Uncharted Territory (Alex Bowman)

Is This Reality?

I walk back into my moto coach and I'm hit with the smell of cleaning supplies. 

I tell her she doesn't have to but she always does.

I step up and see RaeAnn sitting on the couch with her tablet. 

"May I ask what you're doing?" I lean down kissing her. 

"Well Mr. Bowman, I am watching replays of past races here." 

"Oh so you're watching me huh?" 

She nestles into my neck as i sit beside her. 

"Well just trying to get an advantage." I pull her closer to me rubbing her legs I have draped over mine. 

She settles in pressing play. 

I watch the 2020 race highlights not caring about the screen, but filled with absolute adoration of this woman beside me. 

I smile remembering what I bought for her. 

"I got you something last night that you don't know about." 

I reach behind the couch grabbing the target bag. 

I pull out the camera handing it over to her. 

"Alex..." I rub circles on her legs.

"I know you enjoy taking pictures to save a memory, and while your here with us I wanted you to have physical copies of everything. The track, the cars, your friends, us..." 

I trail off with the last word. 

"I don't think ill need a picture to remember this." 

She looks up at me and I cant do anything but kiss her. She pulls away opening the package. 

I slide out from under her legs and kiss her head. "Ill leave you to do this. I have to get to practice. Ill see you during the opening ceremonies?" 

She nods smiling at me. "Thank you Alex." I shoot her a wink and head out the door. 

Raeann POV

Everything was kind of a huge blur. 

Last night breaking down in front of him. Him being super sweet making sure I was happy. The kisses I still feel all over my neck. This morning spent wrapped up in him. Him respecting boundaries. The dirty jokes. The clean joke. The pet names. The... Everything. 

Nothing can out compete these past hours. 

This is something I never would have gotten with Bryce. He never respected me. He used my body even when I didn't want to. He verbally and emotionally broke me down. 

I feel a tear escape my eyes. Not from sadness. But happiness. 

I'm happy I got away from him. I'm happy I am with Alex. 

With... So we are dating? Or...

I let my mind wander to the place of doubt. 

There is no way this man likes me. 

Me, broken pitiful me. 

'Stop' I hear his voice in my head. 'You're safe with me.'. 

I sigh finishing the camera opening process. 

I need to see Alex. He keeps these thoughts from being around. 

I slide on my Burks, not track shoes I know, and walk down to the garage area. 

No Alex. 

I head out to the pits. And there he is. 

Sitting on the wall laughing with some of his crew.