Chapter 54
I made it. For what I once considered a slinky reporter, Clay Cassidy was right. This was my comeback, I just didn’t notice in what ways until right now.
I was meant to fall so I could find my way to Kaylee. To find a storm that not only challenged me, but made me discover what life is truly about. How to live outside a realm that felt like my world until I found out that riding was just a piece of it.
As I sit in the reporter’s circle, I can’t help but look over to that beautiful storm who now stands surrounded by everyone that matters to me. The angel that came to save me from a life that had fallen victim to a rhythm that no longer made me feel free.
My lips turn upward at the reference to Duke. He’s going to eat that shit up.
He sets the standard once more for what he expects, but this time I have a whole new perspective. I nod, agreeing again to his rules.
“I’m glad to see you back on this side of the circle.
” He smiles, and the man I once viewed as someone just hunting me for a story now feels more like a friend who just wanted to see me overcome a challenge I never knew I needed.
“So, Mr. Rogers, how does it feel to beat odds that were deemed nearly impossible only moments ago?”
I chuckle at his eagerness to dive in, but respect it.
If I were in his shoes, I’d be diving in too.
“Ya know, I could say the typical cliche’.
That nothin’ is impossible if ya set your mind to it, and all that shit, but that ain’t all true.
Ya can work your ass off, train from sun up to sun down, and still find yourself eatin’ dirt with one bad ride.
Of course, my comeback, as ya called it, rides on determination just like the rest of the riders here.
Livin’ and breathin’ the sport has always come natural to me.
This was about gettin’ up after I’ve fallen and comin’ back with a vengeance, of course, but I wasn’t just aimin’ for a comeback. I wanted more.”
My gaze drifts to Kaylee, warmth seeping into my chest at the broad smile lighting up her face. She’s so gorgeous it almost hurts to look at her. My own personal angel come to earth to save me.
He lets out a questioning hum. “More, huh? And would you like to elaborate on that for the readers?”
“It’s about the rush. About being the best and then toppin’ yourself. Feelin’ the exhilaration and what it’s like to race somethin’ ya don’t fully have control over. Puttin’ your heart into somethin’, and being so damn confident in your gut that ya know it’ s goin’ to work out, because it has to.”
His eyes trail over toward Kaylee, lingering for only a second then back to me. “Sounds a bit like love.” His brows raise and he tilts his head, a telling gaze in his eyes. “Are we to believe that’s why you found yourself running in the opposite direction of your prize earlier today?”
Chuckling, I shake my head at his overly observant opinions.
“Exactly like love, sir. And had ya asked me this months ago, if the tides had changed and I had pulled out a win instead of gettin’ hurt, I think my answer would be different.
I didn’t ever imagine gettin’ hurt, but if I hadn’t, I maybe would have never realized the real prize. ”
Cassidy looks more than pleased with my answer as he nods, his eyes like a window into his thoughts. A grin finds its way on his lips. “And what’s that?”
I meet Kaylee’s stare once more and point in her direction. All the warmth and love and desire I feel for her coats my words as I smile and say, "She is, sir."