The term of endearment slipping through my lips has him grinning from ear to ear.
“Baby, huh?” he teases.
“If you’re okay with that,” I reply shyly. He lifts my chin to meet his gaze. Those emerald pools are filled with such adoration that it makes my heart melt into a puddle on the floor.
“Of course. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Tonight, the entire infield is a party, celebrating Dean’s win and the end of another season. As much as I love the racing season, having some time off will be nice. I plan to spend as much time with Dean as I can before his schedule becomes too hectic, being in Cup next year. I’m still so fucking proud of him, even if we won’t see each other like we’d like.
Throughout the night, Dean keeps me at his side, barely letting me get a drink by myself. It’s like he wants to make sure that I’m actually here. It’s cute, actually.
“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” I ask as he stares down at me.
“I just love seeing you by my side.” He leans down to kiss me on my cheek.
“Alright, you two, not too much PDA,” Cindy teases. Cindy came to surprise me. She was in the RV when I returned from victory lane. After a bit of screaming and excitement for her being there, she just gave me a knowing look after what happened so publicly between Dean and me.
“Sorry,” I reply, my tone laced in sarcasm. Cindy laughs as she scans the party around us.
“Maybe I should pick up one of these racer guys. Why didn’t you tell me they were so hot?” she asks, shoving my shoulder.
“Good luck. Most are too focused on their careers or just do grid girls.”
“I can be a grid girl,” Cindy counters.
I roll my eyes.
“Hey,” Dean chimes in. “I changed, didn't I?”
“Very true, baby,” I say, giving him a peck on the lips.
“Ugh, gross. Too much love is coming from you two.” She walks off to refill her drink.
Leslie steps in to take her place. “Congrats, Dixon, you’ve earned it.”
“Thanks, Leslie. Sorry you got caught up in that crash today,” Dean says.
She shrugs. “It happens, it’s Talladega. Just glad you won the title and not Ian.” She laughs until Ian’s voice fills the space. Leslie stops laughing almost instantly.
“Someone say my name?” Ian sneers. It seems like he’s still as greasy as ever. You’d think he’d learn to not cause a scene. Leslie quickly makes herself scarce, and Dean just tightens his hold on my waist.
“Is there something we can help you with, Hicks? Didn’t think you’d show your face tonight,” Dean taunts.
Ian narrows his eyes. “I came to congratulate you, of course, and not to worry,” Ian baits.
“Not to worry about what?” I ask before Dean can respond.
“Not to worry about being apart next season. I’ll take good care of your girl.”
Dean attempts to go after him, but Chase and Taylor step in and pull him back.
“You stay the fuck away from her,” Dean growls out.
Ian just laughs. He got the reaction he wanted. “Already risking your Cup career over a girl, yet again,” Ian tsks.
Ian leaves with Chase and Taylor still holding him back. Chase tells him something I can’t hear, and he stops fighting them.
