Chapter 85 85. Championship
Tabitha’s POV
“Andrew? Oh my god. I can’t believe it’s you!” I exclaim, my voice trembling as I step forward.
King… Kingsley. Andrew Kingsley! This is crazy, I didn’t even consider the possibility that the man behind the orange racing suit is my friend!
He laughs as he hands his helmet to one of his team staff.
“Yeah. It feels strange to see you here…in a completely different environment!” He looks at you from head to toe and grins. “And look at that tan. Is the sun better here or something?”
“Don’t be silly. C’mere.” I open my arms and launch myself into him, wrapping my arms tightly around his shoulders. He hugs me back immediately, chuckling as he taps my back.
“Yeah, I know. I miss you too,” he says smugly. So, I smack him.
Andrew laughs again while stroking his arm like an injured puppy. “Ouch! That’s my dominant arm. And I still have a race tomorrow. Are you trying to sabotage me?”
“Stop being such a drama king, Andrew. We both know both of your arms are dominant,” I fire back in a mock stern voice. “Want me to hit the other one so we can even things out for you tomorrow?”
“No, ma’am.” Andrew shakes his head. “Damn it. You’re such a hardcore.”
A throat clears sharply behind me. I jump and pull back, realizing that we’re not the only ones here. Crap, I forgot that my dearest stepbrothers are watching us too!
Luca crosses his arms over his chest and sizes Andrew up like he’s some bug stuck to his shoe. Jace almost looks pissed, his face twisting into a sour expression. Evren’s cold gaze pins me in place, and I feel sharp icicles pricking my skin. Meanwhile, Reed shamelessly walks between me and Andrew, blocking my friend’s view of me once again.
“So… you know each other?” Reed asks while throwing Andrew a not-so-nice look.
I straighten, fumbling for words. “Yeah. He’s my friend back on the mainland.” I clear my throat and slightly push Reed away, so I can face Andrew. “Andrew, these are my stepbrothers. You already know Reed and Luca. And these two are Jace and Evren,” I add, gesturing at them with a shaky smile.
Andrew’s eyes widen slightly, then he grins knowingly. “Oh. Stepbrothers, huh?”
“Yeah,” I say, nodding. “I told you how my mom recently remarried, right? That’s why we moved back here.”
“Right, of course!” Andrew chuckles softly. “It feels strange though. It’s been… what, one or two months since we last saw each other? But somehow, it feels like a year. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me. You haven’t contacted me since you left.”
Now, I feel a bit guilty.
“Sorry about that. It’s just… a lot has happened over the past few months.”
Now, I feel guilty!
“Nah, I’m just teasing you. I understand. Adjusting to a lot of changes would take anyone some time.”
I can’t help but grin.
“This is such a pleasant surprise though. I mean, I never imagined you doing anything outside soccer, much less motorcycle racing. And now you’re here, in Kaelara?”
Andrew laughs, brushing a hand over the back of his neck.
“Yeah, well, I ride every now and then during summer break. I actually planned to drop by Kaelara this summer. I think I told you about that before you left? But then, I heard about the Tropical Thunder Circuit, and I couldn’t resist joining.”
“But you were pretty good out there! Are you sure you’re not a pro or something?”
Someone clears their throat again and this time, it’s Luca. He looks at me with an expression of disbelief and irritation.
“A pro, huh? Is that how you’re gonna play it today? Hype up our opponent right in front of our faces?” his voice hammers inside my mind.
Rolling my eyes, I glare at Luca and is about to elbow him for using the mindlink again when Evelyn suddenly steps towards us excitedly.
“My, my, you know the hot orange racer that’s been giving our brothers a hard time? Care to introduce us to your friend?” she says while looking at Andrew curiously.
“Oh, Of course!” I straighten and nod. “Andrew, this is Evelyn and Elsie Sharpe. They are the sisters of Rhett Sharpe,” I say, gesturing to the sisters and their brother who is looking at his opponent with a bored look. “And over here are Melanie, and Arthur Beckett. They’re also siblings.”
Arthur steps forward politely and extends a hand. “Impressive riding out there. You handled the corners with excellent control,” he says, his tone genuine but edged with subtle challenge.
Andrew shakes his hand firmly and smiles.
“Thank you. You were a beast too. Your bike tuning must be top-notch to keep such a stable ride at those speeds,” he replies, a grin tugging at his lips.
“Well, what a lovely reunion!” Reed wraps an arm around my shoulders, drawing me close. “But if you don’t mind, we should get going soon,” he declares.
“Already? How about coming over to our house for dinner? Andrew, you’re invited too.” Arthur offers.
Reed lets out a sarcastic laugh.
“I don’t think staying up all night is a good idea. Luca and I need rest if we’re going to beat your asses tomorrow,” he drawls.
Evelyn whistles and Elsie laughs. I roll my eyes. This brute is shamelessly arrogant. But damn does he have the skills to back it up.
Rhett looks at Reed like he’s an annoying kid he can’t believe he has to deal with, While Andrew smiles at Reed, his expression a mix of amusement and challenge. But Arthur has the brightest smile among them, not quite a smirk, but that charming curve that always seems to get under Reed’s skin more than any sharp words do.
“You can sleep a whole week, Aldair, but it doesn’t mean you’ll beat me tomorrow,” Arthur says lightly that you’d almost think he’s joking.
Damn! Sometimes I forget that he’s an Alpha too.
“Ohhh!” Evelyn claps her hands, laughing. “Please apply ice on the burned area!” Melanie giggles along while Elsie watches Reed with a mix of amusement and worry in her eyes.
Reed crosses his arms and boldly reciprocates Arthur’s gaze, as if he is challenging his authority.
“I can ride my bike in pajamas while wearing an eye mask and still wipe the crap out of you in that track, Beckett,” he snaps back, his arm tightening around my shoulder.
Laughter ripples through our little group, Jace included, who snickers quietly beside me.
“Stop whining, kids,” Rhett calls. “The only fight you’ll get is for second and third place.”
Another chorus of “ohhhh” echoes, but before Reed can blow another flaming breath, Luca taps Reed’s arm and smiles.
“Well, that was fun. But we’re taking our leave now,” he declares, giving me a quick glance.
“Are you coming?” he asks softly. I nod. Might as well. I feel a little sleepy, anyway.
I glance at Andrew and smile again.
“I’m glad I get to see you again here,” I tell him, squeezing his arm lightly.
“Me too.”
“Good luck to your race tomorrow!”