“He asked for you as soon as he woke up,” Micah shares. I was unsure of what she thought of the situation but her face is only kind and warm.
I am shocked, but my heart warms. “Oh.”
“Sophia, I don’t want to say anything about your personal life. But remember, it’s a different time now. And events like today show who and what matters. And you clearly matter to Javi. I have seen how you both look at each other, working so closely between the two of you. Do what you want, but don’t let happiness settle on everyone but you.”
“Oh, Micah, I don’t know what to think. We have been keeping things away from the team as to not put pressure on us or cause worry that we can’t work together,” I share, exasperated. My hand goes to my forehead. I can feel myself about to ramble.
“Okay, don’t dwell on it now. Go and see him and do what you need to. I’m here if you need anything.” And then Micah walks away to make her way back to the pit.
I push the heavy doors open and look around. Dr. Mattock is exiting a door and notices me. He gestures to the door he just exited from and says, “Javi is in there. He is okay, just finishing up his tests. I’ll come back with the last of them.”
And he hurries off down the back of the medical centre.
I rush over to the door and feel like I shoulder barge my way into it. There Javi is, on a low bench in the small room, sitting up and smiling at me.
“Hi!” he greets, chirpy.
Seeing him up and fine causes my body to relax. I hurry over to him and kiss him, like I can’t get enough of him. He kisses me back, equally as urgently. His hands are in my hair and my hands are across his neck. We break away and I hug him. His arms wrap around my waist and his head rests on my shoulder due to him being lower than me, sitting on the bench.
“How are you feeling?” I ask when I find the strength to pull away from him and sit on the bench next to him.
“Not too bad. Just tender and going to be sore tomorrow. But the doc said no concussion. So that’s great,” he replies, his hand finding mine.
We sit quietly for a few moments.
“You know, Micah said you asked for me when you came to,” I start.
“Of course,” he returns and looks into my eyes. “I could only think of you.”
I lean in again and kiss him. “I was so worried.” Our foreheads press together, me looking down at his hand holding mine. A tear escapes and falls.
He raises his hand to my face and tilts my chin so I am looking into his eyes. “I’m okay.”
The doc knocks on the door, and I stand up and wipe my eyes. He comes in and informs Javi everything is fine, and he can head back to the pit.
I excuse myself so Javi can get organised, and look at my phone when I am outside.
A bunch of messages from people all concerned about Javi flood my phone. I compose a standard message and reply to everyone that he is okay. He exits the medical centre and stands by me. “What, no chariot for me?” he jokes.
I gesture to the bike I came over on and say, “Right there, but you’re at the back.” I smile at him.
“If it means I can hold onto you, I’ll happily sit behind you,” he says velvety.
I laugh, stepping over the bike and turn it on. I back it up and position it so Javi can mount it.
He puts his hands on my hips and whispers in my ear, “I am jealous of this bike. I’d prefer to watch you throw your leg over me instead.”
My chest tightens and my face flushes.
“Save your energy,” I shoot back.
“I wasn’t intending on moving at all. As a matter of fact, I think the position you’re in now is exactly how I’ll be seeing you back at the hotel,” he says in my ear as he squeezes my hips, his lips brushing against by ear. The breath and the thought of the position sends goosebumps down my arms and makes my stomach flip.
“Calm down,” is all I can manage before taking off. His arms stay at my hips, holding on in the opportune position.
It was a content and comfortable ride back to the pit, knowing Javi was okay.
We reach the pit box and the team all hug and pat Javi on the back, all relieved he is okay. Cole visits Javi in the pit box to apologise and make sure he is fine. Rayna declares Javi should return promptly to the hotel to rest. Micah recommends I take him and she can do press on his behalf.
