Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 103: California Spin Cycle

Saturday, February 26 – Auto Club Speedway

Chase sits on pit road, shaking his head as he glances towards the track, before landing his eyes right back on Alan.

"I just tried to get too much," he comments as he looks over the NAPA Chevrolet, glad the damage hadn't been any worse. "I caught too much of the apron, caught the bump, and there was no saving it."

"At least you didn't damage the car and hey, you weren't the only one," Alan replies, to which Chase nods his head in agreement. If there were any positives from the experience, there was certainly a couple mentioned. "It's also better doing it today than tomorrow, as at least we'll start strong..."

"Are you done with the feel better trip? Your goal is already accomplished because we have a fast car." Alan just smiles in response before looking back down at his notes. "Text me if you need anything tonight."

"As always."

Chase then leaves the pit stall and begins the walk back through the garage area. He debated stopping to see if Alex was done yet, but figured they'd all just meet back at the motorcoach anyway. So instead, his feet carried him back through in hopes they were already back there, or would follow suit soon.

He knew he wanted to watch the Xfinity Series race as always as it promised to be full of excitement with the trickiness of Auto Club Speedway. There was also a bonus attraction in the booth, knowing Ryan was helping out with commentary.

"Maybe you're a good match for a hack anyway," he hears, causing his skin to crawl immediately as he could recognize the tone of that female voice anywhere he was. He also knew the implication of the comment, the recent conversation with Kyle flashing through his mind at once. "That was quite the spin for a hack job."

He stops walking, glancing around for any sight of her, his hand reaching in his pocket to ensure his phone was still firmly placed there. He knew if need be, he could reach anyone he wanted in just a moment's notice and may need to. Though taking a deep breath, he wasn't about to let fear control him as he encouraged his feet to continue the walk back.

"Don't you know any manners, boy?" Kaitlyn questions as she comes around the corner, causing him to freeze immediately. A smirk forms on her face, followed by a laugh. "What's wrong, Chase?"

"What are you doing here?" He asks, not really caring but only wanting to buy some time at this moment. He just needed to get the attention of security, show them the document, and she'd be carried away. That'd be poetic justice.

"Let's just say that someone is getting what you've been unfortunately missing. Do you miss me, peach?" His mind began questioning who would accept someone like her, and that list was very short in knowing most knew of her reputation. He had heard rumors that Denny hooked up with her in the past so perhaps that's where she was.

"You were told to stay away from me. You were instructed to stay away from me. I have a restraining or-"

"And what's a lousy piece of paper going to do? How is that going to stop me?" Another big laugh escapes her lips as Chase debates hitting the button on his phone in his pocket, taking a series of deep breathes to keep calm. He wasn't about to let her control him, though. She wasn't going to be the strong one this time around.

"Get you thrown out of here as all I have to do is show a single person." She then closes the space between them, leaving mere inches between their noses as their eyes lock together.

"I'll have down, stripped, and all mine before that happens." He shakes his head no, knowing he wasn't about to let her win again as he backs away from her.

"I suggest you stay away from me or else I will invoke the clause."

He then continues the walk, thankful she wasn't following him, though proud of himself in any regard for how he stood up to her without any shame this time. Though as the previous occurrences ran through his mind again, he couldn't help but feel a little shaken.

He makes his way inside the motorcoach, smiling as Alex laid there on the couch already comfortable, having been back for awhile it seemed. That is probably what happens when you get eliminated from the first round.

"Something is on your mind..." Alex comments as he looks into Chase's eyes, sitting up on the couch immediately. He had seen that look before and knew it was never good news.

"Let's just say that I could use a damn good distraction," he replies as he closes the gap between them, leaning in to lightly kiss Alex's lips. He could use the attraction as a way to forget what just happened. "And since you got that surfboard, I've been thinking what I can do to you pinned against it."

"Fuck..." Alex hadn't thought about that being an idea when he was given the board, but certainly wasn't going to complain as he'd allow Chase to explore every single damn inch of him anytime – as long as he got a taste of his peach here and there, too. "Are you that frustrated over the spin?"

"I wish it was that simple..." Chase goes to go in for another kiss, but a finger over the lips courtesy of Alex stops him. He knew he had said too much knowing this would turn into a conversation rather than fun. "Kaitlyn is here as someone's gues-"

"Probably Denny as he's the only one that would sleep with a tramp." Chase couldn't help but chuckle in knowing they were both thinking the same thing. "Did something happen?"

"She approached me, made a couple comments, but didn't do anything beyond that. I told her that she better behave because I can have her thrown out of here on a moment's notice." Alex reaches for Chase's hand, clutching it with his own as he remembers every bit of the emotions late last year. He didn't want to go through that experience again with him.

"Are you okay?" Chase nods his head as he keeps his eyes locked on Alex. "Maybe it'd be a good idea to say someth-"

"She can't hurt me, Alex. She can't do anything and I am not about to bring her the attention she wants. What if she outs us?" Alex thought it over, knowing he wasn't ready for what would follow in knowing not everyone would be supportive. However, he also knew he'd do anything to not repeat the past mistakes.

"Let her, because as long as I have you and you're safe, that's all that matters to me." He then leans in, lightly brushing his lips along Chase's. "You're everything to me, Chase. I'd do anything for you – even fight off a swarm of the craziest fans."

"I love you, too."