Chapter 6

 

 

The announcer called for them to exit the vehicles and she tried her door, but it was jammed. The opposite door bulged inward and she had no desire to climb into the back seat, so she opted to exit via the absent window.

“The unicorn takes a surprising second place!” the announcer called, his voice reverberating over the cheers. “But the Honda dragon wins the round!”

She stumbled out of the car, abruptly feeling the bruises from the impact. But her smile would not be constrained and she removed her helmet to see Reed approaching. His easy smile feigned worry and she slapped his shoulder.

“Couldn’t let me win, could you,” she said.

“I thought you didn’t like that.”

“I don’t,” she said. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up to kiss him.

Workers entered the arena and helped the other drivers out of their cars, and then all six of them walked across the torn ground to the gate. They exited to find six more cars sitting ready with their drivers putting on helmets.

“What’d you think?” he asked.

“Painful, exhilarating, terrifying—and awesome,” she said.

“They almost had me after you disappeared,” he said. “Then you came charging in and sent that woman’s car flying.”

She grinned, reliving the memory and feeling the bruising impact anew. They continued to talk about the derby as they returned to their seats to watch the second batch of drivers, who now had to avoid the cars from the first. Kate cringed when her car took a hard hit and then cheered for more damage.

When they finished, twelve dead cars lay scattered around the arena and the monster trucks made a roaring return, crushing them to the delight of the crowd. After that they put on the final show, with all four racing, jumping, and crushing the cars in the arena.

When the dust and broken glass had finally settled, the crowd reluctantly filed out of the arena. Kate and Reed worked their way to the car and sat waiting for the line to move another inch. She sighed in contentment.

“That was epic,” she said.

“You have dirt on your face.”

“So do you,” she retorted. Then she realized the derby was the end of their marathon date and her smile faded. “I can hardly believe the last two weeks was all one giant date.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a date so much,” he said.

She looked at the trees lining the parking lot, their leaves well into fall, with some drifting down to land on the cars waiting to exit. She’d always loved the changing of the seasons but with each passing day she sensed a shift approaching, and she felt the approach of winter.

“Ready for Aura to come?” he asked.

“You know what? I think I am,” she said. “You were right that spending time together would help. I find that I’ve grown sick of you.”

He collected her hand and flashed the smile she’d grown to love. “I’m tired of watching you eat a bowl of cereal. You just chew so loud.”

She fought the laugh and shook her head. “Not nearly as bad as when I saw you shave in just a towel. I mean, all those abs are just disgusting.”

He coughed, struggling to keep his amusement from showing. “At least I won’t have to see you in your sexy pajamas.”

She smiled sweetly. “I put those on just for you.”

He could hold it no longer and began to laugh. “I knew it.”

“You and your shaving in a towel,” she said, laughing as well. “It really wasn’t nice.”

“That’s my normal routine,” he protested. “I can’t very well get shaving cream all over my shirt.”

“True,” she allowed, and then abruptly the amusement faded. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I live five minutes from your house.”

“I know,” she said, looking out the window. The line had moved several cars and they were nearing the exit, and the end of their marathon date. “I’m just going to miss seeing you each morning.”

“We’re both behind on homework,” he said.

“I know,” she said. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“Don’t worry,” he said. “It’s my last semester. Then we’ll see what happens.”

She threw him a look but his attention was on the cars as he pulled onto the street. The surge of hope was sharp, and she noticed a twitch to his lips, as if he’d meant what he said but also regretted voicing it. She settled into her seat, a small smile on her face. The seasons might change, but as long as she was with Reed, she would be fine, even through winter.

On the drive back to Boulder they relived the derby and the monster trucks, and reminisced about the last two weeks. When they finally reached her house, he dropped her off on the doorstep and kissed her goodnight. He’d already packed up his things and his bag sat in his trunk. She couldn’t resist a final kiss and then slipped inside.

Her roommates were enjoying strawberries and whipped cream as they watched a movie, and Kate grabbed a bowl and joined them, wincing as she sat down. They wanted answers and she shared the events of the evening. They’d already known what Reed intended and wanted every detail. When she fell silent Brittney sighed.

“The last two weeks were fun for me—and I’m not even dating him.”

“Me too,” Marta said. “Can’t we keep him?”

“Not now,” Kate said. “We’re both behind on our classes and Reed needs to finish his thesis.” Privately she added, and we need space to cool off.

“I’m going to miss him,” Ember said.

“Really?” Kate asked.

Ember nodded without taking her eyes from the screen. “I really like him,” she said. “So I hope he doesn’t break your heart, because I don’t want to have to break his legs.”

Kate smiled. “Thanks, Ember.”

Kate gingerly leaned against the couch, grateful for the last two weeks, for Reed, for her roommates—even grateful for Aura who’d helped create Reed. She was as ready as she could be for her to appear, because somewhere in the last two weeks she’d realized the truth.

She was in love with Reed.