The race track later that afternoon…

Chris approached me slowly from the edge of the track as I stood at the fence looking for him resolutely, and I smiled when I noticed him. He lifted off the helmet he was wearing over his head before smiling back, and I laughed as he lifted me over the side of the fence to set me firmly on the same side as his pit crew. I wasn't supposed to be here, but rules were usually broken for the drivers. Besides, it was only a low-key race—nothing compared to the major stuff.

"I keep wondering how you don't get that earring of yours hung on the inside of that hat." I said on a chuckle as I thumped the small stud. Chris just grinned.

"It's a helmet, Jude. And I wear the earring for good luck. I got the stud out of your jewelry box." Chris informed me as I just gaped up at him suddenly—mesmerized by the idea that he would do something like that. I couldn't say anything as I ran my hand through his hair—flattening the pieces that the helmet had caused to stick up out of place. He closed his eyes at the gesture, and I was glad that he did because it was then that I caught a glimpse of Tom over his shoulder. My heart stopped as I perused Tom's racecar—feeling the familiar sweep of guilt that invaded my limbs as he raised a brow up at me from where he stood. He was staring at my hands and I pulled them hurriedly out of Chris's hair. What was I doing? Chris was my boyfriend. I could touch him if I wanted. I looked away—ignoring Tom as Chris opened his eyes once more.

"Just be careful, would you?" I asked Chris quietly as he nodded at me mutely. I was staring hard at his face now—refusing to allow my attention to be diverted to the dark haired man behind Chris's shoulder. Yep, just plain refusing. An announcer called for the spectators to take their seats, and I smiled once more at Chris as he kissed me before lifting me back up over the fence. I grabbed his hand quickly as he set me down—squeezing it reassuringly as he turned toward his car. It was then that he noticed Tom, and I closed my eyes as I noticed his back stiffen. I didn't think I could handle a confrontation. I cracked open an eyelid to see Tommy nodding at Chris before putting his helmet on his head with a smile. Chris did the same before glancing once more behind him at me. I shrugged at him—letting him know with my eyes that I hadn't known Tom would be racing. And, truth be told, I hadn't until recently. Chris just shook his head before narrowing his eyes at Tommy's car. God the tension was tearing me apart! Chris marched over to his vehicle—stepping into it before giving me a thumbs up sign. I flashed him back with the same sign before smiling brightly. He blew me a kiss and then stepped the rest of the way into the car. I sighed as Tommy took off his helmet only long enough to throw me a heated glance. It spoke volumes all on its own without any use of thumbs up signs or blown kisses. I looked away—refusing to let him see the flush that ran up the side of my cheek. I waited a few minutes before looking over again—sighing in relief when I noticed Tom already seated in his car, driving forward to the starting point. I held my breath as the man with the flag raised it slowly. I had fingers and toes crossed. I just didn't know for who as the flag lowered quickly and the cars roared to life.