The Biker's Fate Chapter 221

Kim

TWO DAYS LATER, it was time for the cross-country portion, and I was growing more confident by the day. Yesterday's jumping competition put the US team in the lead, Jack having the best ride of his life and soaring ahead as the individual to beat. Fozzie and I had a great round as well, but we were eked out of the top spot by Jack, which was perfectly fine with me.

"I can't do this," Courtney declared as she exited the bathroom, pulling her hair into a ponytail.

"You're going to do great, Court. This is it, babe," I encouraged. "We're done after today. The course is going to be fun. It's a lot less scary than I thought it would be."

"Of course you'd think that. You jumped a perfect round."

"Um, no, I had four faults due to time."

"Well, I had two rails down and a time fault."

I chuckled. "Then today will be better."

"I just want it over."

"Me too, honey. Me too."

A knock at the door had Courtney dragging herself to it and pulling it open. "Hey, Aidan."

"Hey." He met my eyes and the love I saw in them humbled me. "You ready to go?"

"Yep," I said.

Courtney grumbled something incoherent.

"She's a little nervous," I explained.

"You're gonna do great, Court. All of you are riding your asses off." He smiled. "The team's gonna medal. Do you know how amazing that is?"

She nodded. "Yeah, that's pretty amazing."

"Yeah, it is."

I watched as my man gave Courtney a pep-talk and loved him even more. He really was an amazing guy and I realized how much I wanted to be with him forever. I just wondered if I'd be brave enough to let it happen.

"Let's get over there, yeah?" Knight said.

I grabbed my vest and helmet and followed them out the door. The rest of the group joined us and we walked over to the horses, nervous energy surrounding us.

"'Preciate you bein' on time, sugar," Knight whispered as we hung back a bit.

"Bite me, honey."

Knight chuckled. "I plan to. Over and over again."

"You're an evil man."

"You win this, sugar, and I'll do anything you want me to."

I clapped my hands. "Really? Anything?"

He nodded. "Anything."

"I'm gonna win this," I whispered.

"I have no doubt."

Arriving at the stalls, we saddled the horses and spent time warming up. I was a bundle of... well, who knows? I would be the last on the course and that meant a lot of extra pressure if no one else rode well.

As the day went on, I was sure I would lose my mind. Morgan's horse had three refusals which meant she was out of the competition, Marcus had a nasty fall and was being checked by paramedics for a broken arm, but he finished, thank God. Jack cleared, as had Courtney, but her time wasn't as good, so it was now up to me.

Knight helped me onto Fozzie's back and squeezed my leg. "Just do your best. Remember it's just you and Fozzie on the trail. Trust him to bring you through."

I blinked back nervous tears. "I feel sick."

"I know you do, honey," he whispered. "But you've got this, and remember... anything."

I smiled, rolling my eyes. "You really want me to win."

"You know it." He patted Fozzie's neck. "Ready?"

I nodded. "No."

"You got this."

I guided Fozzie to the start line and when the buzzer sounded, I dug my heels in and we were off. We cleared the first three jumps and I could tell Fozzie was having the time of his life. His ears were forward, his head up and alert, and there was a little bit of a prance in his steps... obviously performing for the crowds who were urging us on from the sidelines. I couldn't help a smile as we headed toward the water. I had him take it at a slight angle because although the jump wasn't high, it was deep, so Fozzie needed to stretch to clear the hazard.

"Okay, boy, we've gotta jump long on this one," I whispered, and tugged him back to center. He jumped it without issue and we continued.

As we approached the final jump, my heart pounded in my ears, blocking out the roar of the crowd. Fozzie's hooves pounded against the ground as he gathered speed. My thighs clenched together as I leaned forward and urged Fozzie into the jump. His neck was damp with sweat. He stretched forward, lining up for the jump. I felt like we were one as we raced forward. Nothing else in the world mattered.

Once we cleared the last jump, I dug my heels in and leaned against his neck, giving Fozzie his head and urging him faster. We flew through the finish line and I walked him for a few minutes before bringing him back to the team and dismounting.

Flea was waiting for me. Before I could say anything, he stepped in and slid Fozzie's reins over his head, and began to walk him around. I thanked him, grateful for his help since the adrenaline was beginning to wear, leaving my entire body unsteady.

Knight approached.

"What happened?" I asked.

"We're waiting," he said, crossing his arms. "I think you're clear and well within time, but not sure yet."

My back and head felt wet with sweat. I removed my helmet and wobbled over to join Courtney in the tent. She passed me a bottled water and I thanked her and downed it.

"How did you feel?" she asked when I came up for air.

"Amazing," I breathed out. "God, that was so much fun."

She grinned. "Right? My girl flew over those jumps."

"So did Fozzie. I almost want to go and do it again."

"Okay, well, that's a little weird," she retorted.

I was distracted by Knight rushing into the tent, wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me off my feet. "You won!"

"What?" Water sloshed all over the floor as he spun me around.

"You won! The whole fuckin' thing, Kim!"