Chapter 43
FORTY-THREE
I’m worried about Conan. He’s been quiet since the other night when we ran into Penelope and Todd. I’m also scared he is second-guessing us. It puts me in a bad mood, which only sours after Noah’s announcement. He warned me last night, but still.
PR thinks it is a good idea to accept the docuseries that wants to follow us around and film us on our way to the championship.
That means my every move is being watched.
No more stolen, secret moments with Noah, not to mention we will all have to be on our best behavior—something we struggle with in this garage.
Noah thinks it’s good, though, since not everyone believed the press conference, and we could use some good press after all the rumors.
I can tell he likes it as much as I do, because he hates being on camera and hates even more that we can’t have our lunch dates right now.
Plating a slice of cake for myself, I sit down with Alek and Sky, who are eating their own. There’s catering for the crew, since it’s their first day. Right now, Noah is showing them around and introducing them to everyone, and I have no doubt our turn will be soon.
I nibble on the cake as I watch them. The producer is extremely beautiful, like scary beautiful, with long black hair over one shoulder. She looks classy and knowledgeable, and it’s clear she likes Noah.
She keeps leaning into him and laughing when he speaks.
I don’t know if she’s flirting or being nice, but I’m leaning toward flirting, and I hate it.
I hate it even more that I can’t stop her without ruining everything, so I stab my fork into another bite and devour the cake instead, eating my feelings.
“Why are you eating so much cake?” Sky frowns at me.
“Because murder is frowned upon,” I mutter as I stab again, my gaze on her and on Noah.
“Um, murder is illegal. We have discussed this before, I am getting deja vu here,” Sky comments.
My eyes flit to him, and a mean smile curls my lips. “I meant what I said before, it’s only illegal if you get caught. I’m too smart for that.”
“You should not be allowed sharp objects. Okay, I’m just going to take this away.
” His hand slides over, taking the knife, and he swiftly moves it away.
When her and Noah head our way, he snatches the fork from my hand as well.
Spinning away, placing everything out of reach just like last time.
How cute we have traditions now. Who knew Skylar would be the one stopping me committing a crime, not the one helping me.
“Did you see Bones dress as a maid?” I growl, staring at Skylar angrily. “If you did and you took my weapons away, you’ll be my victim not them.”
His eyes blow wide, and he covers his junk. “Not yet, I ordered the costume but Bones still hasn’t dressed up as a maid for me yet. I have so much to live for brother, don’t ruin my dreams.”
That cools my anger.“Fine.”
He nods in relief. “Until then, I can’t die happy, okay? So why don’t you take up yoga or mediation or some shit?”
“Why a fucking maid?” Alek finally asks.
“That’s what you took from the conversation?” Skylar sighs. “Animals, all of you.”
“It’s what I took as well,” I say. “You’re a weird dude.”
“Yup, but my fiancé loves me,” he murmurs dreamily.
“Since when did he become your fiancé?” I mutter.
“Since I decided,” Skylar snaps.
“When was that?” Alek asks, though he looks like he regrets it.
“The day I met him.”
Alek and I share a look before ignoring him. It’s the best choice when it comes to Sky and his delusions. I have no idea how Bones puts up with it. Personally, I think they are both insane.
I glance back at Noah as the producer leans into his side, and I’ve had enough. I can’t go over there and claim him, but I don’t have to watch. Shoving another piece of cake into my mouth, I nod at them. “I’m off to get changed so we can practice when they are finished setting up the cameras.”
“Got it. Don’t go making a shank in there,” Skylar says as he toasts me with a stolen cake.
Rolling my eyes, I look back once more and accidentally meet Noah’s.
He frowns, silently asking me if I’m okay, so I just nod and hurry away.
It isn’t his fault I’m a jealous bastard.
Honestly, it isn’t fair. He has to be okay sharing me with another man, but I can’t even handle a woman flirting with him.
I head to the locker room to change for practice. I hear the door shut behind me, but I ignore Skylar, not wanting to know about any other kinks, when I hear the lock click into place. Spinning, I blink owlishly at Noah, who is heading toward me with an intense look.
“I just came to get ready,” I explain, but he doesn’t speak as he advances on me. “They seem really nice—”
“Shut up, baby,” he snaps as he reaches me, and my eyes widen as he rams me back into the locker and presses his lips to mine. My hands find his shoulders as I give into him. Our tongues tangle as he eats my mouth before pulling away, leaving me breathless and confused.
“Feeling better?” he rasps as my eyelids flutter open.
“I was fine,” I whisper breathlessly.
“Such a terrible liar, baby. You were staring daggers at us, so I thought I’d come in here and remind you whom I belong to.” He kisses me again, and I groan as his hand slides down my body and into my boxers, fisting my hard cock. “She was just being nice,” he tells me as he pulls away.
“She was flirting,” I grumble before a hiss escapes my lips, and I lean back into the lockers, thrusting into his hard grip.
“She wasn’t. I get flirted with a lot, baby, and she wasn’t flirting.”
“Who the fuck flirts with you a lot?” I snap, shoving him back.
His hand slips from my shaft and he stumbles, but he laughs as I advance on him until his ass hits the bench seat.
He sits and grabs me, hauling me across his lap so I’m astride him.
Noah clutches my thighs and then slides into my boxers so he can grip my ass.
My hands hit his chest before resting on his shoulders. “Answer me right now.”
“Strangers, acquaintances, nobody important. So possessive . . .” He groans. “It makes me hard when you get like this.”
“Shut up,” I bark. “You aren’t distracting me. Next time someone flirts with you, walk the fuck away or call me.”
“Sure thing, baby,” he replies, no doubt humoring me.
“Noah,” I warn.
“Mackie,” he mocks as he squeezes my ass. “Want to fuck to make you feel better?” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I huff as some of my irritation lessens.
“Such an idiot,” I mutter, but I soften in his arms, glancing at his lips again.
“Keep looking at me like that, baby, and it isn’t going to be an offer. It’s going to be you on your back below me,” he warns.
“You’re the one who followed me,” I whine, even as I lean in and suck his lower lip.
I roll my eyes up to his as I sink my teeth into the plump flesh.
He hisses as I pull back and kiss it better.
“The next time you let someone flirt with you, I won’t be below you for a week, so make sure it’s worth it. ”
“Don’t be mean,” he counters, dragging me closer. “I don’t complain when they flirt with you, even if I want to smash their faces in.”
“Nobody flirts with me,” I respond.
“Baby.” The look he gives me is tired. “Every single fucking person flirts with you. It’s bad enough when it’s women, but men? They are even worse, and you’re goddamn oblivious, smiling at them all nicely. You shouldn’t fucking smile at anyone but me . . . and maybe Conan.”
“Now who’s being possessive?” I tease.
“Of you? I always have been,” he replies just as the door rattles. We both look as it rattles again.
“Noah, are we ready to start filming?” the producer calls.
“Be right out!” he replies. “Just helping Mackie with his suit.”
“No problem. I’d love to talk to Mackie when he’s ready!” She leaves, and I look at Noah, making a face.
“She’s nice. Give her a chance.” Leaning in, he kisses me swiftly.
“And taste me while you do.” Smacking my ass, he lifts me up and turns me around to my locker.
“Come on.” He does, in fact, help me into my suit—well, more like feels me up since it takes five minutes longer than it should, and by the time I escape the locker room, I’m blushing and hard.
As I’m heading to the track where Sky and Alek wait, I run smack into her and her camera crew.
“Mackie!” She smiles brightly at me, exposing a dimple on one side.
Her perfectly painted lips annoy me. She’s even more beautiful up close.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Clarke.
Noah has told me so much about you.” Her happiness is genuine, and it lessens some of my annoyance.
“We’ll be around for a few weeks. If there is anything you don’t want me to shoot or use, let me know.
I want you to be as comfortable as possible.
We’ll do some interviews, but when and how is totally up to you. I don’t want to get in the way.”
Well, shit, why did she have to be nice?
“Of course, no worries,” I respond politely, giving her a genuine smile.
“Great.” She signals her crew away, and when they are gone, she leans in. “Honestly, anything you don’t want me to shoot, let me know.”
“Will do.” I nod.
“Like the locker room.” She gives me a look, and my eyes widen. “I knew it. The looks you two were giving each other were obvious. Word to the wise, you might want to hide if you’re trying to be on the down-low.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say worriedly.
“Sure, sure, sorry about earlier. I saw you looking. I wasn’t flirting if that’s what made you mad. Trust me, Noah isn’t my type.” She winks.
“He’s everyone’s type,” I grumble before realizing that gives me away, and my eyes widen, but she just laughs and nudges me.
“Not unless he has breasts and a vagina.” I blink at her before a genuine smile curls up my lips. “See? Now we can be friends. I don’t want your man, but if you have a sister”—she runs her eyes down me—“who is as good looking as you, I’ll take a shot . . . or a mom. I’m into the older woman thing.”
“I like them older too,” I share as she falls into step at my side.
“They are just better, aren’t they?” She nudges me, and we exchange a knowing smile.
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.
I have no intention of exposing your relationship.
I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. I am literally just here to follow you to your title win and help in any way I can. ”
“Thank you,” I say softly. “Are you into racing?”
“Since I was little. Any sports, really. Making documentaries is my passion, but following people like you who do the unimaginable is addictive to me. When I got the offer, I jumped at the chance. A few others have expressed interest in being part of it as well, so we might make it a series.”
“That’s a really good idea. I think the fans would enjoy it.
I’m sure Noah can arrange some access for you in the cars as well and stuff so you can get all the shots you need.
” I brighten up as we talk, and she follows me onto the track where Skylar is waiting, blowing kisses into his phone at Bones, who looks annoyed.
“About time. I thought you were fuck—I mean fucking around,” Skylar scoffs. “Gotta go, bye, love you.” He hangs up as he winces at me and looks at her. “I’m Skylar.”
“I know.” She laughs as she takes his hand. “Clarke. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Only bad things, I hope.” He grins.
“Terrible things. Is it true you enjoy getting arrested to flirt with your boyfriend?”
“It’s called foreplay, Clarke. Look it up.” Groaning, I look at Sky, but he’s smiling widely.
“Alright, enough chatting. Time for work,” Noah calls with a clap as he walks onto the track. “Clarke, you’re with me. Sky, Mackie, you know the drill.”
Nodding, I wave at Clarke, smiling at her as she heads to Noah’s side. He winks at me before I turn away, and Sky and I knock arms. “Time to show them what speed is.”
“Let’s give them something good to film.” I grab my helmet. “And see if you can keep up, old man.”
“Young ones have no respect now. Don’t worry, you’ll be behind me, riding my ass.” His smile grins. “Just like you enjoy outside of the track.”
“Idiot,” I mutter as I laugh and stride over to my car, ready to prove to Noah and Clarke why we are going to win this title.
With Skylar and me working together, no one else stands a chance.