A Fighting Heart

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

“What’s wrong?” Chase asks from where he’s sitting on the bed. We’ve made it back to our hotel room and are getting ready to turn in for the night. Ty made eight seconds, and he went out to celebrate with Gigi. Chase didn’t want to, which I was thankful for. 

“Nothing’s wrong,” I say from the bathroom where I’m brushing my hair in the mirror.

Stepping out and putting my brush on the table, I take a seat on the end of the bed. Chase eyes me carefully. 

“No, you haven’t been okay since my ride earlier.” 

“Chase..” I say softly, picking at my nail polish, “Let’s not get into this, okay?” 

I feel the bed shift and look up to find Chase leaning forwards, taking my hand. 

“What’s wrong?” he asks again, his eyes pleading. 

Taking my hand back, I push myself up off the bed and fold my arms. “How can you be okay with this? Going out and risking your life, every time you get into that ring. What is it, pride? The high you get? Do you see how messed up it really is?” 

Chase stands and moves towards me, but I step back out of his reach. “Why are you thinking all this now?” he asks slowly, watching me. 

“I told you, I’m worried about you.” 

Chase takes a slow step forward. “I think it’s more than that.” 

Another step. 

“I think you’ve hit your head one too many times.” Chase laughs and takes another step. I try to move further away but I hit the wall. 

“It’s a defense mechanism you know, how snarky you get. It gives a lot away,” Chase says, closing the distance between us. “I want you to say it.” He brushes his nose against mine and I feel his hand rest on my hip. 

“This wasn’t part of the deal..” I say, teasingly. Chase growls and grabs me, lifting me up so my legs are wrapped around his waist. 

“You’re stubborn,” he says, nuzzling his face into my neck. Letting him kiss up to my jaw, I wait until we’re face to face again. 

“Shut up, you love it.” I laugh as he grins and turns, throwing me onto the bed. 

“That’s right,” he says, straddling me. “I do love it. What do you love Savannah?” He begins tickling me and I squeal, trying to squirm away, but he’s got me pinned. Laughing, fighting hard I scream. Chase stops briefly and holds my arms above my head. 

“What. Do. You. Love.” he says, kissing me between each word. 

“I love...” I start. I feel Chase’s grip loosen slightly. “Double chocolate donuts!” I yell, kneeing him in the stomach and pushing him off the bed. 

Chase groans from the floor and I look of the edge. “That’s what you get,” I say, sticking out my tongue. 

Rolling back onto the bed, I listen to Chase’s deep laugh. “Yeah, okay.” 

Eventually, Chase stands up, dusts off his pride, and gets into bed with me for the night. I curl up against him, my head on his chest. 

“Why do you want me to say it, if you already know?” Chase’s hand is rubbing my back, and I feel him lean down and kiss my head. 

“I don’t, but you do, and one day you will.” 

***

Chase and I spend a lazy morning in bed, eating room service and watching old comedies. We finally make our way outside to meet Ty and Gigi for lunch, and then we’re headed to the fair grounds, ready for the finals. 

“I don’t have to tell you to be careful, do I?” I say as Chase helps me down from the truck. I wrap my arms around his waist and hold on, nuzzling my head into the crook of his neck and breathing him in. “I’m worried about you,” I whisper. 

I feel him chuckle and kiss my hair. “I know,” he says, lifting my chin and kissing me. “No need to worry,” he calls as he walks backwards. I watch as he turns and heads away with Ty.

“Hey, you go ahead to the stands, I’ll be there in time for Ty and Chase’s ride,” Gigi says. 

“Where are you going?” I ask, giving her a scrutinizing look. 

“Ty needs me to run an errand.” When she sees that I don’t believe her, she rolls her eyes. “Ty owes a guy some money from last night. I gotta go pay him.” 

Laughing I shake my head. “Gambling. Never a good thing.” 

Muttering a “yeah, yeah” and hugging me quick, Gigi sticks out her tongue and scurries away. 

Walking towards the ring, I spot Ty and Chase leaning against the fence. They’re laughing, free and happy. As much as it scares me, riding is what they love. Who am I to take that away? 

I’m about to start towards the stands again, but a large figure walks in front of me, blocking my path. Looking up, I feel my breath leave my chest. 

“Hello lovely.”