Off the Mark by Kathryn Nolan

Author:Kathryn Nolan [Nolan, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: That's What She Said Publishing
Published: 2022-11-10T16:00:00+00:00

17

CHARLIE

Second place.

Second place, second place, second place.

Half an hour later, I was midway through cleaning off my bike, still in a blissed-out daze. It wasn’t first, and I was so close to beating Riley Miller over that finish line I could taste the bitter near-victory on the tip of my tongue.

But it had been six long months since I’d placed in the top three. Today I’d felt in the zone on that track.

It was a long time coming. Only when I’d leapt into Rowan’s arms in sheer joy did I realize how desperately I missed the thrill of this sport, how desperately I missed feeling like I knew what I was doing.

Of course, only after I’d leapt into Rowan’s strong arms did I realize that sharing my delirious glee with him had been instinctual. A pure gut reaction, running to a man who’d always made me feel safe.

It sure wasn’t for the benefit of a bunch of cameras.

“That was a beauty of a race out there.”

I squinted up at the voice, tossing the rag over my shoulder. It was Riley and her girlfriend, Quinn.

I cracked a smile. “Thanks. I tried to catch you, but you were too fast on that final turn. Congrats on the win.”

Riley extended a hand, and I let her pull me to stand. She wore an Archer’s Angels jacket, and her pink hair was tied back from her face. She was about my age, white with bright blue eyes and a gold nose ring that matched the ones in her ears.

“Next time you might,” she said with a friendly grin. “I’m Riley, by the way. I don’t think we’ve officially met.”

“Charlie,” I said. “And you’re Quinn, right?”

“That’s me. And you did look great out there.” She was a slightly taller Black woman, with square-rimmed glasses and long braids pulled over one shoulder. When she offered her hand to shake mine, I spotted Riley’s name tattooed on her inner wrist. “I hope it’s not too dorky to admit we’re both a little intimidated to ride against you at the championships.”

I shook my head. “Not at all. I’ve been intimidated by you both all year.”

They laughed, Riley taking Quinn’s hand with a squeeze. A few fans called their names, and they waved, off-handedly, but stayed focused on me. I peered around their shoulders and saw that same group, whispering excitedly.

“Heads up, but I think this fan club is gonna ask you for autographs in a minute.”

“They’re too sweet,” Riley said. “We got to meet your agent at the press event the other night. I told her she was the first out, gay dirt bike racer I knew and was, um, low-key obsessed with tracking her career.” She wrinkled her nose. “I might have made a fool of myself.”

Quinn scoffed. “No way, she loved it. I could tell.”

“And I second Quinn,” I added. “She’s really open about what she went through and has always loved getting to meet other queer racers. I’m sure she adored meeting you.” I shoved my hands into my pockets.

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