Off Track

Chapter 25

The next morning, Ryan was feeling much better. He was hoping he would hear back from the care center doctor and would be cleared. Meanwhile, he had to go shoot his podcast, and afterward, he had a party to prepare for.

He watched Olivia as she flat ironed her hair. As always he was blown away by her beauty, but he was fascinated as he watched the bouncy waves transform into smooth, silky strands, the light hitting it just the right way, revealing highlights. Various lighter shades of gold and brown and...grey?

"Turning twenty five must have hit you really hard because you have grey hair." He teased.

"I do not." She argued.

He pointed to the front of her hair, right next to the side part. "Right there."

She set down the flat iron she was holding and climbed onto the counter so she could get closer to the mirror and began fingering the individual hairs. Sure enough, there was a grey hair.

"Don't pull it out." He warned. "I always heard that makes more of them grow."

"I'm not pulling it out. I'm naming it Daytona. I'm sure that's the reason for its existence."

He laughed. "If that's the case, you're going to end up with a head full named after all the tracks, or you can just call them all Ryan. My mom claims I'm responsible for most of hers."

"Nope. One Ryan is more than enough for me." She teased.

"Before I leave, I've got a little something for you." He handed her a sealed envelope. She raised her eyebrows slightly, but opened it, immediately recognizing the logo of her favorite spa.

"You got me a spa day." She exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.

He smiled, glad that she was so happy. "After I get done with the podcast, my mom, your mom and Erin are coming over to help me set up for tonight. You have taken such good care of me and have been working so hard, you deserve to spend the day getting pampered."

It was indeed the perfect gift. She had been working hard, and the stress of learning a new job and worrying about him had taken its toll.

"Thank you so much for this. You knew exactly what I needed without me even realizing I needed it myself."

"That's only one of your birthday presents." He hinted.

"But you didn't...." She began, but he cut her off with another kiss.

"I have to go. Have fun and just relax. I love you."

*******

During the podcast, Ryan received word from the care center letting him know his CT was fine and he was cleared to race. He invited his cohosts Kim and Chuck to come by his house later that evening for the party. Kim was eager to hear more about Olivia, having only met her briefly weeks ago, and was a bit surprised that they were now a couple. She had witnessed the hug and kiss outside the care center on Sunday following the accident.

After leaving the MRN studio, Ryan made his way back home to begin getting the house ready for the party. He hoped Olivia was enjoying herself. She definitely deserved it.

********

Olivia was indeed enjoying her day. She had gotten a massage, facial, mani pedi, and was currently sitting in the salon having her hair done. At first, she was just going to have a trim, but after seeing the grey hair that morning, she decided to go for some highlights. She didn't need anymore reminders of Daytona. She had received a text from Ryan earlier letting her know he was clear, and that helped relieve her tension more than a spa day ever could.

She was excited for tonight. She couldn't wait to see Carly and Nicole again, and she just might make a stop at her favorite boutique and pick up the cute little pink dress she had her eye on, but opted not to get because she had thought it was too sexy.

*******

Ryan didn't notice Olivia slip into the house and into the bedroom, and that was just how she wanted it. She wanted to get dressed before she saw him, so he could get the full effect of her new look.

The pink dress was much shorter and much more form fitting than anything she was used to wearing, but she had to admit that it looked good on her.

Ryan entered the bedroom to begin getting ready himself. He was shocked to see Olivia was already there.

"Perfect timing. You can help me with this." She handed him a a gold chain with a heart pendant, turned around and lifted her hair out of the way. When he had the necklace fastened, she turned around and faced him. "Do I look alright?"

He might need some help picking his jaw up off the floor. He took in the honey and caramel colored streaks in her light brown hair. The sexy pink dress that clung go every curve, the strappy high heels and killer legs.

"You look gorgeous." He replied. "I love your hair and dress." Truth was, as good as that dress looked on her, he couldn't wait to take it off of her.

"Wait until you see what's under the dress." She said coyly.

Fuck!

*******

"Oliviaaaa" Blonde, blue eyed Carly Harris squealed, flinging her arms around her former college roommates neck, as Olivia opened the door.

Olivia returned the hug, squealing as well, then led her friend to the living room. When she said Carly looked like a cheerleader, she wasn't lying. Carly was petite, curvy, blonde and had a bubbly, vivacious personality. It has been over a year since the two had last seen each other.

"Oh my God Liv! You look freaking gorgeous!"

"So do you. Where is Nic?"

"She was right behind me." Carly shrugged.

Olivia looked toward the door and saw her friend surrounded by a group of guys, including Bubba and Alex Bowman. Olivia didn't know why she should be surprised. Tall dark haired Nicole attracted a crowd wherever she went.

Nicole finally excused herself and made her way to her friends, sharing a warm hug with Olivia. Within minutes, they picked up as if they had never left off.

"Are you drinking whiskey Olivia?" Carly asked.

Olivia giggled. "There's Coke in there too."

"Great. Keep an eye on her Nic. She'll either be passed out or getting tattooed." Carly joked.

"That's Ryan's job now, keeping an eye on her. Does he know about your tattoos?" Nicole asked.

"Yes. He's seen them." Olivia replied coyly.

"Even the one on your ass?" Carly asked.

Olivia nodded with a grin. The girls squealed again.

"Does this mean that you finally..." Nicole asked before Olivia cut her off.

"Yes it does." Olivia replied with a grin.

"I've got to know. How is he in bed?" Carly whispered.

Olivia burst out laughing. "Not that I have anything to compare it to, but it's phenomenal."

"Well, are you going to introduce us to him or not? Nicole asked.

"And please tell me Chase showed up." Carly asked with a grin.

A/N: Kind Of a short, boring chapter, mostly filler.