Falling Deeper – Chapter 4: Her Childhood

I hear your voice
And I start to tremble
Brings back the child that, I resemble

I cannot pretend, that we can still be friends
Don’t want to be,
Alone tonight

“Why are you afraid?” Jimmie finally questions with a glance over at Candiss as she lets out a sigh.

This was something that she never talked about. It was a story that she wanted to leave in her past, and focus on the world moving forward. She hadn’t ever told anyone the truth, even Dom. Jimmie was the first person to bring up her childhood.

“I don’t want to be a bad mother,” she says quietly. “I don’t want to make the mistakes that my parents made.” She then looked over at Jimmie. “It seems crazy to say out loud because I haven’t done what they’ve done, but I still find myself with a bit of worry.”

“May I ask what happened?” He asks as she takes a deep breath. She knew that Jimmie deserved to know the truth, out of anyone in her life. He had been open to her about everything in his past, so it seemed only fair to do the same in return.

“I grew up in a drug filled home. My parents were always either drunk or high, and when they were both, they were fighting. I can still hear their loud, pitched aggressive voices in my mind. It’s why I rebelled. It was why I started to do whatever I could. I had to get out of that mess.” Jimmie shakes his head, understanding.

“I started street racing because of the thrill of speed, and so many other reasons. However, I think in the later years, I used it as an escape from the stress that I experience being a stockcar driver. I used it as my getaway tool.” He then looks at her, finding his heart breaking for her in the process. “I know it’s not the same as what you went through, as your situation was more extreme, but I understand your reasons.” Candiss shakes her head, understandingly, as she finds herself trembling a little in reflecting back to what happened in her childhood. It was easier to shut everything out. How would she go through in giving Jimmie the whole story?

“I think I started what I did to get away, to have that escape that you talk about. However, it also a way for me to believe that I could change things for myself. You win a couple races, you get some money in your pocket and perhaps you can pave yourself a new road to happiness. See, when I was younger, my mother had a job but she never did anything for me. The money always went to the addiction; I was just supposed to survive with the second-hand clothes, and toys that I was able to find on the streets. By making some extra cash for myself, I could get myself things, and I could find a way to get out of there.” Jimmie shakes his head, understanding. It was no wonder why she had such a hard exterior and hated to see details of her life with others as it was a hard exterior that formed when she was a child in having to deal with everything.

“I can’t even imagine having to go through that…” She takes a deep breath, debating where to continue with her side of the story next.

“Not seeing their love, not getting that proper parenting that others get, I guess I’m worried that I’m going to screw up if I become a mother myself. I don’t know…” Jimmie wraps an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s a reasonable fear to have, given what happened. However, I also know how sweet of a person that you can be, and I think that you’d make an amazing mother. Besides, I’d be right here to support you.” She looks over at him with a smile.

“It’s still strange to be talking about having a family so soon…” He chuckles, shaking his head agreement. There were times that he didn’t think it’d be possible with the life that he led before.

“It’s because we love each other so much and know that we can never be apart, ever.” She shakes her head in response as she leans in and kisses his lips. “May I ask you one more question?” She shakes her head yes. “Were your parents ever abusive towards you?” She found her breath hitch in hearing the question, flashbacks flooding through her mind.

“They never hit me and caused me bodily harm, but I guess you could say there was a layer of mental abuse. I learned at an early age that when they were under the influence, I couldn’t talk to them as they’d get aggressive with their comments in return. The things that they called me, you wouldn’t believe.” Jimmie keeps her held close, as he rubs her arm lightly.

“Well, I can tell you that none of those words are true, no matter what they told you. I can tell you that you’re an amazing, beautiful, stunning, determined, remarkable, great human being that I love dearly, and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else tonight.” She finds herself staring into his eyes, flashbacks of words that she was called flashing through her mind.

“Do you promise to not leave me?” He could sense the fear and shivering in her voice as he pulled her even closer to her, if possible with how close they were already.

“I promise to never let you go and to always be by your side. I love you so much, and I don’t want to see you afraid, sad, or lonely.” A small smile forms on her face as she leans her head against his chest. He then rubs her back lightly as she slowly closes her eyes.

Falling Deeper – Chapter 3: Understanding

I never meant to feel this way
Don’t want to be
Alone tonight

Following their little fun together, the pair laid back in the bed, glancing over at each other with a simple smile.

Who honestly would’ve predicted them lying in bed like this together six months ago? In their minds, there was nobody that could’ve done that.

“I never meant to fall in love with you,” Jimmie offers, catching Candiss’ attention as she rolls her eyes. “I’m serious!”

“So that’s why you kept coming to the diner and asking more questions about my background?” She counters and he lets out a sigh. Perhaps he was caught for his actions, but they weren’t as they seemed at the time.

“I was curious about you – that’s all. I wanted to know how this girl came to be on the streets, why she did it and what her game plan was. It had nothing to do with liking you.” Candiss laughs, rolling her eyes, knowing otherwise. She had heard the comments from Tyler about Jimmie’s constant diner visits.

“Should I call Tyler and see what he has to say?” Jimmie lets out a sigh as he shakes his head no. He knew what Tyler would say, having been used as a source for some information.

“Okay, so I liked you. I had a bit of a crush and wouldn’t mind hanging out with you more. You intrigued me, and you caught my attention. But, it’s different than what we have now.” Candiss then looks at him, curiously. Perhaps there was more to Jimmie that she didn’t understand.

“Go on….”

“You’re right – I liked you. That was painfully obvious. You’re right – I wanted to have something with you. However, I didn’t see myself depending on you or turning to you about everything. I didn’t see us growing as close as this to the point where I’d be crushed if I ever lost you. I didn’t think I’d get to the point where I wouldn’t want to be alone, where I’d want you to be with me all the time.” Candiss shook her head, understanding, as she glanced up at the ceiling. It was as if their worlds were aligned to each other.

“I was always the crazy, independent girl, determined to do whatever I could for me with no regard for anybody else. I was just set on my own goals – dominating the streets, having fun, whatever my world consisted of in that moment. Perhaps I was a little too crazy and perhaps I went a little too far.” She then glances over at Jimmie. “They always say that two people need each other to complete their lives. I always lived by the fact that I don’t need no man to do anythin-”

“Have you told Dom that theory?” She laughs and shakes her head yes. It seemed Dom busted her out of trouble more times than she could count.

“Let’s just say that goes back to me perhaps taking things a little too far, okay?” Jimmie shakes his head, understanding. He was also in that window, having seen what happened with Ron. “But my point is, I never thought I’d depend on a man or look to have someone by my side. However, like you said, here I am unable to comprehend the thought of losing you. I can’t believe begin to wonder what that would feel like and how I’d deal with it.” He smiles as he thinks back through his life, and finds himself thinking towards his racing career. There was a story from his career that almost recalling now, it was exactly like his realization in real life.

“When I was young and started my racing career, I was that crazed type of person to where I’d push the throttle as hard as it’d go every lap, pushing those boundaries and doing whatever I could. I thought that going all out was what it took. I learned the harsh way as I flipped down a mountain in a Baja race. From that moment on, sitting on that mountain for a day or so, I realized that I needed to slow down a little. I need to push it when the time was right, but also conserve some so I’d be there at the end.” Candiss smiles a little, seeing how that went with their relationship and how they had gotten to this point.

“That’s something that seems to have carried over to real life, in where we’ve taken the time to slow down together, and realized what we’re truly missing. We’ve realized that perhaps there is something to this love and taking things slow as a couple.” Jimmie shakes his head in agreement as he leans in and kisses her lips.

“It doesn’t mean that we have to slow down in all aspects, though, as there’s one department that I don’t think I could let go of.” She laughs, knowing what he’s thinking by the desire written in his eyes.

“Oh Johnson, you do realize that if we keep this up, we’re going to have a little kid to worry about, too?” The thought of being a father was one that he was fully open to. He loved little kids, as seen with the time spent with Leo and Ella. He had pondered at times having a family, but kept pushing it away with having no one that understood him, or would enter the world that he had grown in. With how happily in love he was with Candiss, he could see them growing old together with a family of their own – with a touch of the fast lane mixed in the midst.

“What’s wrong with that?” She didn’t know how to answer to openly answer the question. How would she explain those fears to Jimmie? They were close and could talk about everything, but here was something that hit the deep-end core.

“I guess I’m just scared….I suppose…”

Seeing the strength that she had thrown through everything, it caught him off-guard to hear her pause with her answers. He knew that she had started her troubles at a young age, around the age of 16 on the streets of New York when they opened up about the past.

Sometimes, people entered these worlds for the simple thrill of speed and competition, like Johnson. Other times, people entered these worlds to escape something that they didn’t want to talk about.

Was that the story of Candiss?

Falling Deeper – Chapter 2: Chocolate Cake

Those days are gone, and I want you so much
The night is long and I need your touch
Don’t know what to say

It was easy to tell where the pair had gone by the smirks on their face as they retreated back to their own seats. A glance at each other and they both could only laugh at the trouble that they had caused.

“I think I’ve worked up an appetite,” Jimmie comments once they get inside the motorcoach at the track. He then heads to the fridge, opening it up and pulling out two pieces of cake. He hands her one, while unwrapping the other one for himself.

“Looky here,” she starts teasing. “The health nut is having chocolate cake.” He then rolls his eyes, having grown used to the jokes from everybody. It seemed even Candiss was in the category of people that had picked on him. There were days where she’d tease him about his diner visits, and how he was always stuck to four or five different selections due to his health craze.

“I can indulge sometimes.” He then grins as he takes a bite of the cake, savoring the taste. “It tastes good.” She smiles as she looks over at him.

“Absolutely it does since I baked it.” He grins and shakes his head in agreement. There were advantages to dating someone who had spent time in the restaurant industry as they were good at knowing great recipes. “So, are we happy with desert tonight?” He shakes his head yes. There were no complaints in his department.

“Yes, thank you.”

“You keep outta trouble and win some races this year and I may have more treats for you.” He had to admit that he wasn’t one for many sweets, but he wouldn’t mind trying whatever else she could whip up, based on how great the cake tasted. It had that right rich chocolate flavor, but not too rich that it drove you insane. It also was moist in the middle, but not too moist that it didn’t hold together. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She then runs her hand along the chocolate icing, taking a bit on her finger and slowly licking it off as she looks at him with a grin. She knew all the ways to drive him crazy.

“So does that mean that I can turn your wee-wee into a popsicle?” He then looks at her with a glance of surprise, having not expected that comment. He thought it’d be a quiet evening after their airplane escapades.

“Really?” She shakes her head yes as she cuddles up a little closer to him.

“We both know that I love wieners.” He could only smile back in return, seeing right through her plan. There were no complaints from him, though, as he could do with another round.

“I hope so based on all the action that you’re giving. Besides, it seems I have taken a special liking to you despite your crazed ways.” She then grins back in return.

“I guess that means that we’re stuck together, huh?” He shrugs his shoulders. It was quite possibly true as there weren’t many other people in the world that would accept his secrets and everything with as much ease as she did. There also weren’t many others who would’ve stood by his side like she had done.

“Nah, we’re stuck together because we’re meant to be.” He then pulls her close and kisses her lips, slowly.

“This is true.” She then carefully runs her tongue along his ear. “Besides, there’s only a few people that would accept me singing The Bad Touch and give me what I want.” He laughs, remembering that incident back at the house a couple weeks ago. She had come out of the shower in a small towel, just long enough to cover her, singing the song as she danced all around the room.

“You probably are wishing that’d happen once again.” She rolls her eyes as she finishes her cake, flopping on the couch, laying her head on his lap.

“Figured you’d skip past my simple teasing and go straight to the point.” He laughs as he looks down into her eyes.

“I can’t help what you do to me.” She then rolls her eyes, as it seemed that he could find the perfect times to use the most cliché lines. But yet she couldn’t stop herself falling for the trap that he laid.

“And what exactly is that?” He smiles.

“This.” He then takes her and places it on top of his cock, in which had grown hard.

“Geezz….” He then laughs, having not expected that reaction.

“Now you see how bad I need you?” There was no way of denying it now.

“Oh yes…”

“See why I’ve been asking?” She couldn’t help but deny it any longer. There was a reason why she had played with the chocolate icing as she had.

“Truthfully, I want you just as badly.” It was obvious that was the case in his mind by the games that she had been playing.

“Oh really?” He then runs his fingers down her belly, carefully across her waist, before inserting a finger inside her, feeling how wet she was inside. It was obvious that her body was craving him in that moment.

“Wet enough?” He couldn’t help but deny the need and desire to play finger, but didn’t know if he could handle the teasing without being inside of her.

“Yes, and I am about to make you even more wet.” He then states, before raising her shirt up across her body, letting his finger barely trail her finger in the process as he removes it. He then reaches for her pants as she stands up, immediately beginning to find the quickest way to remove his clothes.

“That’s all fine by me.” Once they’re both undressed, she climbs back on top of him on the couch, straddling her legs on him, kissing his lips.

“Are you sure?” There was only one answer that she could give as she stared into his eyes.

“Absolutely. This is what I’ve wanted since we got back here.” He then helps them shift positions so he is lying beneath her straight on the couch, with her on top.

“Well ask and you shall receive…”

A Proposal – Chapter 7

Thanks for reading and reviewing 🙂

 

Early January 2016 

 

Let’s take it slow, I don’t wanna move too fast
I don’t wanna just make love, I wanna make love last
When you’re up this high, it’s a sad goodbye

 

While the original plans had been to simply cuddle till his flight in the early morning hours, there were other things that were going through both of their minds. Emma knew that she couldn’t go a whole week without feeling him close to her, especially so closely after the most magical moment of their life – engagement.

Knowing his eyes were focused on her, as he wanted to mesmerize her beauty before leaving, she slowly let her fingers trail down her chest, slowly undoing each button, one by one after each other.

“Was sleeping even in your plans?” He asks and she simply smiles. It seemed that they were both already on the same page, without a method to the madness announced.

“Is there a problem with that?” She questions and he shakes his head no.

“Why didn’t you do this sooner?” The only thing that was flooding through his mind as he mentioned the words – time. Glancing at the clock behind her, it seemed that in the flip of some hours and minutes, he’d be on the plane and off to Canada for the week.

“Cause I wasn’t sure whether you wanted to celebrate by cuddling, or otherwise.” He knew that explanation was a load of crap since they both knew their ways.

“I think you know the answer to that as soon as you stated it.” She laughs, shaking her head as the answer was obvious. Was there any other way to celebrate an engagement?

“So what are you going to do now that I held out for awhile?” He contemplated the ideas, but knew that none of them would be fair for the situation because for that night, all that mattered was each other and love. “Besides, I may want to go get some cake instead.” She then goes to leave the bed, though he grabs her hand, causing her to lock eyes with his. There was no way that he was being stood up in this moment for cake.

“Now now, it’s not nice to be a tease, Ms. Blaney.” She then chuckles as she sees the playfulness in his eyes.

“Now now, it’s not nice to drop a ring on a girl’s finger and then leave the country.” He could let out a sigh in hearing that response. It certainly made him feel more guilty about how things had come together. However, he couldn’t wait a whole week to ask her later.

“I told you my reasons for doing that. Besides, distance lets the heart grow fonder. It’ll just make things even more sweeter than we reunite.” He then leans towards her, kissing her lips lightly. Perhaps increasing the temptation could distract away from conversation, and more towards action.

“I have heard that before…”

“We can prove it’s true….or not….”

“And if it isn’t?” He then smiles as he looks into her eyes – this was simpler than he thought.

“That’s why I am doing this tonight the way that I am.” He then wraps both arms around her, kissing her lips with even more passion than before. He figured a simple increase in the passion would allow that temptation to easily grow.

“Lance….” She tries to catch her breath afterwards, not believing he amount of passion that she felt. She knew that he loved her and could kiss her lips in a dear fashion, but that wasn’t expected.

“I’ve told you so many times that I love you…” He then kisses her lips once again.

“I just wasn’t expecting that…or this…” He then smiles as he brushes a bit of hair out of her eyes.

“I love you so much. That’s why I asked you to marry me. That’s why I am cuddling here with you. That’s why I kissed you so passionately. That’s why I want to do this tonight….and I want to do it the right way – fair, meaningful, slow, passionately.” He then kisses her lips once again as her hands find their way underneath his shirt, slowly pulling it off. Once the shirt is thrown aside, he wraps his arms around her, kissing her shoulder. She lays her head back slightly, allowing him to work the kisses up her neck, followed by more on the lips. A trail of kisses would certainly be something to hold on while she awaited his return. “I love you, Lance. You’re special to me all the time.”

“Awe you are special to me too…” A twirl finds his eyes as the kisses were all great, but he knew that he wanted to make most of the time that they had before he had to leave.

“Well then let me show you just how special you are…” He then pins her back down against the bed.

**************************

“So, you promise to text me as soon as you know when you’re leaving Toronto so I can meet you here?” She asks as they reach the airport in the early hours of the morning.

“I promise,” he tells her, before kissing her lips. “I also promise to text you each day, and call you each night as well. Don’t worry – the week will be done before you think so.” He then gives her one final kiss before heading inside the airport to catch his flight.

Glancing at her ring, she could only help but smile.

It felt nice to be so in love. It felt nice to be engaged. It felt nice to have a sweet moment together before he left.

Taking a deep breath, she knew that the week would probably go faster than her heart felt it would.

 

The End

 

Be sure to stay tuned for the sequel “A Season’s Quest”, which will focus on Lance’s second full year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driving for Brad Keselowski Racing, while dating Emma Blaney.

 

Falling Deeper – Chapter 1: Memories

Remember when, we never needed each other
The best of friends like
Sister and Brother
We understood, we’d never be,
Alone

 

Sitting on the plane set to head down to Daytona for the new season, Jimmie couldn’t help but glance over at Candiss and smile as he watched her play a game on her phone. It was amazing to see how far they had come, and how close they had drawn towards each other in the months that followed after everything. While there may have been doubt in the beginning, it was truly meant to be for them to be together in their eyes now.

He thought back to the original meeting with her, trying to figure out which side of her stood out more so than the other. The first time that she truly caught his eye was on the street when she made the decision to race against him that night. He remembered shaking his head in disbelief when she asked, and doubting her ability from the beginning. Of course, he accepted though, out of the intrigue to possibly get to know her more. He even remembered beating her that night, too.

On that night, it seemed impossible that they’d ever find a common ground together at any time in their lives. He figured that it’d just go as a crush, a tease for the Wednesday nights in his life. At that point, he figured that he’d never need her by his side.

However, fate changed the path of that with the game that she brought forth in figuring out his identity. He remembered the frustration that he felt in the nights that he lost to her, but also the satisfaction – perhaps she’d figure it out, and not cause a big issue for him. Thankfully, that was the case and now those thoughts of distance seemed so far away in his mind, not even close to earth.

“Do you ever think back to when we first met?” He finally asks out loud once she gets past the level of Candy Crush Soda Saga that she was playing. She then glances at him, caught off-guard by the question.

“I remember kicking your ass more than you kicked my ass,” she states with a smile as he simply chuckles. While he had underestimated her in the beginning, she turned out to know more about street racing than he could’ve thought, and knew how to make that sweet camaro work for her. It seemed when she got in her groove, she was unbeatable – something that he had to admit he missed, despite moving forward in life.

“Hey now, I remember things differently. I believe that I let you win so that way I could allow you to get just that much closer.” He wasn’t going to admit that he had been beat by her. He was the Stig – he didn’t get beat by anybody.

“Of course that’s the case because you can’t admit that I am better than you. It’s okay, Jimmie. You can believe that if it makes you feel better.” He then rolls his eyes, finding himself wondering what would’ve happened if they would’ve stayed in that world. Who would’ve become the king or queen of the streets?

“You know, I don’t regret the decisions that we made in moving forward like we have. However, there are times that I miss those Wednesday nights. I miss being up on those hills, nobody knowing who I was, picking my challenges and the thrill of shifting those gears as I launch off the line.” Candiss couldn’t hide it as she missed the thrill of the streets, as well.

It was why she hoped Dom’s new project took off and they were able to return to part of that thrill through the new concept of Race Wars. She had only heard minor details from Dom and Letty, but it seemed pretty solid thus far. Though, everything had been lost track off with Dom getting busy on the trail of some guy, as a result of the death of a close friend, Han. With that pretty much wrapped up now, perhaps he could return his attention to the project.

“That’s why I say when Dom and Letty set up the first Race Wars that we can attend, I say we go in disguise and let nobody realize that it is us for that simple reason,” she offers.

It was a hard decision for her to make and say out loud as she liked the bragging rights that came with her success on her shoulders. However, she knew the minute that she showed up, lights and cameras would shine on her as everybody now knew about her relationship with some superstar racecar champion Jimmie Johnson.

With agreeing to go with Jimmie and then make everything public and in the open as they grew closer, she knew that came with some drawbacks. There were no more hiding anything about herself as everybody would see her. There were no more playing games on the side as anybody could connect her back to him. To be with the star, that meant giving up some privacy. It was something that she accepted easily, and willingly, knowing that she belonged in with him.

“Do you think Dom and Letty would go for that?” Jimmie questions and Candiss shakes her head yes and smiles.

Dom had told them to both leave the life behind, no traces at all, after coming so close before to major trouble and the warnings that had been bombarded on Jimmie’s head by Rick. In his eyes, they were never to return to that life. However, this wouldn’t be returning to that life. This wasn’t entering the world of street racing dangers, but racing in a street-environment event that was done in a controlled set of circumstances with sanity, and lack of crime mixed in.

“He knows that it’s itching at us to not do it, and will understand our reasons,” she answers as she cuddles up to him. “But, let’s forget about that for now. We have other things to focus on – like how you’re going to kick ass this weekend in Daytona.” Jimmie looks over at her, smiling as he leans in and kisses her lips.

“We don’t need to have that discussion,” he tells her. “I know what I have to do on the track, and Chad knows what he has to do to the car. It’s just about putting the pieces together. We can focus on other things.” Candiss smiled as she glanced around, thankful for the advantages of flying on a private plane. There were many things that you could do and get away with.

“Oh really? What do you have in mind?” He then smirks as he pulls her as close as possible.

“I don’t think you need an answer to know what I have up my sleeve.”

Rekindling – Chapter 7

Clock on the dash says 3:35
There’s plenty of gas and the night’s still alive

 

They both ride it out, laying there flopped out on the bed afterwards.

“That was everything and more,” Ryan comments as he looks over at her, in which she simply smiles in return as she rolls over to face him.

“That was worth every bit of waiting, might I add,” she adds. “They say that distance and space makes love go fonder, and I think I have to agree. Thank you for being patient with me.” He smiles as he leans in and kisses her lips.

“It was well worth it. I’m glad that we still have that magic as we call it.” She then laughs as she mulls it over.

“Given how much of a mess we’ve created on these blankets and ourselves, I say that we may end up with something more to celebrate in a couple of months.” Ryan’s eyes lit up with the possible thought of her being pregnant. It was certainly one that caused them both to light up with a magical sense in knowing that it was a slim possibility months ago.

“I hope that you’re on to something….and as far as this mess, I don’t mind it all. As long as I’m with you, that’s all that matters.”

He then glances at the clock, seeing how it’s still early in the afternoon, meaning that they had the rest of the evening and night to spend with each other, interrupted, however they wanted. Knowing the feelings that they were both experiencing, it’d probably include more sex, as well as some precious cuddles. Regardless, it felt nice to have his Devon back.

“I think it’s time that I help you clean that up,” he says, standing up with a smile. He then holds it out his hand, helping her up off of the bed as they look into each other’s eyes.

“You don’t have some plan up your sleeve, do you?” She wonders and he shakes his head no.

“I just have an open afternoon, evening and night, and am willing to spend it with my girl however she may please. That could include more of the same, or something else. I don’t care what the activity is, as long we’re together.” She smiles as she takes him by the hand, and leads him to the bathroom.

“So there’s no plan about the fact that we’re heading to the bathroom together, naked?” He shakes his head no as he shuts the door behind them, not that it mattered as they were home by himself with no interruptions expected for the day.

“Nope. I just figured that it’d be nice to clean up. If anything else happens, then let it happen.” She then glances back with a wink as she turns on the tap.

“Just make sure that you are careful and don’t slip, please. I don’t want to have to explain that to Jack.” He then laughs as he waits for her adjust the water.

“Duty noted. I don’t think I’d want to explain that to the boss, either.”

 

The End

Stay tuned for the next story in the series, titled “The Journey”, in which will follow Ryan and Devon for the 2016 race season 😀

Rekindling – Chapter 6

Gonna make the most of every mile
Do anything to make your smile
Land on my lips
Get drunk on your kiss

 

“Excited to get home?” Amanda questions as she glances over at Ryan. He had officially gone and done the required appearance, and was now on his way home, thanks to a lift from his PR rep Amanda. He couldn’t wait to return home and be back in the arms of his lovely fiancé, dreading the past 24 hours without her.

“Is it that obvious?” He asks and Amanda shakes her head yes with a laugh.

“It’s okay – puppy love is a great thing. It’s nice to see you both so happy, and close with each other. I was honestly worried after everything that happened.” Ryan couldn’t agree more, as he did have his moments when she’d pull from him some. However, seeing how she’d always turn to him, and how they were able to grow back closer over the past week before he took the trip, it was reassuring.

“They say that tough moments can you make you stronger as an individual, and as a pair. I guess we’re a good example of that.” Amanda couldn’t help but smile in response as she pulled into the driveway.

“I will see you tomorrow at the shop. Make sure you stop by my office as I have a couple things to go over with you.” Ryan shakes his head, accepting, having grown used to that with Amanda.

“Thanks for the ride home.” He then climbs out of her Ford Focus, grabbing his bag out of the back for heading up to the front door of the house. He takes out his key, and slips it in the keyhole, turning the handle and heading inside. “Devon?”

He sets his bag down by the door, slipping off his sweater and shoes. He knew that he could take the bag upstairs and unpack things, but decided that he’d rather spend time with Devon instead. Some cuddles and discussions, perhaps some kisses, could do him well in erasing the losing feeling.

“I’m in the bedsroom!” She calls out from the bedsroom, as she laid sprawled out on the bed. She figured he would’ve headed there right away given that he’d need to unload his bag.

Ryan makes his way through the house, heading to the bedsroom. He glances in the room and immediately, his jaw drops as he notices the brunette sprawled across the bed.

Devon looks back with a simple smile, letting her hair drape around her face, showcasing the curves of her cheeks amongst the curls of the hair. The girls had debated putting it up and going fancy, but decided that wouldn’t be worth it with what was to come.

As she stood up and walked towards him, Ryan couldn’t take his eyes off of her body. She had chosen to go to with a red dress that only came down to just past her slit. The dress showed off her curves correctly, hugging her body all the way around and down from top to bottom. Ryan’s eyes caught the top of the dress, seeing how it showed some of her breasts, with the top riding just below the top of them.

“I missed you,” she simply comments as she walks right up to him. She then wraps an arm around him, pulling him close. “The entire time that you were gone, I couldn’t get my mind off of you, or the conversation that we had. It seemed to be the perfect magic to rekindle a certain spirit in me, as all I could think about was your sweetness, your sexiness and the fun that we could have together.” She then kisses his lips, letting the passion fly without holding anything back.

“Are you sure about this?” Ryan manages to squeeze in between kisses as she pushes him back up against the wall.

“Ryan, there’s a lot of things that I questions till in my life, but there’s one thing I know for sure – I love you so much, and I want this with you more than ever. I want to forget the pain that I know, and remember the joy that I feel with you.” Every comment, combined with the outfit of choice, had him breaking down the barriers of resistance, wanting to cave and immediately go in for the kill. But yet, his worries and discussions of chances in hurting her, still lingered in his mind and he didn’t want to push too early.

“I’m only doing this if you’re certain that you’re rea-”

“I’m ready.” She then moves back far enough to look straight in his eyes. “I’m ready so will you please stop stuttering and help me?” That was all Ryan needed to hear as he pulls her back close, kissing her lips.

“You don’t know how much I have missed this and need you…”

“I need you too, baby…”

“But let’s take it slow…” He then reaches around her back, undoing the zipper before slipping off the top of her dress and watching it fall to the floor. “I like the new dress, by the way. I’m sorry to have put it on the floor so quickly and pote-”

“Stop worrying.” She then keeps him pinned back against the wall, as she slips off his t-shirt before running her heads down her chest.

“Are you sure that you’re ready for this?” He hated to continue asking, but couldn’t help but shake the nagging feeling that was left there.

“Of course. I’ve been ready since our discussion before you left.” She then moves her hands down his body, running the tip of one of her fingers around the button on his jeans.

“I just want to make sure.” She was getting annoyed of the question already, but understood. It was why she had taken time in making sure that she was ready for this.

“I know, and I love that about you. I love how you’re always here for me, always willing to take care of me and willing to protect me no matter what.” She then pops the button on his jeans, letting them fall to the ground.

“It’s because I love you so much, always and forever.” He then kisses her lips as she runs her fingers around his waist, feeling the fears and resistance fading away, and being traded with the temptation and thirst that it seemed Ryan always brought out in her.

“Then what are we waiting for?” She then runs her fingers down his cock, as he lets out a moan.

“I don’t know…” She then looks into his eyes, kissing his lips lightly as she rubs his cock gently, feeling it harden to her touch.

“Seems like your manly hood needs me.” Ryan wanted to burst out and tell her just how much, but still held back in fear that they’d be frozen at some point by her worry.

“I need you…badly…” She then keeps her gaze locked on his.

“Well then take me baby…”

“That’d be my pleasure.” He then picks her up and lays her back on the bed, gently, before climbing on top of her and going inside of her. He then begins to thrust gently, capturing himself in the moment but not wanting to hurt her by going too quick, too early.

“Ryan…” The moan escapes her body, without much control as she is further lost in the moment.

“Devon…”

“Oh God baby…”

Rekindling – Chapter 5

Gonna cuss the morning when it comes
Cause I know that the rising sun
Ain’t no good for me

 

Following the shower together, the pair headed to the bedsroom together, laying down in the bed with their eyes focused on each other.

Ryan had been careful with the steps that he had taken thus far, slowly closing the gap, growing more comfort with each one. He didn’t want to push it and ruin the progress that he had made between them. It was all about finding the magic, reassuring her and rekindling the fire that they once knew.

Though a glance over her shoulder at the clock revealed that it was already quarter after one in the morning. He could only let out a sigh, knowing that meant about six more hours before morning when he had to fly out to do a sponsor appearance. If only he could buy himself more time with her…

“You’re thinking of something,” Devon cuts in his thoughts as he lets out a sigh.

“I don’t want this to end,” he offers. “I want to lay here for hours upon hours, spending time with you, kissing your lips, and enjoy the love that we have for each other. However, six more hours and I will be boarding a plane to fly across the country.” She hated to see have to leave, either. She had been planning on going with him, though still wasn’t comfortable with going out too much, especially that far. With that said, she had planned a girl’s day and night with Shelby and a couple others while Ryan was gone.

“It’s only for two days, and then you’ll be home once again.” She then closes the space up that was between them, lying closer to him than she was before. “Then we’ll be back here together and can continue what we’ve started.” She then wraps an arm around his neck. “And perhaps we can take another step further.” She then pulls him closer, kissing his lips once again.

“I’ll be open for that, as long as you’re comfortable.” She then smiles as she looks into his eyes.

“Ryan, you don’t need to worry about that. I am comfortable here in your arms and I know that I can trust you. I can also assure you that I’m taking things at the speed that I can handle.” He shakes his head, glad of that reason. At times, it had him frustrated, but a deep breath and realizing just deeply he loved her made him realize that it was all for the right reason.

“As long as you know that, and know that I’ll never hurt you, that’s all that I need to know.” She smiles as she kisses his lips once again.

“I’ve always known that deep down. It’s just been hard to bring myself to have you touch me.” She then takes a deep breath. “Every time I think of a hand on a certain body part, or a certain feeling, it flashes my mind back to what happened. Though, slowly, with each touch, I’m realizing that there is no way to connect the pair of them together.”

“Anything that feels uncomfortable, you just say the word and I will immediately stop. I don’t ever want to push those boundaries.” She shakes her head, trusting Ryan with his word. If he could hold back and allow her to go about this at her pace, it showed enough commitment to go forth with that step.

“I know I’ve said it a ton of times, but I cannot thank you enough. I can’t thank you for the patience that you’ve shown. I can’t thank you for how you’ve helped me grow, and shown me love. I can’t thank you enough for giving me a second chance. I just can’t say it enough.” He smiles as he was used to these spells from her, but they weren’t needed. There was a reason that he had done all of those things, and that boiled down to one single thing.

“I did it all because of how much I love and care about you. I know the sweet side of you, Devon, and I want to be there to reach, touch it and enjoy it. As much as those crazed sex night, and the pressure to rekindle everything back to that is there, I also cherish simple moments like this in having conversation. It’s nice to have someone that I can lay my heart on the line to, and is there to support me no matter what.” A smile forms on her face as it was nice to hear that in return. Love was something that didn’t happen much in her life, and it was nice to know that despite all trials, it hadn’t changed one single bit.

“I love spending time with you. You let me be myself and do my own thing. You inspire others to do things beyond belief.  You are one of the most sweetest kindest people that I know. You’re always pushing the boundaries. Most of all, I also believe in you and what you can do on any given Saturday afternoon. I’m going to say this once and only once, but I think I may get to celebrate with you some this season in a big way.” Ryan knew what she meant by those words. He knew that the competition would be tough, and the new Chase format would present a unique challenge. However, as he put the ices together, he knew that he had a team that could possibly contend.

“No promises, but I will try to do you proud.”

“Ryan, you don’t have to do anything to make me proud. I’m proud of you everyday for what you’ve done in accomplishing your dream, pushing the limits and doing this. You don’t need to do any special to make me prouder.”

With each comment back and forth, it seemed that the barriers were falling and she felt herself willing to accomplish taking the next step forward. It was a thought that she went to sleep with that night, and knew that she had to work something up with the girls on that note.

Rekindling – Chapter 4

I’m set on cruise control
I’m slowly losing hold
Of everything I got
You’re looking so damn hot

 

Once they had arrived home, their eyes locked on each other, simply sharing a smile without any words as they both got out of the truck. They then headed inside, as she glanced back at him.

“Are you coming?” She asks as he looks at her surprised. “What?”

“Ladies first,” he offers. “You can go get a shower first to warm up, get some cozy pajamas and then I will get mine.” She shakes her head no as she grabs his hand and pulls him close.

“Ryan, you’re not sitting around in wet clothes as you’re going to get a cold. I think it would be best if we both got in the shower together so we could warm up and then get cozy.” Ryan was caught off-guard by her comment. There was a unique shyness to her through the process of healing from what happened. Though now here she stood, sounding like the girl that he had fallen in love – leader and powerful, set to get what she wanted. It reminded him of the many nights where they found themselves tangled up in the sheets.

“Are you sure about this? I mean, you’re not just doing this because of our discussion and feeling ba-”

“I’m 100% certain so you better start marching your ass up those stairs.” She didn’t have to say another word as he quickly followed her up the steps and into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

The actions that followed were easy and like a flew of motions without emotion – strip out of clothes, setting them aside to go in the wash, followed by her turning the water on. They waited till it hit the perfect temperature before climbing in together.

Without a thought, he simply wrapped his arms around her bare shoulders, rubbing them as they stood underneath the warm water together. It felt nice to have this closeness together. From the moment that her attack happened, he wondered if they’d ever get back to this stance. He kept wondering, and even asking Elliott time and time again.

“Give her time,” Elliott kept telling him. “Give her time to heal and she’ll come to you when the time is right. She trusts you because she can tell you anything that is on her mind. That is the first step. You can tell that she loves you because of how much she wants you to be around. That is the second step. When she feels comfortable, everything will return to normal.”

At times, it was hard to believe those words were true – but yet here they stood, heading back to those sweet moments that they knew before. What if things could simply move forward easily?

As Ryan rejoiced in the moment, the feeling was starting to wash over Devon, slowly.

Since the attack, she had tense, closed, not wanting to feel anymore pain ever again. She was afraid to feel the simple thing called love, because she didn’t want to have her walls shattered again. She was afraid to show her skin and body, not wanting to share the scars that were left from had happened.

Though feeling his tender hands on her shoulders, followed by his soft lips, she found herself losing control. She found the boundaries that she had put up coming down, one by one, just like he had done before. He taught her love when she was lost after her parents, and here he was teaching her love once again.

There were few people that she’d do anything for, but he was certainly one of them with how much that he had done for her.

Slowly, she turns around in his arms and faces him, kissing his lips, lightly, tenderly. There was part of her that was craving him deeply, wanting to just take over and take everything. However, she couldn’t bring herself to do that – the pain was stopping her. She knew that, for her sake, she had to take it slowly. First came the touching, and now the light face-to-face kisses.

“I love you so much,” she tells him as she wraps her arms around his body and holds him as close as possible. “I love you…”

“I love you, just as much, as I’ve always,” he replies as he looks into her eyes. “I’d do anything for you, and I’d wait till forever it that was needed. I told you I was here for the long run and I meant it.”

“I know, but I have to admit – I’ve missed this, and I’m glad that I’m brought back to it. Thank you.” She then lays her head against his chest as he runs his hands through her hair, untangling it.

 

Rekindling – Chapter 3

You got your hands up
You’re rocking in my truck
You got the radio on
You’re singing every song

Sitting in the barn together, the pair sat on the ground and ate the meal with ease. They discussed a couple of things, from some of her lingering feelings to Ryan’s worries.

“I just….I didn’t want to push it and hurt you,” he offers. “I saw that you were hurting and it was tough on you. I just didn’t want to push you into doing something that you were uncomfortable with. I wanted to sit and wait and be patient.” She then shakes her head as she listens.

“And where has that gotten us?” She questions as he shrugs his shoulders.

“It’s better than hurting you, because I don’t think I could live with doing that to you. I love you, and want to do everything to protect and love you. One of those things includes being patient here.” She then glances into his eyes.

“But there’s something else in those eyes….” He shakes his head, knowing the feelings that he has felt.

“It’s been hard to be patient. I miss those cuddles. I miss the make-out sessions. I miss the nights we’d get in the big tub together with bubbles and relax. I missed those long nights where we were totally open with each other. It’s been hard – not as hard as when we first met, but it’s been hard. However, it’s nothing in relation to what you went through so I knew that I could handle it.” Her eyes glance down towards the ground as she lets out a small sigh.

“I guess I could’ve been a little more open and accepting. I should know that you won’t hurt me.” She then slowly looks back up into his eyes. “I’m sorry.” He then reaches out for her hand.

“You have nothing to apologize for. It’s not your fault for what happened, or how you’ve felt afterwards. It’s natural, and it’s okay. Like everything thus far, we will work our way through it – as we are here.” She believed those words. It was odd sometimes with Ryan. Before, she was scared of opening her heart, and letting feelings affect her. Before, she would shy away and not let anything touch her. Though there was something about the way that he was with her that it helped bring everything out, good or bad. It seemed she was finding that quality once again tonight as she kept her eyes locked on his.

“I want to remember how good it was. I want to go back to that.” He then lightly grabs her other hand, holding them both together.

“I’m willing to show you, only if you’re ready.” She then shakes her head yes as he leans in and slowly kisses her lips, before pulling back. “If at anytime you want me to stop, you know how to do so. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m not scared…and your lips taste wonderful tonight.” She then keeps him held close with her own hands as he leans in and places another kiss on their lips.

Just as they were getting into the groove for a good make-out session, the skies opened up, and no wonder it was an abandoned barn as there was water leaking in from all directions. They both then scurried up as quickly as they could, running to the truck and getting inside of it. Devon then looked over at Ryan, and simply laughed in seeing how soaked he looked. Though a glance in the mirror and she felt the same feeling, in seeing how soaked she had gotten.

“I still think you’re the most incredible, beautiful lady that I’ve seen,” he offers and leans in to kiss her lips.

“Even with my hair a total mess, tangled and messed up?” She asks and he shakes his head yes.

“It’s not about how you look on the outside – even though you are very beautiful, it’s all about what’s in here.” He then places his hand on her chest. “I fell in love with you during those early moments for this. I fell in love for you for the passion that you had. I fell in love because under that hard exterior, I knew there was a sweet person that would be perfect for me. That’s what truly matters.” He then pulls the keys out of his pocket.

“What are you doing? We escaped to get back to us. This is only part of th-”

“We can continue once we get home and are dried off. I don’t want you to get sick.” He then puts the key in the ignition, starting the truck up and pulls out of the driveway. The radio then comes on as she starts humming the tune to herself.

“It makes me wanna go back in time, I know you remember when you and I, didn’t give a damn and we would go all night, 19 in 99.” Ryan rolls his eyes as he hears her sing out loud, though had to admire her voice. “What?”

“I just never thought you’d be singing this song.” She then looks at him surprised.

“You’re surprised. I am 24 now. Back when I was a teenager, the Backstreet Boys were the band to listen to and Nick Carter was the heart throb of America. Just because I have grown older doesn’t mean I don’t listen to his new music.” He just shook his head in disbelief. “What? Seriously?”

“So you’re a pop girl?” She then lets out a sigh.

“Right…I forgot that wasn’t the coolest thing to be doing in front of a racecar driver, who probably either listens to hip hop or country. You can put on Luke Bryan if you want. I don’t mind that at all as I can sing that, too.” He then smiles as he flips the radio station.

“By the way, you have a nice voice.” She smiles as she grabs on to his hand. He gives her a simple glance and a small smile, before focusing back on the road ahead.

The sooner they got home, the better.