“You guys can go by the bleachers, I’m just going to check my bike in with Pete and meet you guys back over there.” Jake said as he straddled his bike. Holding his helmet it one hand, he crooked his finger at her with his free hand. She stepped towards him and he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against him. “Love you.” He whispered before pressing his lips firmly to hers.
She knew one thing for sure she’d never get tired of Jake kissing her. She smiled against his mouth, before wrapping her arms around his neck. It should’ve been casual, but it wasn’t. The heat between them was so evident and so strong she thought she would combust into flames. His tongue slid into her mouth and played with hers, and for a brief moment all the noise from the track diminished and she thought they were alone.
Jake broke away first, and leaned his forehead against hers.
“I love you too.” She said and wiped her thumb over his lips, removing the stain of her lip gloss.
Jake looked over Cara’s shoulder and sent a wink to his brother. “Take care of my girl, she’s a nervous one.”
Luke nodded. “Are you going up now?”
Jake shrugged and put his helmet on. “Not sure, won’t know until I check in. I’ll text you.” He revved his engine and granted Cara one more smile, before he steered his motorcycle into the raceway. Cara watched until he was out of sight and then turned to Luke and smiled at him.
“Shall we, Darlin’?” Imitating a southern drawl, he offered her his arm, and she slipped hers through his.
She laughed at him as they walked through the gate of the racetrack. “Where’s Ava, tonight?”
Luke sized up all the motorcycles that were lined up by their proud owners. Much like a car show, there were a bunch of bikes just for spectators viewing pleasure. Cara had to admit, some of them were really beauties, and part of her yearned to ride each and every one of them
“She’s sleeping at Sam’s tonight. She needed a little girly time with her aunt.” He said flatly.
Cara studied Luke. She had known him as long as she knew Jake, and was aware of all the unfortunate situations that had always seemed to find him. She was even at the house the day Marie, dropped Ava on the door step. She still could remember how he was afraid to hold her, fearing he was too clumsy to have such a fragile being in his arms. Cara knew Luke was a fantastic father, and Ava loved him to pieces. But she understood the loss of a mother, and knew that Luke ultimately would never fill that gap for his daughter.
“Luke if Ava needs to talk to someone about her mom, she can talk to me.” She offered and then blew out a breath, hoping she wasn’t overstepping her bounds. “I mean I know my mother died, and hers didn’t, but I know how it is to be a girl in need of her mom.”
Luke met her gaze and held it for a moment. “I never thought of that.”
Cara smiled softly at him. “Ava’s a lucky little girl though, she has you. I didn’t have my dad, and even if he had tried to be a father, he wouldn’t have held a candlestick to you. She’s going to be fine, but if she does want to talk about her mom, I’d be happy to help.”
That earned her a smile from him, a genuine one that reached his eyes. She was used to Luke and used to him hiding his troubles, but his eyes always let them know something was up. Different from Jake in so many ways, but that was one common thread.
“I’m happy my brother came to his senses.”
“I’m happy we both did.” She was equally to blame and she knew that.
He motioned to the bleachers. “Should we grab a seat to watch our favorite daredevil?”
“Sure.”
They found seats, allowing them a perfect view of the track. Cara looked around, amazed at how many people were there. The noise levels from the motorcycles, combined with the lights that were shining, it was no wonder the, cops didn’t shut this place down. The track was wide and stretched around the entire perimeter. In the center there was a blocked off roadway. That’s where Jake was with about a dozen other bikers. Their bikes were relatively different then Jake’s. They were smaller and a lot less heavy and vibrant in color. The bikers who, owned them, matched their riding jackets to the color of their bike, even their helmets matched. Those bikes didn’t make as much noise as the ones that would race, but knew they held a lot of power.
She watched along with Luke as one of the bikers, riding an electric blue bike, revved the engine. He sped up the roadway and then he stood fully on the bike, before he did a summersault, his hands gripping the handle bars the entire time his legs were suspended in the air.