26. Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Scarlet

We had spent the rest of the evening and into the early morning hours wrapped in one another's arms. I had stopped by All Our Children after work on Monday to let the boys know they were going to be attending Ryder's race VIP style. Allison had been more than willing to come with us and loved the idea that Ryder and I wanted to continue working with the boys.

I absolutely loved my new job at Future Leaders. I may not be on the frontlines anymore, working directly with the youth, but I had a much more significant role now. I was working at ways to market our group and other charities so that we could continue to service these kids in need. It was exhausting but so worth the efforts.

By the time the weekend arrived, it was as though I had blinked, and time had just slipped past me. I didn't mind, though. I was eager to watch Ryder race again and spend some much-needed quality time with Allison and the boys.

I had been spending more nights with Ryder as we had decided to alternate between his house and my apartment. Waking up early on Saturday morning wasn't ideal, but it meant that I got to watch Ryder get ready for his afternoon race, so it was alright by me.

"What's that?" I ask, watching Ryder bring a large box into the bedroom.

I was still wrapped in his white sheets, my naked body enjoying the silky fabric of his sheets as he moved about the large room.

"A new company, Fly Racing, sent this over for me to wear today. I modeled for their company a few months back, so I have to wear their gear today," he says, shrugging as he pulls out the blue and white leather jacket with matching pants.

"Wow," I muse.

"But, I got you something, too," he says, moving to the closet and emerging with a black shopping bag.

I sit up and watch him move over to the bed. He sits next to me, the mattress slumping under his weight. He hands me the bag, and his eyes wash over me.

"Ryder, you didn't have to get me anything," I say, feeling a little excited.

"Sure, I did. I wanted everyone to know that you are mine," he says, his deep voice resonating through me.

I open the bag and pull out a blue and white dress and quickly realize it matches the racing gear Ryder will be wearing today. I marvel at the dress, holding it up so I can take in the colors and design.

"It is beautiful," I say, leaning in to kiss Ryder.

"I'm glad you like it. I also have this for you, too," he adds, handing me a VIP lanyard.

I take the items and move them over to the nightstand. I pull Ryder over to me and feel his laugh as he falls on top of me.

"Looks like I have a little something for you, too," I say against his lips.

Two hours later, and after a joint shower together, Ryder and I make our way to the Rev Speedway. This time, we take a car sent by Travis's company. The bike Ryder will be riding today is already at the track being prepped and inspected by his crew.

As we arrive, I feel tremendously small walking beside Ryder. He is larger than life here, and heads turn with every step he takes. His hand holds firmly onto mine, and pride gushes through me at the thought that he wants the world to know that I am his.

While we might be moving way too fast, the notion of being Ryder's surpasses any hesitation I may feel.

We walk into the VIP area, and my eyes go wide as I spot a few famous actors I recognize from my favorite television shows. Grammy Award-Winning artists also occupy the space, and suddenly, I realize I am the only non-celebrity amongst this group.

"Ryder, everyone in that section is famous," I say, my voice trying to be a whisper, although it is so loud here, I practically have to scream.

Shaking his head, Ryder leans down and places a sweet kiss to my cheek. "Don't worry, you are brighter than all of them," he says.

I suck in a breath as his kiss lingers on my skin. A few people walk up and talk with Ryder, and I find myself a little star-struck.

Suddenly, I hear my name, and as I turn, I spot Allison and the boys heading our way.

They all have VIP lanyards hanging from their necks, and the boy's smiles could light up a room right now.

It is amounting to a perfect day as the sun is shining brightly in the sky, the crowds are anxious to see the race, and Ryder looks devilishly handsome as he watches me.

The boys say hi to me, before quickly moving over to Ryder. Once they see the star-studded cast of celebrities and artists filling the VIP area, their mouths fall open in shock. This may just make their entire year.

A man with a clipboard enters the area and begins to tell Ryder something. They nod to one another, and then Ryder heads back over to me.

"Hey, I have to go sign in and get ready to take my place on the track. Apparently, Alex Sweat is already talking shit," Ryder says, shaking his head in angst.

"Don't worry, you will do great like you always do," I say, trying to relieve some of his worries.

I have never seen him look nervous before, and it is unsettling to me.

Ryder waves to the boys and Allison before starting to leave the area. Grabbing his arm, I stop him before he has a chance to walk away. I crush my lips to his and then whisper just loud enough for him to hear, "I love you."

Ryder glances down at me as he stands towering over me. He is a dream in his racing gear. "I'm going to marry you," he says, his words strong with conviction.

Tears swim in my eyes as I watch him. I go to open my mouth, but Ryder stops me. "We will talk after the race," he says, and then leaves.

Allison rushes to my side, gushing over how cute Ryder and I are in our matching outfits. I can barely respond to her as I try to catch my breath.

By the time I get my bearings back, I hear the announcer calling the racers to the track. My eyes scan over the men, checking for the asshat who dares to talk badly about Ryder. I pick him out immediately with his smug grin and careless attitude. While the other racers are checking their gear and inspecting their bikes, he sits on his bike like a king on top of his throne.

I'm so busy glaring at Alex Sweat, that I miss the start of the race.

The roar of engines and the screams of the crowds in the stands bring me back to reality, and my eyes sweep over the track, looking for Ryder. I spot a blue flash, and my heart soars with pride as I lock eyes on him as he whips through the track at lightning speed.

The boys are screaming and chanting Ryder's name, and I smile, watching the excitement race through them.

The racers move toward the first curve, and as they lean their bikes for a clean turn, I see Ryder push forward and get the lead. I jump up and down, not caring how ridiculous I may look right now. I hear the announcer calling the names of the racers, signifying their places so far in the race. Ryder has the lead, and Alex Sweat is in a close second.

They zoom past us, and I feel the wind created from their bikes blow all around us. Between the roaring engines of the bikes and the screaming fans, it is difficult even to hear your own thoughts.

The racers make their final lap toward the finish line, and they have one last curve to handle before the long straight stretch to the checkered flag.

I lean up against the metal gate blocking the VIP section from the track and the rest of the fans. My eyes are trained on Ryder, and I can't wait to see him cross the finish line in the first place. The racers begin their descent into the turn and out of the corner of my eye; something strikes me as odd.

I see a leg begin to move out from a bike. My eyes travel up to the body, and I gasp in horror as I recognize Alex Sweat's black and red suit. He looks like the devil incarnate and right now, he is about to do something so stupidly dangerous, I have to close my eyes and open them again to ensure I am seeing things correctly.

In horror, I watch as his foot grazes the side of Ryder's bike, and then the world around goes still. My heart ceases to beat as Ryder's bike begins to shake. He loses control, and then, like a flash, the bike falls to its side, sending Ryder sliding across the black pavement. The other drivers navigate around him, but some come close to hitting Ryder's now lifeless body as it hurls across the track.

I scream out in horror as the crowd goes silent. I see Ryder's team begin to tear out of their area and run to the track. Travis looks back at me, horror flashing through his eyes, and Allison grabs my arm, an audible gasp escaping her mouth.

The boys stop yelling, and I can see the fear in their stunned expressions.

My legs move before my brain has time to register what is happening. I push past the gates and race past the security team. Who is yelling for me to get off the track?

All I hear is the rapid, frantic beating of my heart as I move to get to Ryder.

Sirens wail behind me as an ambulance drives onto the track. Someone reaches out to stop me, but I dart to my left and somehow escape their clutches. When I reach Ryder, his team is crouched down around him. Voices fill the air, but somehow, I can't make out what anyone is saying.

I fall to my knees, the rough pavement scraping my skin as I reach out for Ryder.

"Miss, you need to get off the track," a voice says to me, but I ignore the request.

Right now, this is where I am supposed to be.

"Ryder," I scream, reaching for his hand.

The paramedic from the ambulance slowly removes Ryder's helmet, and I see his eyes are closed.

"Ryder," I wail again, fear crippling me.

"We have a pulse," the paramedic calls out, and for a moment, I feel some relief being lifted off my shoulders. "His breathing is staggered, and he may have broken ribs. We need to get him to the hospital now," the paramedic finishes.

I refuse to let go of Ryder's hand, and I fight as it takes three grown men to pry my fingers from his. They forced me back, allowing the paramedic's to lift him onto a stretcher.

I stand there, feeling like I am in an alternate universe as I see my entire world lying still and injured.

A pain like I have never experienced before rips through me, and I feel like I have been punched in the gut.

To my right, I see the other racers now lining up, watching the commotion ensue around them. Spotting Alex Sweat, rage fuels me, and without thinking, I take off toward him.

"You could have killed him," I wail, fists ready to pound against his arrogant face.

Alex takes a step away from me as he turns to stand behind his bike.

"Whoa, lady. You need to back off. Where is security?" Alex asks, looking down at me like I'm his peasant.

I don't stop moving; my anger fueling every step I take. "I saw you do it. I saw you push his bike."

Putting his hands up, Alex attempts to ward me off.

"Is that true?" a voice resonates from behind me.

Both Alex and I both spin around and come face-to-face with Travis. I see a fire in his eyes that tells me he believes me.

"No, this chick is insane. Probably just some crazed fan," Alex chuckles nervously.

"I'll let the cameras determine that. For now, get off the track," Travis orders Alex.

I spin around, not caring to see the rest of the conversation pan out. Instead, I rush back over where the paramedics are now loading Ryder in the back of the ambulance.

"Wait, I need to go with him," I cry out, but an arm reaches out and stops me.

"Sorry, only family allowed," the paramedic says.

"No, I have to be with him," I argue, tears spilling from my eyes and blurring my vision.

"Let her go," Travis says, nodding his head to the paramedics.

I can see that they want to argue, but they think better of it and allow me to climb into the back of the ambulance with him.

I move to his side, taking my hand in his and praying for him to wake up. I need to see those sparkling eyes and that naughty grin that drives me wild. I need to hear his deep voice that causes my heart to flutter.

As the ambulance begins to drive off, I hold onto Ryder, refusing to let go.