Page 65 of Racing Hearts

Unfortunately, this moment was also broken up, because they had to receive their trophies for the 4x400, and even more importantly, the team trophy. After getting their relay trophies, they listened as the announcer went through the team results, starting with the last place team. When they finally got to first place and announced West End as the winners, their whole team erupted into cheers once again. All of her teammates pushed Ellie into the middle to accept the trophy on their behalf. As she held it high in the air, she was pretty sure this day couldn’t get any better.

At least, that’s what she thought until they announced her as the meet MVP, and she received another trophy to add to her collection of hardware from the weekend. Her teammates took turns congratulating her, and Ellie didn’t miss the fact that Sierra held her a little longer than everyone else when they hugged.Nowthe day definitely couldn’t get any better. Right? There was no way. Ellie was on such a high, she was pretty positive she couldn’t get any higher.

When they were back on the bus, Juniper stared down at all of the trophies and medals on Ellie’s lap. “You killed it today,” Juniper said with a pride to her voice that made Ellie feel proud of herself.

“You had an awesome weekend too,” Ellie told her. “Your 400 time was so good.”

It was true. Juniper had run her career personal best, which was an especially big deal since times were normally much better during outdoor season when they only had to run one lap for the 400.

“Not good enough,” Juniper said with a defeated sigh, most likely referring to the fact that she had finished ninthduring the qualifying races and had missed the finals by one position.

Ellie understood how frustrating that must be, but it was also the best finish Juniper ever had at a conference meet, so Ellie wanted her to be able to celebrate that. “You still did better than ever. That’s what you need to focus on. You should be so proud of yourself. I’m proud of you, and I have no doubt your dad would be too.”

“Do you really think so?”

Even though it was dark on the bus, Ellie could tell Juniper was on the edge of tears, so she reached over and grabbed her hand.

“I know so. You’ve worked so hard this semester, and we still have a whole outdoor season. There’s no question in my mind that by the time of the outdoor conference meet, you’ll be on that podium.”

Juniper laid her head on Ellie’s shoulder and sighed once again, but this time, it was a contented sigh. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from the meet MVP.” When she picked her head back up, she smiled at Ellie in the way she always did when she was about to give her bad news. “So, would you hate me if I didn’t go to the track party tonight?”

It was a strange question for a plethora of reasons. Juniperalwayswent to the party that was held after the conference meet, while Ellie was the one that only went half the time, and it always took a bunch of convincing from Juniper to get her there. It was also strange since the party was at Chris’s place. It seemed like an odd time to decide not to go. “Skipping your own boyfriend’s party?” Ellie asked.

“Yes, but only because he is also skipping. We decided to celebrate by ourselves… at our place.”

Ah. Now it made sense. “So, what you’re saying is that I need to find somewhere else to stay.”

Juniper shook her head. “No. I’m not going to kick you out of our own place. I just wanted to warn you that I’m going to be a bit preoccupied.”

Ellie laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll see if I can crash with one of the other girls from the team.”And I know exactly which girl to crash with.

Ellie took out her phone and sent a text to Sierra.Any chance I can stay in your dorm room after the party so I don’t have to listen to my roommate have sex all night?It worked out since Teresa wouldn’t be back until the next day.

That works for me :) I didn’t realize you were going to the party.

Ellie didn’t have to go to the party, and she would certainly skip it if Sierra wasn’t interested. The only reason she was considering it was because they had so much to celebrate this time.Only if you want to. If not, we can do whatever you want.Ellie definitely wouldn’t hate celebrating by snuggling in bed with Sierra.

I was kind of hoping we could have a party of our own…

If Ellie had any doubt over what that text meant, the next one cleared it right up.I’m ready.

Ellie was wrong. This daycouldget better, and she was about to have the best night of her life.

Chapter 30

Sierra

Sierra paced back and forth in the lobby of her dorm as she waited for Ellie to arrive. Given what they planned to do tonight, they had both decided it would be in their best interests to shower before Ellie came over.

Sierra had meant what she said when she told Ellie she was ready. She was pretty sure she had been ready for a while now, and their rendezvous in the hotel room had confirmed that for her. She needed all of Ellie. It wasn’t a question. Of course, that didn’t stop her from being extremely nervous, so she let all of that nervous energy out in the form of pacing.

Her legs were aching from the weekend, but it didn’t matter. She wouldn’t have been able to stop herself if she tried. After a few minutes, Ellie called to say she had arrived, and Sierra let her in.

They were both quiet as they rode the elevator up to Sierra’s floor and walked down the long hallway to her room. Once they were inside with the door shut behind them, Ellie turned toward Sierra and pushed a wet piece of hair behind her ear. “Are you sure you want to do this? Because if you’re not ready, I can wait. I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”

While Ellie’s reassurance was very sweet, Sierra had to laugh at it. “Did you forget thatIwas the one who toldyouI was ready? You haven’t pressured me into anything. I want this. Ireallywant it.”

“Thank god.” Ellie blew out a long breath. “It was so hot competing against you this weekend, I didn’t know how I could possibly make it through tonight without touching you.”

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