Crashing Hearts (Pine Valley College #2)

8. Skylar

CHAPTER 8

SKYLAR

I put my phone away for the trillionth time today, refraining from calling or texting. We made a deal, whether he likes it or not, and I’m beginning to understand Bones enough to know that if he gives his word, then he’ll keep it.

I distract myself by practicing. Mackie and I drive all day, working together on tactics and enhancing each other’s driving style. Noah is right. We don’t have long to prepare for the qualifiers, so we need to be the best we can be.

It’s a long day, and I’m exhausted, but after showering and changing into some loose jeans and a tank top, I meet him and the others in the kitchen area. Mackie is sitting alone, pizza and beer spread out before him, and I slump into the chair opposite him.

“For us.” He nods at them.

“Thanks.” Grabbing a slice, I demolish it in a second and drain my glass before topping it off and grabbing another. The others are on their computers, so we leave them to it as we eat. They are all work and no play, but Alek isn’t here, probably at home with his baby. He’s religious about getting home before it’s late so Evan doesn’t have to sleep alone since he has bad dreams. I don’t blame him. If I had that to go home to, I would rush home as well.

Biting the pizza, I meet Mackie’s eyes as he wipes his mouth. “We should get to know each other better.”

“Are you hitting on me?” I tease.

“You wish, pretty boy.” He laughs. “You’re not my type, trust me.” He glances at Noah, and my eyebrows rise. Interesting. I don’t call him out though. “I’m just thinking, if we know each other better, it might help us. I really want to win?—”

“For you or him?” I ask, glancing at Noah. Mackie’s eyes widen in panic, and I laugh. “I don’t think anyone else has noticed, don’t worry.”

He sighs, rubbing his head. “Both. He wants this win so badly, but I also want to win. I’ll do whatever it takes, even be friends with your street ass.”

I grin and pour him another beer, tapping my glass against his. “To friends then. Ask away.”

“Do you have a partner?” he asks, grabbing another slice.

“Not yet.” He raises his eyebrows, and I lean in. “I’m wearing this guy down. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’ll be mine.”

“How romantic.” He snorts. “Does he even like you?”

“He does. He just doesn’t want to admit it.” I laugh. “But I don’t give up easily. You?”

“No.” He glances at Noah again before he takes another drink. “Why do you want to race?”

“I’m good at it,” I answer as I sit back. “I used to race to earn money. It was either that or starve.” I remember that time in my life before I shake it off with a grin. “I realized I was good at it. I worked hard and became one of the best, and it became my safe place, you know? I was happy there. Untouchable. I felt strong and in control when I never had in any other part of my life. I didn’t love it immediately, but now, I couldn’t live without it. It’s part of who I am. I wake up thinking about when I can race, and I go to sleep thinking about it. It isn’t just a hobby or a job for me.”

“It’s a life. It’s passion. It’s who you are.” Mackie nods. “Me too.”

“How did you get into it?” I ask as I grab another slice.

“I watched it all the time growing up, and when I was old enough, I applied here. Noah took me under his wing, seeing something in me. He taught me himself, and now I want to repay him for that.” He shrugs.

“Sexually?” I grin.

He spits out the sip he just took, coughing as I laugh. I glance over and notice Noah staring, worry in his gaze as it lingers on Mackie. Interesting.

Patting Mackie’s back, I let him cough it out.

“Dude,” he grouses when he can breathe.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.” I chuckle. “So, do you have any family?”

“Really?” He wipes at his face, still coughing.

“Friends, remember?” I smirk, grabbing another slice and putting it on his plate.

“I have a younger sister. My parents are a couple of hours away, but we’re close. You?”

“Not really,” I admit, not wanting to go into detail. He must hear something in my voice because he watches me before he nods.

“Favorite drink?” And so it goes. We eat, drink, and talk, and surprisingly we have a lot in common and get along well. I was happy to work with him, since we match on the track, but knowing we can be friends as well leaves me on a high, even as I drive home that night, weary but happy.

Once I’m in bed, my eyes drift to my phone, and I wonder if he misses me. I don’t know, but what I told Mackie is true—I won’t give up.

Not easily.

I want Bones, and he will be mine. He just doesn’t know it yet.