’t something we can choose or turn off to. It just happens. When that person is your other half, you learn to compromise. Headlines are what Colton and Ryan make. They sell newspapers. They make people rich. You and I are both aware of the ugly side of reporters, but you’re at an advantage because that’s what you do.”
“Thank you,” I say as I see Les and Dylan in what looks like a make-shift control area. Colton is already shaking hands with the guys, but I don’t see Ryan. My eyes scan the nearby area, but nothing.
Rylee nudges me. “Come on, we can watch your man from up there.” She points to one of the grandstands. Of course. Ryan will already be on the track in his car. Rylee and I climb the steps to the top and, wow, what a view. Colton and Les join us.
“What happens now?” I ask.
Colton answers my question. “Each driver is limited to twelve laps, and the fastest time set by each driver and qualifying session is counted towards his final grid starting position on Sunday.”
It’s all very technical. Rylee must be used to all this, but for me, this is new. I’m fearful and excited at the same time.
I stare down and across the track and wonder if he knows I’m here watching.
I’ve just watched him do the twelfth lap and it looked faster, terrifyingly faster than the others he’s done. I’m not sure how I’ll feel on Sunday when all the cars are on the road, each trying to be faster than each other. Each driver wanting the win. Hairs on the back of my neck stand and my body shivers, and not in a good way. I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch. Thoughts fill my head about how Rylee must’ve felt when Colton had his accident. How can she be so calm when it comes to him racing?
Dread fills me at the thought of Ryan having an accident.
I stare ahead. Why am I even thinking like this?
I take a deep breath in an attempt to clear the thoughts now firmly in my head.
“Let’s go,” Colton says, his eyes still on Ryan’s car. We walk back down the stairs and make our way to where his car comes to a stop. I suppose there’s a name for the area but I don’t know what it is. Ryan climbs out and is met by Dylan, who greets with a huge man hug. We approach and Colton shakes his hand, offering his congratulations.
“It was a good time,” Ryan says with his eyes on me.
I hope I’m not reading more into this than there actually is, but there are so many unspoken words being said between us.
My heart is heavy.
My eyes are filling with unshed tears.
Is it possible that I’ve already fallen in love with him?
I know the answer.
Yes.
“You smashed it. I’ve no doubts,” Colton tells him. Dylan and some of the boys in the team agree with him. They all stand beside his car, talking, but they don’t hold Ryan’s focus.
Does he feel the same?
I hope so, because I’m not sure my heart will recover if he breaks it.
“See,” Rylee grabs my attention. “He only has eyes for you. Just ensure he brings home that chequered flag for you.”
Chapter 25
“What the hell’s the point in me having a few hours to kill?” He sounds like a spoilt brat as he paces the suite. His mood has changed, and I get it, I do. This race means a lot to him, so I’m trying my best to be understanding when all I want to do is tell him to get a grip of himself.
“Les is paying me to work. Isn’t that what I’m meant to be doing?” I don’t have time for this.
“I’m prepared to pay you just so I can have you here with me.”
He’s starting to piss me off. “What, and have me end up feeling like a hooker you’ve paid for? I don’t think so, buddy.”
He stops pacing and looks at me. I’m pulling a cardigan on. “Sorry, I certainly don’t mean that,” he says, stepping toward me. “It would just have been nice to spend some time together.”
“I know, but I’ve managed to get an interview over lunch with two of the organisers and I’d be mad to pass up this opportunity. Why don’t you drop Colton a message? I’m sure he’ll be at a loose end as Rylee is having lunch with me.”
“I suppose I could. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m just a bit cold.”
“Cold? Seriously, in this weather? How about tonight we can have a nice hot bath and just cuddle in and watch a movie?”
“A relaxing night is just what we need before tomorrow’s final qualifier,” I say and stand on my tip-toes to press a soft kiss to his lips. “How are you feeling about it?”
“Good. Actually, better than good. Something feels so right about this weekend.”
“Perfect. I’ll drop you a text when I’m finished to see where you’ll be.”
“Enjoy lunch,” he says as I turn my back to him and walk out of our suite. Ours. Who would’ve thought it? Me and Ryan Jackson.
Rylee is waiting for me outside the restaurant when I arrive on the ground floor. “Hey, you look…”
“Like crap,” I say.
“No, not the words I would choose. You look like you need a good night’s sleep,” she says with a smile.
“Funny, the same could be said of you.” We laugh. “I’m not used to this weather. I think I have a cold coming on. Even at this time of the year, we still get lots of rain back home.”
“Well, let’s go and grab a table before they get here. Ryan called Colton.”
“Good. He was behaving like a child.”
“Maybe he was hoping you’d put him over your knee and spank him.”
“Jeez, I hope not.”
Rylee is laughing almost hysterically as we’re shown to a seat in the patio area of the restaurant. “Ellie, your face was a picture.”
“I’m sure it was. Thank you,” I say as our server hands us menus and leaves another two on the table.
“How is Ryan feeling about Sunday?”
“He seems confident…but that scares me.”
“I know what you mean. If you want him in your life that’s something you’ll have to accept.”
“I think it’s still too early to be talking about that. For all I know, he’ll get fed up and move on to someone who is much more willing to be seen in public with him,” I say with a heavy sigh.
“I see in you what others probably saw in me and Colton. He’s fallen for you. That is clear to me and I can see how you feel about him. It’s there in the way your face lights up at the mention of his name.”
“Maybe, but this…it’s all happened too soon.”
“And what does that matter? There’s no time scale when it comes to love. And you can’t change falling in love. Believe me, when I look back and think about the times Colton and I tried to push each other away. Some things are meant to be. So, ignore the time scale and just focus on each other and enjo
y it.”
Her words sit heavily with me and I’m trying to ignore the ‘love’ word because I’d be stupid to think that’s how we feel. I’ve only known him a few short weeks.
“They’re here,” Rylee says, and I see Florence and Kate, the ladies from the charity coming toward us, smiling.
We stand to greet them before all sitting down and ordering drinks.
“Ladies, I can’t thank you enough for this,” I say.
It’s Florence who answers. “Ellie, we should be thanking you. The more publicity we can get, the more chance some kids will get to lead a normal life.”
The waiter brings over our drinks and we order. I grab my notepad and pen and we start. Rylee and I have lots of questions. “Can you start with the basics?”
“Of course,” Kate says. “As you are aware, child trafficking in third world countries is huge.” Rylee gasps. “It is a huge problem that has gotten out of hand. We have to deal with orphaned kids who find themselves living on the streets, begging and stealing scraps of food just to survive. These children are often forgotten about in their countries. And that’s where the pimps, traffickers use and abuse the children. They offer them clothes, food; things we all take for granted. But the reality is, they feed them drugs, rape them, and then sell them on to some pathetic bastard, excuse my language, who then continues to mistreat them.”
“Okay, so that’s what can happen to them. How are you fighting against it?”
“Our organisation wants to work within the communities that are so deprived, helping with illnesses which might help reduce the number of orphaned children. But we also want to set up safe areas in the communities where kids can come to if anything happens to their families.”
“That makes sense, but where does adoption come in?” Rylee asks softly. “I’m not sure about in the UK, but at home, our welfare system struggles to find suitable homes and families for older children. It’s a sad fact, but childless couples all have their heart set on a baby.”
“Well,” Kate starts, “I’m sure that’s a worldwide problem. I know a little about the charity you work for and what you do, but I think we can all agree that children shouldn’t be allowed to slip through the system and end up being abused. We love the basis of what you do and we’d like to implement that in some way for the children who don’t get adopted.”
Collision: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World) Page 17