Page 45 of Your Two Lips
“The trail is running soft today, so we should let a little air out of your tires. They’ll grip better.” He bent to release the cap on my front tire, and I stared at his back, my blood pulsing. Carrie bumped me off balance, waking me up. She gave me a knowing grin.
The race rules were straightforward. Each pair would ride the trail together. Both riders wore a device that tracked their time. The team with the lowest overall combined time in each bracket won. Winners chose their prize from a selection of donated gift certificates for various stores, restaurants, or events. Tickets to a Mariners’ game with a player meet and greet had both Angela and Alex intensely discussing strategy.
The route started through the woods with common obstacles like roots and rocks, switchbacks and climbs, as well as A-frames and thin rails. The trail opened into a field where a few ladder-drops and pump tracks were set up to the finish. Riders could skip any obstacle they wanted by riding a longer loop around it, taking more time on the track. Successfully completing the obstacles meant faster times.
Finn and I reviewed the route. We’d practiced a variety of challenges, but this was a race, and I was nervous.
“Do the ones you can and skip the others.” His voice was soothing as his fingers grazed my elbow and my nipples grew tight. As usual around him. “That’s what I’m doing,” he continued. “I’m not taking any risks. I have plans tonight.” His eyes blazed fiery blue, and I was instantly wet.
“How am I supposed to have my best ride after you look at me like that?” I asked.
“Your best ride today will not be on a bike if I have anything to say about it.”
Oh damn. I was out of my league.
31
FINN
Alexand I agreed to be in Bellingham early to hang out at the bike shop’s booth, smile for photos, and talk about new gear and new trails with customers. Since our high school team days, we'd raced each other, and he was a tough competitor. He was one of my favorite friends to ride with. Well, before Emily.
I pictured her moving against me in the truck last night. Her head thrown back in pleasure and awe when she came apart. I wanted to see that look again and again. She had only known pain with sex and asked me to be the lucky one to show her the pleasure. I could do that. I wanted her to only know pleasure with me, raw, real, and staggering.
She was usually calm and controlled, but on a bike, she was fearless and uninhibited. I wanted to unleash that side of her in my bed. I was having a helluva time thinking about anything else.
A guy from a Bellingham newspaper was interviewing us about the event, our glory days, and the new trail Alex had designed close to Whatcom Creek. Then, I saw her. All the surrounding noise quieted. I finished my comment and headed toward her, pulled by that string again.
We hadour timer fobs that would track us on the trail, had planned the obstacles to attempt, and had biked in the lot to warm up as we waited for our turn. I assumed I would have to concentrate on keeping the fear away today, but I didn’t. Talking with Emily about the race and watching her on the bike, I felt nothing but calm. This was another fun ride with Em. Sweet, tough, and sexy as hell.
We lined up for our start. I kept my eyes on her, remembering what Jake said about ReeAnn, how her face pulled him to the surface that day. I would let Emily’s face pull me through any fear today.
The coordinator gave us the signal, and we were off. I led so Emily could follow my line like we practiced. She stayed right behind me, taking all the turns, pushing through the muck, and riding over logs. Damn, she was good.
We both skipped the steep, pitched maim frame, like a big A-frame sign, and pushed fast on the additional trail around it, trying to lose as little time as possible. I rounded the last turn, and Emily took the lead as we hit the open field and the last obstacles. The buzz I felt in my blood now wasn’t fear; it was elation.
I had nothing to prove. Biking wasn’t everything. I needed to come out of today whole because I had big plans. Emily, the farm, and the resort were all the risks I needed in my life. I followed Emily through the pump track to the finish.
“That was awesome! You were awesome!” She dropped her bike and leaped into my arms.
“Thanks, babe.” It accidentally slipped out, sort of. I may have wanted people to hear me call her that. I wanted to stake a claim in front of everyone.
“That last ladder drop was higher than I expected. I can’t believe I didn’t endo.” She was breathing heavily and talking fast.
“You were perfect, babe.” Another babe, but who's counting.
We walked in a few circles to catch our breath and stretch our legs. There were several more races before they would announce the winners. “Want to grab a bite and look around?” I asked.
“Sure.” Sweat dripped down her cheek as she panted, and my dick twitched.
“We can lock our bikes over there,” I said.
The food trucks smelled great, but we agreed fuel was a better choice right now. The sponsors’ area had a table selling protein bars, simple sandwiches, fruit, and juices. We split a sandwich and an apple as we combed through the participant swag T-shirt selection. Emily held up an emerald green one. I was a captive by her side. No place else I wanted to be.
“I like it. The color matches your eyes,” I said.
“What about you?”
“What do you think?”
