Illicit Affairs

Chapter 21

It's nearly midnight and despite the fact that Alex won the race, I am back in North Carolina. I stayed long enough to congratulate the 48 team and take a few victory lane photos before boarding my jet for home. Hendrick is now three for three this season and for once I am not having any snarky thoughts because I am trying to be better. I could have stayed at the track longer, but I was ready to come home.

Except I'm not home. I am standing on Ryan's front porch working up the nerve to ring the doorbell. There is a full moon and the stars are shining brightly, illuminating the darkness. Despite the late hour, I know he's awake. The lights are on inside and I hear footsteps and I can hear him talking to his dog Sturgill.

I could have waited until tomorrow to show up, but I'm worried. He crashed again today. Although the damage to his race car was severe, his team repaired it enough for him to finish the race, albeit several laps down. What concerned me though was the fact that when I snuck a listen to his radio, I heard him ask his team for some Advil because his head was killing him. Why the hell did he stay in the damn race?

I'm having second thoughts about ringing the doorbell as I'm pacing the front porch. This is not me. I have never chased after a man before. Usually they pursue me. But this is Ryan. Ryan is different and he may be hurt. He may not want to see me, not want anything to do with me but I have to make sure that he's okay. If I can get him to give me another chance in the process, then it's a win win.

With that final thought, I rang the bell. The silence of the late hour was immediately replaced by Sturgill's anxious bark, then footsteps and shushing of the dog.

"Somehow I'm not surprised it's you. Over or not, I figured you were the only one to show up at my doorstep at this hour." He sounded annoyed but still opened the door wider to let me in. "What do you want Mia? It's late."

This wasn't going to be easy. Ryan was not happy to see me, but I couldn't help but notice he didn't look all that well. His eyes were dull. His expression grim.

"I'm worried about you." I said simply, letting myself all the way into the house, grateful he didn't shut the door in my face. Maybe he was willing to listen or maybe he was just too polite to slam said door.

"I'm fine. It's late though and you shouldn't be here."

"Are you really fine Ryan? I heard you complaining about your head. Two hard wrecks, and as an owner I've dealt with drivers with concussions who thought they were fine too." I stated emphatically, although I refrained from mentioning Alex's name as he was the one the team had dealt with having a concussion.

"I was checked and released and I've got contacts with some of the best concussion specialists in the country through my foundation, one of whom I've just gotten off the phone with." He replied.

"What did he say?" I asked eagerly.

"He said to continue my routine, take Advil or Tylenol, get plenty of rest but to wake up every few hours to monitor my symptoms." His voice was a monotone, void of any emotion.

"You need someone to stay with you, to wake you up every four hours. Is Erin home?" I asked.

He shook his head. "She's out of town. She'll be back tomorrow."

"Then I'm staying here tonight with you. I know you're mad at me, but like it or not, you need me." I said.

"Don't you have to work tomorrow?" He asked.

"No. I've already notified my assistant not to expect me in the office as I'm sure I will be dealing with jet lag and getting back so late. I have my phone and my laptop in case I'm needed." I replied.