Last Chance - L. P. Dover Page 0,51

spread across his lips, and he let out a small laugh. “We were so exhausted the next day.”

I stood and walked around the bar. “Sounds like we had some crazy times in here.”

He nodded. “You loved me, Lara. You might not remember it, but it’s as clear as day to me. However, the worst night of all is when you sat in that seat,” he said, pointing toward the bar, “and broke down because of Luke. He hurt you numerous times and you finally allowed yourself to let the pain go. You cried for what felt like hours and I was the one who held you. I knew then that I was never going to let anyone hurt you ever again. So when I tell you that I love you, it’s because I love you with every bone in my body. I might have lied to you, but I didn’t do it to hurt you. Being with you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Swallowing hard, I closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around his neck. He held me tight and the tears flowed down. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

The stubble on his cheek brushed across my neck and he breathed me in. “It doesn’t change anything, does it?”

“No,” I murmured regretfully.

His hands slowly slid down my back and he let me go. “Then I guess there’s nothing left to say.” He looked down at me, his green gaze showing utter torment.

My heart broke and I sobbed, especially when he turned on his heel and stormed away. The back door slammed shut, but then it opened and footsteps pounded on the floor.

“Lara!” Evan shouted. His figure appeared in the doorway, but my vision was too blurry to see him clearly. He rushed over and pulled me into his arms. “It’ll be okay. He’ll get over it eventually.”

I hoped and prayed he did. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him.

Evan walked me to my car, and Grayson kept his back to us the entire time. I didn’t want to go back home to drown in my sorrows, so I went to the place I knew I’d find happiness.

Chance’s blue sport bike was in the driveway, along with a red truck I’d never seen before. The sound of dirt bikes revved out back and I could hear shouts from a voice I didn’t recognize. I walked around the side of Luke’s house. Luke and Chance looked amazing on the track, their motions smooth as they made their jumps.

“Come on guys, speed it up!” a guy shouted at Luke and Chance. He glanced over at me and then did a double take. “Who are you?”

I waved and then held out my hand. “I’m Lara. Luke’s . . .” I didn’t know what to call myself so I settled on saying, “friend.”

The guy stood and shook my hand. “So you’re the girl who had Luke all bent out of shape this past year.” Frozen in place, I stood there speechless, but then he laughed and waved me over to the seat beside him. “I should introduce myself. I’m Zayne Putnam, Luke’s trainer.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” I sat down beside him and cleared my throat. “How’s he doing?”

He snorted. “The past few days have been amazing. I guess with you back around, it’s really helping him.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Yep,” he laughed. “He’s one of the best.” He whistled at the guys and they turned our way. “You’ve got a visitor,” Zane shouted.

Luke and Chance came to a halt and I waved. Luke waved back and they rode toward us. Luke hopped off his bike and took off his helmet, grinning wide. He had dirt on his face and all over his gear. He was damn fine is what he was.

“What are you doing here?”

I shrugged. “I thought I’d come by and watch you. You looked amazing out there.”

Chance brushed off his shoulders. “Only because I was out there with him.”

Luke snorted. “You wish, Harris.”

Zane patted the guys on the back. “You both kicked ass. Just make sure to do it at the race in two weeks.”

The guys chatted a bit about the runs before Zane headed out. Once he was gone, Chance packed up his stuff and sat down beside me. “You coming to my party?”

“Yes,” I laughed. “I can’t have Luke going without me. Some girl might try to pick him up if I’m not there to protect him.”

Luke chuckled and handed Chance