Page 66 of X My Heart

Sky

When we get home, Hunter helps me with my bags. “Here you go. If you want me for anything else let me know,” he rasps. “I’m leaving tomorrow evening after the kids’ lessons for the race on Saturday. You’re meeting us later, right?”

“Yeah, I am, and thanks, I will definitely let you know,” I tease him, swinging the shopping bag back and forth in front of him. I like the crinkle that appears between his brows every time I tease him. His cheeks redden. I love that I can make the bad boy of BMX blush like this. “Good luck with the race.”

“Don’t need luck,” he promises, running a hand through his hair. “Check you later, Shorty.” He heads to his front door, a roguish smile tugging on his lips.

“Bye, Hunt,” I whisper, and head to the back porch, willing my legs to move.

The next morning I’m waiting at the track when Jay walks up to me. “You sleep okay, kiddo?”

“I got your message late last night. Why did you want me to meet you here, Jay?” He’s probably going to give me hell for going out with Hunter again.

“Look,” he says, pointing to the kids pedaling their little bikes down the track. Hunter and Drew are standing to the side, watching them. “That out there is all I have. This house, the track—those boys are my life.”

“Great. Thanks for the info, Dad,” I say, sarcasm ringing through my voice.

“They give color to each day. But you are the reason for my life. I know we haven’t really talked to each other in years, but know this,” he says turning to me. Reaching out, he brushes a stray lock behind my ear. “I love you, and whatever is going to happen, know I will never leave you again. I wanted to tell you, I should have told you this the moment you got here.”

“I should have come sooner, Dad,” I can’t help it when my tears start to fall. “I’m angry,” I whisper, wiping at my eyes. “I’m scared because I keep thinking about the things I should have said, and the things I didn’t do when I had the chance. And now it’s too late.”

“It’s never too late, kid. I should know.”

“Isn’t it? We’ve lost so much time. Those moments are gone, and we’re never getting them back.”

“I know, honey.” He takes me into his arms. “You’re still a long way from the finish line. You’re stronger than you think.”

I smile through my tears, leaning my head against his chest. “Thanks, Jay.” He kisses my forehead.

“I would take your pain away if I could,” he rasps. “I know he would too, if you’d ask him to,” he tells me, and I hear the reluctance in his voice. “I’m still your father, but I’ll take a step back when it comes to Hunt.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, hugging him tight.

“You deserve some light in your life,” he tells me, brushing his lips over my forehead again.

Hunter

The next day

It’s practice day when Neil, Ryan’s trainer and manager, walks up to me.

“Have time to talk?” he asks, taking a seat outside the trailer.

“What do you want?” jumping out, I try to wipe the grease from my hands.

A couple of girls walk by, waving at me. I nod to one I used to hang out with between the sheets.

“Ladies,” Neil says, watching them walk away, pulling his gold-rimmed sunglasses from his nose.

“Spill, Neil. What do you want?” I ask, getting impatient with the guy.

He runs his fingers over his goatee. “You’re doing good, Cole.”

“No insults? No ‘I’m gonna report your ass?’” I mimic his voice and shake my head. “Man, you’re slacking.”

He doesn’t laugh, only eyes me. “I’m here to make you an offer,” he drawls.

“One I can’t refuse?” I finish for him, snorting.

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