Gambling It All

Chapter Nine

Dixie wiped the towel across her face again, certain that her cheeks were roughly the same shade as Santa's famous suit. She and Nicky had just gone for a jog around the track itself, which in itself wasn't so bad, distance wise, and was definitely a nice, flat surface.

Until you factored in the oppressive heat of Qatar, while running on asphalt.

Yuck.

Though they'd taken multiple water breaks, and the speed was definitely down to accommodate Nicky's continually healing ankle, they'd made the circuit triumphantly, but were both really glad to be done with that particular exercise.

And now Dixie was heading for a triumphant shower in Cade's coach. Though some of the 76 team stayed right at the track – Cade, Nicky, some of the mechanics – many of the ancillary team members who weren't as urgently or as often needed stayed in nearby hotels. Dixie was staying in the same hotel as Team 76's publicity specialist, merchandise handlers, tire guys and hospitality 'engineers', among others. Everyone she had met associated with the team had been super nice, but right now, she didn't think she could wait to bus back over there before taking a shower in her own hotel room.

Cade had been gracious enough to lend her a drawer to store clothes in and a promise to use whatever she wanted in his coach – water, food, whatever.

She swiped at her face again, a bounce in her steps, feeling energized, despite the heat. It felt good to be fitting in to the swing of things, and to be stretching her muscles, while helping Nicky get stronger and more confident.

She could see the confidence returning to his riding as he went testing on the track, and that made her feel like a proud mama bear, watching her cub take his first steps after hibernation.

Dixie squeaked in embarrassment as she came around the corner of a hauler and saw Javier De Costa standing just a few feet away.

Looking absolutely smoldering in his predominantly blue and black riding leathers, unzipped part way to reveal his smooth chest, his helmet held in one hand.

She had that instantaneous fight-or-flight feeling – turn and run so he couldn't see her, or play it cool like she didn't care that she looked like a sweaty, overripe tomato?

Pride dictated that she keep walking towards him, though it took all her inner strength and confidence.

He glanced at her, and then did a double check, smiling widely, seeming not to notice her sweaty demeanor.

"Dixie Colson," he said with a wide grin. "Trainer to the stars – well, to an almost star. We meet again."

"He's a star," Dixie shot back, unable to stop herself from defending Nicky. "Keep talking like that, and we aren't going to be friends anymore."

Javier gave her an exaggerated pout. "And I so want to be friends. Or..." he said, raising an eyebrow, making Dixie bite back a smile.

"Don't say it," she cautioned, knowing exactly what he was going to say.

"Lovers?" Javier teased, and Dixie socked him lightly in the shoulder as he said just what she had predicted.

"Get out of my way, you cocky man," she insisted, but he stepped further into her path, blocking her way towards the coaches and haulers.

"Have dinner with me tonight," he said softly, looking into her eyes. "Please. Let me prove I'm not such a cocky beast."

Dixie sighed. "I look a mess – why on earth would you want to have dinner with me?"

"I have reason to believe you clean up very nicely. And I like your... what is the word? Your spark. Your sparkle... your... spunk. That's it! You're spunky, and I like that."