Crashing Into You ?

Kyle's POV

Taking a deep breath, I open the door a little bit, pushing back against the pair of excited animals at the return of their owner.

"Easy boys...." I repeat the same words as I had on Wednesday night, shuffling them inside, holding them door so that way Alex can make his way inside. I then let it close behind us, my eyes never leaving him as I watched him, looking for any sign of emotion. 

However, he had remained quiet from the moment he got the news at the office, to the quick stop to see Rick, to returning home. He was probably digesting the news still. Trust me when I say this - I would be lost without being able to race a car, and not knowing how long it'd be until I was able to do so once again. 

So I did what I knew best. I walked to the backyard door, and allowed the pair of dogs to go to the bathroom. I then returned to the living room, with a drink in hand knowing with the pain being what it was he would be looking for something to have with the pills. If I couldn't solve the emotions on his mind, then I was going to do whatever I could to take care of him. 

"You can head back to the shop," he tells me as I set the glass on the table. "I can get around and move. I'll be able to get myself something when I get hungry or want a drink. I can take care of the dogs. I am going to be okay, Kyle." I believed his words but I knew he was strong underneath there - even if he acted like a little kid sometimes. I could hear the confidence laced in his voice. But yet, I couldn't find a way to leave him so easily.

"It's fine Alex," I try and assure him, the same way I had the night before. 

Cliff was totally fine with it, as we had crossed paths while Alex was seeing Rick at the shop. We agreed a phone conversation last night would be enough as everything seemed ready to go for the weekend ahead. I had also texted Kaitlyn, sharing an update on how Alex was doing. She asked me when I'd be home, to which I admitted straight up probably not until I was ready to fly out for this weekend.

Crap. It was fine to leave him alone for a couple hours, but who was going to keep an eye on him this weekend? Why hadn't I thought about this sooner? Sure, he's mobile and able to do things. However, what if something happens? What if it gets worse? What if he gets stuck? Someone needs to be here to take care of him! 

"You shouldn't be left totally alone as you're not even 24 hours from breaking your back," I add, which was the reason I was sticking to. It made sense medically. You shouldn't leave a person alone with a serious injury for a minimum 48 hours, sometimes longer, due to the other potential risks. He didn't know it was because of how much I cared and worried about him. I knew he hated pain. I knew he was in a lot more than he probably wanted to admit. You shouldn't have to go through that alone, combined with anxiety which probably was there on his mind. "Please tell me you have someone coming to check on you this weekend." 

"CJ and Jake are coming over to watch the race with me," he reveals, which causes all of my anxiety to instantly disappear. At least he had been smart in that way, even if he was being dumb trying to chase me away right now. "You better kick some ass this weekend. It'd be the one weekend I'd accept watching you win without a complaint. I mean, if Willie B beats you, that is saying something. You're going to need to step up your game. Then again, Chase could use a win to get back in the playoffs. Crap - I have to win whenever I do get back in the car." 

Whenever I do get back in the car was all I needed to hear in that sentence - plus, the leading off of saying crap in regards to the situation. It seemed his emotions were now starting to get to him as he was beginning to share what was going through that mind of his. It wasn't solely missing this weekend. It wasn't just not getting to run a track he enjoyed. No, it was knowing drivers are judged on their season being successful or not by making the playoffs. What if the time away from the car, no matter how long, resulted in that?

"This has been my best season to date in the Cup - well, I guess it was my best season at that," Alex continues, a sigh escaping lips. 

He wasn't wrong with those comments. While the focus was on William's trips to victory lane and my attempts, Alex's deadly consistency should have him a healthy point lead if not for the ridiculous penalties from NASCAR. It was great to see as it was fun watching those who had doubted his talent and reason for being at Hendrick Motorsports look on confused. They were finally seeing the Alex that I fell in love with immediately. 

Did I say that out loud?

"I should've known it was too good to be true," he adds, and there's the guilt that I was afraid he would be experiencing. I knew it was over the situation and not being able to do what he wanted more so than what happened. However, it still broke my heart anyway. "Why did I have to go screw it up, Kyle? This has to be the worst look for a driver right after signing a brand new three year contract. I go ahead and miss races last year, and then say hey let's do it again this season right after Chase comes back." 

"It's not your fault," was all I said in response as I try to think of the right words to say to him right now. "You were just having some fun. Accidents unfortunately happen. Be thankful it wasn't worse. Be thankful that you will heal and get back in the car. We both also know when you do get back in the car, you are going to be a winner - and I'll be in victory lane with celebrating with you."

As the words slipped from my mouth, I couldn't help myself as I took my eyes off of his and looks to his lips, my tongue tracing mine as I do.