When You Least Expect It

Victor's smile has overtaken his face and it's breathtaking. He is so incredibly handsome it hurts. Watching him race was sexier than anything I have ever witnessed but seeing his smile radiate off him right now, has a different kind of effect. I'm rooted mere feet away while his family and friends give him the attention he deserves. His eyes seem to scan the area until they connect with mine, and then he's moving toward me, eating up the short distance.

"Hi." is all he says when he's standing in front of me, almost as if he's nervous. I can't understand why he'd feel that way and the only thing I can think of is his relationship with Melissa and how she responded to him after he raced.

"Hey there speed racer." I tease, wanting to ease his nerves, "I bet that was exhilarating." I know it was for me.

Vic visibly relaxes, "Yeah, it was. I was nervous I'd mess up but it was like riding a bike."

"And you beat Vance!"

"I let him win!" Vance appears from Vic's right and slides up next to me, wrapping his arm around my neck. "Why don't you let me show you how it's done."

"Dude, there's absolutely nothing impressive about your beamer." Vic antagonizes Vance.

"I don't know man, the driver is pretty impressive." Vance retorts.

Vic scoffs, "Your idea of what's impressive is skewed."

"Why don't I take you for a ride?" Vance gently squeezes me in his arm.

"You can do that?" I took at Vance then Vic, who's glaring at Vance.

"Sure, as long as your car doesn't run in the single digits, a passenger is allowed. You wanna watch me kick Victor's ass forreal?"

"If she's gonna ride in anyone's car, it's mine." Vic's voice is deep and rough when he says this, like he's claiming me. I'm not embarrassed to admit, I like it a lot.

Vance's arm releases me and he whoops out in excitement. "V, can Jade borrow your helmet?" he shouts towards his sister. V's attention is pulled away from the crowd around her. Her wide eyes land on me, "You gonna race?"

I laugh, "No way, I'm not prepared for that but I'm gonna ride with Vic."

She walks over towards her car and leans into the passenger window to retrieve her helmet, then brings it to me. "Thanks."

"No problem. Have fun!"

Vance rushes towards his car and as move to Vic's, "Are you sure you wanna do this?"

"Hell yeah I do!"

He laughs, "Alright." He moves forward and removes the helmet from my hand, unties the straps and slips the helmet on my head. "How does it feel?"

"Good." I shrug.

"It's not too tight? Or too loose?"

"Nope, just right."

He begins to loop the straps under my chin and tighten them so they're snug. "This is a good look for ya."

"Oh yeah?" I tease.

"Oh yeah." He confirms, his voice going deep and gruff, just how I like.

I blow him a kiss and his eyes remain on my lips for a second too long before he tugs the strap almost in warning. Of what? I'm not sure but I'm willing to find out. He takes a step back and opens the passenger door for me. I crawl in and settle into the seat, trying to calm my racing heart. I take a large breath, and blame the sudden heat on the helmet upon my head. Vic joins me in the driver seat and starts the Stang, maneuvering it toward the short line of cars. Vance's black car is idling off to the side. Vic rolls up next to him and we continue to ease forward until we're next.

Vic puts the helmet on his head, buckling the straps under his chin and looks at me, "You ready?"

"Yep. Let's do this!"

He smiles at my response, pure happiness etched on his features causing me to smile in return. His gaze lingers on me, eyes rove over my face as if memorizing my features until the loud revving of an engine breaks the spell. He seems to shake his head and laugh lightly.

"We're gonna lurch forward, I suggest you keep your head against the rest."

"Okay." I respond and do as he said while releasing a large breath, trying to contain my nerves as we move forward. Vic's hand grasps mine, resting on my leg, and squeezes it in reassurance. I return the gesture, as if saying I'm good. He releases my hand and places it on the shift knob.

We're up next, we silently watch the two cars in front of us take off as the light turns green and within seconds they're reaching the end of the lanes. It happens so quickly and then we're moving forward. It's our turn.

My heart is pounding and my eyes are moving all over, taking everything in. I'm so nervous and so excited at the same time. I'm not even the one driving! The tall traffic light in the middle of the lanes lights up yellow, then another yellow, and another before going green and we're flying. We're flying down the road and a squeal erupts through my lips. Victor roars out in excitement with a mixture of laughter. I turn my head slightly to take him in, watching him as we speed down the track. His face is lit up in victory, joy, and it's a powerful feeling. I love being a part of this.

"Whoo!" he yells as we hit the end then looks at me, "Are you good?"

"I'm great." I smile.

"What did you think?"

"It was like flying."

"It really is!"

"I can see why you all enjoy it."

He nods and rolls up to the booth to grab a slip, then returns his gaze to me. "You wanna go again?"

"Hell yeah."

Holy Crap. I'm sure many have given up on me by now and I don't blame ya. If you haven't, I appreciate you. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm currently on a short writing retreat and my only focus is to write, send me lots of positive vibes. This story is WAY over due to be finished.

Off to write more...I'll be posting whatever I finish over the weekend. Please don't hesitate to point any issues or holes because it's been so long since I've immersed myself in this story.

Thank you. all my love. xoxo.