I catch him up and grab his arm. “Hey, I'm sorry, stop.”
He slows down and exhales slowly, running his hand over his forehead where his hair is tied up. He looks at me. “I shouldn't have done that.”
“You didn't, I did. I saw Onzo with those girls. I didn't want him to think I was bothered - it was a childish thing to do - I'm sorry. I had no right.”
“It’s okay...I don't...”
My eyes widen. “Oh God, do you have a girlfriend?”
I never thought that he might be in a relationship - he was on his own at the barbecue, but that doesn't mean anything.
“No, I don't have a girlfriend, but I'm...I'm not supposed to be...it doesn't matter - forget it.”
I nod. “Sure, and I’ll buy you a drink later - to say sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He says and walks off. He has got to be the weirdest guy ever - but damn, that weird guy can kiss!
The race comes and goes and it was an exciting one. Jack comes second - bloody Dom pips him to the post again. It’s always the same with those two; they're always fighting for first place. Jack dismounts his bike with a face like thunder until Eli and Robyn run up to him and the scowl melts into a smile. Oh yeah, pure happiness right here for all to see. It will never get old.
We all make our way to the bar at the track. Its light, airy and trendy, unfortunately, the prices are trendy too. I wonder if Declan will be there - I said I’d get him a drink.
Denny and I walk inside. Denny, apart from Mia, is my best friend. I don't know why I get on with guys so much. I have lots of guy friends.
“Close one that.” Denny sighs. “I think it pisses me off as much as Jack when he doesn't win. Fucking Dom. Come on, I’ll get us a beer.”
We get our drinks and sit down at the table with all the others. My heart flips when I see Declan sat talking to Jack. Denny sits on a stool next to Jack, and Robyn pats the seat next to her for me, Declan seated on the other side of it.
“Come and sit here, Soph. Eli and I are only staying for half an hour. Race day drinks are no place for a child. You know how rowdy it gets.”
That I do know, it will get messy and loud. She’s right, its no place for Eli.
We talk about the race. Jack hates to lose so bad. I mean, nobody likes to lose - but he is the most competitive person I know.
Jack takes a swig of his beer. “Anyway Dec, what about you? You coming with us?”
We’re going to the nightclub in town. I've never even known Declan to stand in the pit for a race before, nevermind come for drinks with us.
“Yeah, I’ll come tonight - see what all the fuss is about.”
Jack raises his eyebrows. “For real? I don't believe it! You never come out with us - it’s about time, brother!”
Declan shrugs and takes a swig of his beer. I watch him swallow as the beer slides down his throat and feel my mouth go dry. I can't help but keep flashing back to that kiss. His lips can do amazing things, and that tongue of his? Well, I’d like to see what else it could do.
Right, Sophie, you tart - snap out of it.
I'm on heat – because I got blown out by Onzo does not mean that I should look for attention anywhere else to prove something. Prove something to myself.
He is so sexy, though.
Robyn leaves after the first drink. I don't talk to Declan much. I get loose-lipped with alcohol and I'm worried about what I’ll say when I've had a drink. Once we get into town, Denny and I sit down while Jack gets us all a round of drinks.
When Dec comes and sits next to me, my body goes on alert and my nipples jump to attention. Down girls. If he has come over to me, he must have forgiven me for jumping him earlier.
He leans in to speak over the music. “How are things going with your dad?”
My stomach plummets - oh great - the one thing I didn't want to talk about tonight - it'll only bring me down even more.
I wave my hand. “You don't want to know...trust me.”
