Javi and I exit the gym after Fleur, and head to the elevator in silence.
“Okay, you’re freaking me out. You’re never not talking some shit,” Javi comments. I don’t think I have ever been this quietaround Javi in all the time I have known him. “You and Mabel are together, right?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I stay tight-lipped, hitting the elevator button again, like it will make it come faster.
“Dude, I know you. You’ve been together for the last few months and hardly spoken to me outside of the track. You even come into my pit box, and only to talk to her. I’m not against it. I think it’s great. Just be honest.”
The elevator dings open and we enter the privacy of the cube. “Okay,” I start, once the door is closed and no one can eavesdrop. “We hooked up, but only after yesterday’s race. She doesn’t want a relationship, and I respect that. I’m happy hanging out with her. She’s an awesome and nice person.”
“That’s why you weren’t complaining today. Hamish has worked on a dope routine, right? I’m so cut. Sophia loves it,” Javi shares, flexing his arms and looking at himself in the elevator mirror.
“It’s a perk! But hey, no one to know about this, not even Sophia! I don’t want Mabel to be embarrassed with her team knowing,” I plead.
“Yeah, I would be embarrassed dating you too, hotshot,” he teases.
“Fuck you. I’m a catch,” I defend, punching his arm.
“Weakling,” he replies, and returns a punch to my arm.
16
Mabel
Riley’s messages made me feel happy. Happy he checked in with me and thought to include me in a go-karting thing. It will be good to get to know more of his friends. I’ve hung out with them a few times, but the start of the season caused everyone’s time to be more racing-focused, and I did withdraw a fair amount to get my head around the role and schedule. Thankfully, Riley insisted I join him every few days at the hotel gyms when the others weren’t available. It’s been great to get me out of the hotel room and into a different mindset.
Shaking my head, I refocus on the TV show I'm watching. I'm not really focusing on the show when Riley comes through the door singing out, “Hello!” I pretend to be engrossed in my show and give a small, “Hey”.
He leaps over the lounge and controls his fall on top of me. “Is that anyway to greet someone who’s taking you out tonight?” His lips press against mine, heated. “And who’s going to fuck you silly when we get back?” he whispers. My breath catches at the thought. His face remains close, nose to nose, his hot breath across my lips.
“Hello then,” I reply, my breath raspy. My hand reaches behind his neck, bringing his mouth to mine, devouring it, taking it, claiming it, getting myself all hot and bothered. I don’t think I can even have sex again right now, otherwise I will chaff myself, but I just want to be close to him, argh!
“Now that’s a hello.” He breaks away, breathless.
“You’re really sweaty,” I pant. I don’t care, but maybe it will put some distance between us and I can think straight again. My mind is flashing with thoughts of him fucking me silly, and all the ways he could throw me around with ease.
“Okay, I am heading to the shower, if you...”
“I’m not joining you,” I reply.
I can’t get back in there with his naked body on display. It’s magnificent and makes me crave him.
“I’ll be back.” He dips down and kisses me chastely before bouncing off and heading to the shower.
Sighing once the door is closed, I know I shouldn’t be such an ass, but I don’t want to get too deep with him. Physical works. We have itches we need scratching, right? It can be a mutually beneficial situation. We get along really well, so fuck buddies will be a pleasant addition to the mix. I just have to keep him at arm’s length.
I don’t have to obsess about it for too long when I catch Riley from the corner of my eye, walking out of the bathroom. His towel is down low on his hips, his broad shoulders urging to be climbed. A delicious distraction. He disappears into his room, but leaves his door open. Now that we have bridged theintimacy gap, he’s clearly feeling more comfortable. I peek my eyes around the lounge to spy into the open door, not seeing anything, but it does get me a little hot under the collar, knowing he is changing in there.
Get a grip, Mabel!
I feel like a teenager again. Hormones are all over the shop, wanting to explore these new, exciting feelings. Touch him. Him touching me. I exhale, needing to calm down. He comes out of his room in grey shorts and a loose, white tank. The sides of his torso are exposed with the low, gaping arm holes, showing off all his smooth, ridged glory, the edges of his tattoo chest piece poking out of the sides. Black and grey lines. His arms are sculpted like a marbled statue. I can’t help but stare.
“Enjoy your Riley-free time?” he asks, taking one of my feet and rubbing down my calf, his fingers leaving trails of goosebumps and me utterly confused at how he can make me both hot and shivery.
“It was delightful. Got to watch my reality TV in peace,” I retort.
“Hey! I love watching those!”
“You just like watching the beach setting ones so you can ogle the women,” I play. “It wasn’t one of those, so you’ve got them to watch with me still.”
