Unspoken

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

^*^*^

It was a weekend full of partying. They were still partying after Dale's big win in the 500 the weekend before, and then add on top of that, Kiera's twenty-first birthday.

They proceeded to go out to various clubs and bars in Rockingham on Friday night and Saturday night. And then came Sunday. The big day. Race day. And everyone was excited, because race day meant that after the race, it was time to go home, and home was looking bright and hopeful to everyone – hoping to sleep off a week and a half of straight partying.

The race was excellent, in only his second race, Kasey finished second, nearly taking the win from Matt Kenseth in the last corner. So close, yet so far. If he would have won, he would have tied the record Jamie McMurray had set seasons before, being only the second driver to win their first race in two Nextel Cup starts.

He got out of the car excited, but wishing he could have had one more lap, because he would have had Matt then.

And Kiera met him on pit road as he exited his car, earning a kiss as he picked her up and spun her around.

She stood at his side, with his arm around her waist, and hers playing with the hairs at the back of his neck that were sweat-soaked as he did all the interviews he needed to do. Then they were done.

Kasey captured her hand in his as they walked away from all the cameras and microphones that swarmed drivers they saw walking down pit road. Kiera was already packed up, and all of her stuff in the back of her car as Tony had already packed up and left the track.

"Hey!" she said, a thought striking her, "Why don't you ride home with me?"

"Sure," he answered, "Just let me go tell Kale, and then we can leave."

"Don't you need to pack?" Kiera asked.

"I did before the race," he smiled, "Come on in when I tell Kale what's going on."

"Okay."

"Kasey?" Kale called from the back of the motor coach.

"I'm right here Kale," Kasey replied as he walked towards the back bedroom, "Hey Kale?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm going to catch a ride back home with Kiera, okay?"

"Sure, I'll see you at home, buddy."

Kasey grabbed his bag and headed up towards the front, where Kiera was sitting waiting for him to return. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then, let's go."

"Where's your car?"

"It's still parked where I parked it on Thursday, not too far away from here, I'll show you."

They walked out of the motor coach and were immediately approached by Jamie McMurray. "Hey Kiera, Kasey."

"Hey Jamie."

"Jamie," Kiera nodded, "What's going on?"

"Oh, I was just wondering what you were still doing at the track... didn't Tony already leave?"

"Yeah, but I drove myself here this weekend; in fact, Kasey and I are actually on our way out now."

"Well, I'll see you later then, because Tony's having a big blow out," Jamie told her, waving slightly as he walked away.

"Oh goodie," she muttered.

"What's wrong?" Kasey asked, as she grabbed his hand and lead him in the opposite direction towards the area where her car was parked.

"As Jamie said, anytime Tony has a party it is exactly that – a big blow out – and, I'm tired from this weekend, and beat, and don't want to stay awake all night long because my brother is having a party. That's the one thing I liked when I was living with my parents – the quietness – it's something I took for granted when I lived with them, and something I miss now living in party central."

"Well, you know Kiera, you could always stay at my apartment tonight," Kasey said meekly, hoping she didn't think he was trying to take advantage of her, "I mean, I'm exhausted too, but I guarantee you that Kale will be going to your brother's tonight – he loves parties – so my place will be quiet."

"I'm not sure Kase..." she started, but he cut her off before she could say anything else.

"Don't worry Kiera, I'm not trying to take advantage of you or anything," Kasey joked, "I'm just looking out for you Kiera, in the end it's your decision."

"I know," she nodded, "Just let me think about it, okay? And I'll let you know when we get back to town. Besides, you're coming back to Tony's with me for a little while."

"Why?"

"Well, we do have to celebrate your first Cup second place finish, and I know where there's a party happening. Just because I don't want to stay at the party all night, doesn't mean I don't want to make an appearance," Kiera grinned, "And here's my car."

As Kasey ran around to the passenger's side of her car, he smiled, "So, tonight we celebrate for a little while."

"Good attitude."

"Thanks."

A comfortable silence possessed them, as Kiera quietly sang to the song on the radio, and Kasey was tapping his fingers on his knee to the beat of the song.

"So what are you doing on your week off?"

"Just staying in town, although I'm thinking about possibly going back to Enumclaw on the weekend. It all depends on what comes up," he told her, "But does it sound entirely bad that I already need this week off?"

"Definitely not," she agreed, "I definitely need it already too."

"So what are planning on doing?"

"Probably the same. I'm sure Tony will want to head back to Rushville to see our parents this weekend, just because it's been close to a month since we've seen them."

"Too bad."

"Huh?"

"I was going to see if you wanted to come to Enumclaw with me, and meet my family. Well, except for Kale, you've already met Kale. But my Mom and Dad and my sister Shannon. They'd all love you."

"How about this?"

"What?"

"I'll take a raincheck, and next time you go back to Enumclaw, I'll go with you. Is that a deal?"

"Deal."

"Good then, now we'll just have to plan something around both of us going home."

"I'm free every night this week."

"As am I," Kasey grinned, "I'll come up with something and let you know. But, we'll have fun."

"We better," she joked.

"Don't worry, I'll show you a good time."

^*^*^

They attempted to pull in the driveway when they arrived back in Davidson and to the house, but were unable to do that because of all the other vehicles occupying the driveway.

"So, I guess we park on the road," Kiera said, semi-bitterly. She just couldn't believe that she couldn't pull in her own driveway because there were so many people there.

"Well," Kasey told her, "There's a spot right on the side of the road."

"Screw the side of the road," she grumbled, "This is my house, I shouldn't have to park on the road, I should get my normal spot." She gave up, and finally resignedly pulled into the parking spot on the side of the road. "So help me, whoever parked in my spot will feel my wrath."

Kasey laughed. "Don't you think you're getting a little carried away?"

"No!" she exclaimed, "It's my parking spot! I guess I'm going to have to resort to getting a personal sign made that claims that spot as mine."

"So," Kasey said, "I guess this really is a big blow out, huh?"

"Yeah," she nodded, "So I think I may take you up on your offer, because there's no way that this party is going to end at any sane time tonight."

"Okay, so as soon as you're ready to leave, let me know and we'll be on our way."

"I can do that," she agreed, and grabbed his hand, "Let's go celebrate."

^*^*^

They walked in the house, and were immediately assaulted by the pounding music. "I have to find my brother," she screamed to Kasey, as she pulled him through the crowd, "Follow me."

He let her lead him through the crowd, and it seemed as if they were walking forever before she finally stopped. Tony was hanging out along the side wall with Junior, Jamie, Martin and a few other people.

"You made it home," Tony said, rather loudly.

"Yeah, but I'm not going to be here for long," Kiera explained, "I'm going to spend the night at Kasey's, because I really do want to get some sleep tonight."

"Well, come over and let me know when you're leaving."

"I will."

She waved to Jamie, Junior and Martin as she grabbed Kasey's hand and led him away.

"Where are we going?" Kasey asked.

"Out to the backyard," she told him, grabbing two drinks on her way out the back door, "I'll show you my secret hiding place out here."

"Now I'll know where to find you no matter what."

"Well, you should feel pretty special, because I've never told anyone about this place – not Tony, not Dale, not Martin and not Jamie – none of them know. This is the place I go when I want to get away from all of them; from the racing world, basically from anything and everything."

"I won't tell anyone where it is."

"Do you promise?" she questioned, and he pulled her to him in a kiss.

"I promise."

"Okay," she grinned, "Let's get going then. Wouldn't want anyone to come out of the house and see us sneaking off into the woods. Then they might get the wrong idea, and go tell Tony, and that definitely wouldn't be good."

"No that wouldn't, so lead the way."

She lead him to the back of the yard, and a patch of woods. "Is it safe to go back here at dark? I mean there aren't any animals back here, are there?"

Kiera laughed. "Are you scared Kase?"

"No, of course not."

"Are you sure about that? Because you sure sound scared to me."

"Really, I'm not."

"Okay, just making sure, because I wouldn't want you to get scared when we get to my spot. And don't worry, there aren't any animals back here, at least not that I've encountered."

"Okay."

There was a small clearing big enough for one person to fit through, and he followed her. And kept following. And still kept following. He kept following her until she abruptly stopped, causing him to almost run right into the back of her.

"We're here."

"'Here'?"

"Well not exactly right here," she said, pushing a branch out of the way and squeezing through the small space in the foliage. He followed through right behind her, and stood up once he had made it through the opening. "Now we're here."

"Wow. And you made this all by yourself?"

"No, it was like this when I found it."

"Well, someone definitely spent the time building this place up."

"I know, and I love it." She handed him one of the cans of beer and sat down in one of the makeshift chairs. "Have a seat Kase."

He sat down next to her, and put his arm around her. "This is nice Kiera."

"Yeah, it is. I really like it out here. It's peaceful and relaxing."

"I wasn't just talking about that, you know."

"What else were you talking about?" she questioned.

"Just being able to sit here with you, I like it a lot Kiera. A lot of people come with added baggage that you have to learn to deal with, but you just enjoy being you. One minute you're Super Kiera at the racetrack, and then the next minute, you're just small town girl Kiera, hanging out and relaxing. It's so hard to get you."

"That's a good thing, right?"

"What?"

"It being hard to get me and understand me sometimes?"

"Yes, it's good. At least in my book it is, because I don't want to be with someone who I can read like a book, and anticipate their next move. I like it when I have to work a little."

"Well then I'm glad that I'm hard to get."

"I am too Kiera."

At some point their faces had grown closer together, and before they knew it, Kasey eased his face down to hers, and locked them in a passionate lip-lock.

When they finally pulled back some minutes later, Kiera turned so her back was resting against Kasey's chest, and his arms came around her, holding her to him.

Kiera yawned loudly, and squinted, before turning towards Kasey with a wry grin on her face. "I think I'm ready to go now, I'm exhausted."

"Okay, let's go find your brother and let him know we're leaving."

^*^*^

Kiera hugged Junior, Martin, Jamie and Tony and then pulled back.

"I'll be home tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll be around here somewhere. Either sleeping the day away, or cleaning up the aftermath."

She laughed. "Just make sure that no one that I don't normally allow in my bedroom gets in there. Or should I go up there and lock it to make sure no one gets in it."

"No, it's okay," Tony replied, "I'll make sure no one gets in there."

"Thanks."

"No problem Kia," Tony smiled, "Go and get some sleep, it's been a long weekend."

"Yeah, it has."

Tony turned his attention to Kasey, "Thanks for letting her stay at your place, she would never get any sleep if she stayed here."

"I don't mind it," Kasey said, "It gives me the prime chance to get my revenge and kick her ass in another tournament."

"I don't think so!" Kiera exclaimed, "Because I'm going to go 2-0."

"Whatever you say," Kasey laughed, "We'll just have to wait and see now, won't we?"

"Yeah, we will."

"Well Kia," Tony told her, "Make sure you whip the floor with his ass like you did the last time."

"It won't be a problem, Tony."

"And if you do, I'll make you some chocolate chip pancakes in the morning."

"Mmm," Kiera moaned, "Even more incentive to win. Okay, we're getting out of here now."

"Bye guys," Tony said, as Kiera and Kasey walked away hand-in-hand, waving slightly over their shoulders.

As they were walking out the door, they ran into Kale.

"Hey Kase, Kiera. Where are you guys heading?"

"Actually, we're heading out now," Kasey answered, "And Kiera's staying at the apartment tonight, I hope you don't mind."

"Not a big deal, bro. I doubt I'll be home tonight anyway."

"That's what I figured, so I'll probably see you in the morning."

"Yeah, have fun tonight," Kale said, "I know I will."

"You're terrible Kale, but we're going to get out of here."

"Okay, bye Kase, Kiera."

"Bye Kale," they chimed together.

They made it out of the front door, and the crowd died down to a few people here or there, and Kasey turned to Kiera. "I'll race you."

"Okay."

"On three. 1... 2... 3... Go!"

They ran down the driveway, each taking turns leading, but in the end, Kasey cut Kiera off, and touched the car first. "And I'm the winner!" he exclaimed.

"I certainly wouldn't call you a winner," Kiera complained, "More like you're the cheater."

"And how did I cheat?"

"You shoved me and cut me off."

"I never touched you. But I did cut you off. But I most certainly did not shove you."

"Oh yes you did."

"I did not."

"Yes you did, Kase."

"Kiera, I think you're a really bad liar."

"And why's that?"

"Because you squint your eyes when you lie."

"I do not."

"Really Kiera, you do."

"I think you're making up stories Kasey."

"I'm not."

"Just get in the freakin' car before I leave without you."

"Ooh... someone's getting a little feisty. Maybe because they know I'm right?"

"Get. In. The. Car." She growled.

"Yes, ma'am," he answered as he slid in the car, "But don't think this means that this argument is over. Because there was no way I shoved you. I didn't even touch you."

"I beg to differ."

"Well you can beg all you want, it's not going to change anything."

"Kasey!"

"What?"

"You're really annoying."

"As are you."

"Well you're more annoying."

"And you're trying to get my mind off of you accusing me of shoving you, because you know you were making it up."

"Just drop the subject, Kase."

"No, I will not."

"Then I'll shove you out of this car," she threatened.

"I want to see you do that," Kasey challenged.

"Oh, you did not just challenge me Kasey."

"I think I did."

"Well, I don't let a challenge go."

"Then bring it on."

"You will regret the day you challenged Kiera Elizabeth Stewart," Kiera warned, "Oh, will you regret it."

"And I welcome your revenge Kiera, because revenge has never been sweeter."

"Oh, believe me, this revenge will not be very sweet."

"I'll be waiting Kiera..." Kasey grinned.

"And I'll do it when you least expect it." Already the wheels of her mind were spinning, coming up with possible ways to get back at Kasey for cutting her off.

^*^*^

"Why so serious Kiera?" Kasey asked as they walked in his front door.

"I'm thinking."

"About."

"Stuff."

"What kind of stuff?" he questioned.

"Secret stuff."

"So even if I got down on my knees and begged you to tell me what 'secret stuff' you were thinking about, you wouldn't tell me?"

"Nope."

"Oh well, I had to try."

"Yeah, you did. But this time, it didn't work."

"Does it ever?"

"Not really," she shrugged.

"So do you want to go to sleep now, or stay up for a while?"

"I don't care," she said non-chalantly.

"We could watch a movie," Kasey suggested.

"Sure," she replied, moving around the couch to sit down.

"Do you care what we watch?"

"No."

"Well then, we'll watch my favorite movie of all-time."

"And what's that?" Kiera questioned, as Kasey sat back down from putting the DVD in the DVD player and placed his arm around her shoulders.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

She laughed, as she lay her head on his shoulder. "Oh boy."

And still, the wheels and gears were spinning, as she was coming up with the best action plan for her revenge. True to her word, she would get him back when he least expected it. And that time was still to be determined.

^*^*^