Ryan's POV

"As a member of Team Penske, I don't need to remind you that you are held to a higher standard." I couldn't help but tune out Tim Cindric, Team Penske president as he lectured me on conduct expected as a driver for the team.

This had been going on for at least an hour, and I still had not gotten to speak, therefore, I allowed my mind to wander. All I could think about was Laynie and how much I hated leaving her this morning. Waking up next to her was a dream come true. My head was filled with visions of watching her sleep. The chestnut waves spread out around her face like a halo, spilling across her bare shoulders. The impossibly long, dark eyelashes fanned out above her cheekbones. The light smattering of freckles across the bridge of her irresistibly cute button nose. Her smooth, flawless skin. The lush pink lips begging to be kissed. When she woke up and looked at me with those sleepy blue gray eyes, I thought about those glorious curves that I wanted more time to explore. I was getting aroused just thinking about her, and this was not the time nor the place. I was completely gone. I had it bad for her. I hated that I had to leave a beautiful, naked woman in bed alone to come here and be lectured. I had to make a hasty exit this morning because I was on the verge of saying 'fuck it,' and crawling back into bed. She had given me such a precious gift last night, and all I wanted to do was stay in bed with her all day and let her know how much I appreciated that. Yet here I was stuck in this meeting.

"Ryan, you are a key part of this organization, and with Brad most likely not re-signing his contract after this season, we expect you to set a better example for the new driver coming in to take his place. Fighting is not acceptable behavior for a Team Penske driver." Tim went on, and it was on the tip of my tongue to remind him of all the post race altercations Joey had been involved in. Brad too for that matter. Both of my teammates had been in actual fights before with very little repercussions. Both have had their turns as public enemy number one. Why was my altercation any different? Why was I seemingly held to a higher standard of conduct than Brad or Joey? Was it because l was the "nice guy?" "The respected one?" The "well liked one?" Of course Tim would say that about me setting a good example because his son would most likely be the one replacing Brad. Of course, none of this was public knowledge just yet.

"What exactly does Alayna Wilks have to do with any of this?" Roger asked, speaking for the first time since this meeting began. He had been perfectly content to let Tim run the show. Now, hearing Laynie's name snapped my attention back to the two men sitting at the conference table with disappointment written all over their faces. "Ryan, it's obvious that Erik Jones started everything. First by deliberately putting you in the grass, then by throwing the first punch. I'm not blaming you for confronting him, but I know he was annoyed with you for a reason and seeing Alayna try to get in the middle makes me believe that it was personal and that she was involved." Roger continued.

I had really hoped that we could have kept Laynie out of this, but that obviously wasn't going to happen. It was all over social media anyway, but I knew I had to tell the truth, give my version, but I also had to do whatever I could to protect her. Her name had been dragged through the mud enough by the media, and I'm sure Roger and Tim both knew enough of the story and the rumors and they were just trying to get my take. I just hoped none of this mess cost her her job. There was nothing in writing nor anything verbally saying that Penske employees could not date and I was going to use that to my advantage.

"None of this is Laynie's fault." I began, then spilled all, well, most of all of the details that had transpired over the past race week. When I finished, both Roger and Tim had a look of utter confusion written on their faces.

"So she was not your girlfriend to begin with?" Tim asked, eyebrows raised.

I shook my head no. "Is she going to lose her job over this? Please tell me that's not going to happen. She loves working here, and she is very good at what she does. I would be willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement if necessary, I'm sure she would have no problem with that as well." I practically pleaded with them.

"I don't think that's necessary Ryan. I honestly thought she was your girlfriend to begin with. I know you played a big part in helping her get a job here. I'm very fond of Miss Wilks. I've got the utmost respect for her father, and her grandfather and I go way back. Of course we'd like to keep her here. Can you promise me that this relationship is not going to cause any further conflicts?" Roger said.

It was crazy just how many people thought that Laynie and I were together or at least should have been together. We really were blind and deaf to all of the previous speculation about us. But then I realized they were both staring at me expectedly, waiting for my response and my brain had to backtrack to remember what the question actually was. It was kind of a stupid question really, considering that Erik had started it, but I was not about to say that. "No sir. At least not on my end, but I can't speak for Jones." I replied.

"I will have a word with Richard about his driver and about getting him under control. In the meantime, I suggest that you and Alayna remain low key in public. Don't give the media anything to exploit. Hopefully this will all blow over. I don't think that I need to remind you that NASCAR has their eyes on both you and Jones.. They have not issued any penalties for the weekend yet, and based on past experience with other drivers, I doubt they will. They will however be looking at the two of you closely, and will be watching to make sure that it does not happen again." Roger said, and relief flooded through me. I should have known that he would have my back.

Just when I thought this meeting was over with, Todd, who had not said a word this entire time dropped the bombshell that this would be his final year. He would be retiring at the end of the season. I was certainly not expecting that. Todd and I were only just beginning our second year together, and had developed a very good relationship. I hated the idea of having to find, then bond with a new crew chief. On one hand I was happy for him because he wanted to spend more time with his family, but on the other hand, I was pretty bummed because I really felt that he and I were vibing. I was then informed by Roger and Tim that they would like me involved in selecting my new crew chief. That made me feel rather important, like I was the key member that they claimed I was earlier.

"Since he's practically your family now, do you think that we could possibly lure Shawn Wilks out of retirement?" Tim asked, and I honestly could not tell if he was serious or not. To me, that would be a dream come true. Shawn had been my father's crew chief for many years, and I had always wished we could have worked together.

I shrugged my shoulders when I realized that all three pairs of eyes were directed on me. "I highly doubt it, but never say never. The Penske name carries a lot of weight." I said to Roger.

We spent more time throwing names out there of potential crew chiefs to replace Todd, and I could not get the idea out of my head of possibly getting the chance to work with Laynie's dad. I knew it was a long shot because just like Todd, Shawn had retired to spend more time with his family. Even though Laynie and Alyssa were grown and had their own lives, Shawn and his wife Tara were clearly enjoying his retirement. They liked being able to travel to places that did not involve a race track. The NASCAR schedule was grueling, as it ran from February to November, with very few off weeks. Even through the off-season, there was very little time off because you were always preparing for the next season.

Finally, after over three hours, Roger called an end to the meeting. I was ready to run out of the door when he stopped me. "It has not been made public about Todd retiring, so I would appreciate it if you would keep it under wraps for the time being."

"Of course sir." I replied, knowing that at this point, I would agree to anything just to get out of here so I could get back to my girlfriend.

Before I was even out of the door I was calling Laynie. I needed to pick up my dog Sturgill, who was in boarding, but that shouldn't take long. "Hey babe. I'm finally done." I said when she answered the phone.

"Finally. How did it go?" She asked.

"Not too bad. I'll tell you all about it when I see you. I have to pick up Sturgill, then I can either head to your place, or you can meet me at mine."

"I can meet you at your house. Dogs are not allowed at my apartment. Did you eat yet? If not, I can pick something up on my way."

"That sounds great baby. I'll be there in about an hour." I told her. "If you like, you can bring whatever you need for dinner tonight and get ready at my house."

"Sure. I'll see you soon." She hung up, and I was already counting the minutes before I saw her again.

********

I had just arrived home when Laynie's blue Mustang pulled into the driveway. I watched as she climbed out of the car with bags and drinks from Chick-fil-A. Sturgill appeared as happy as I was to see her. I took the food from her and watched as she loved up on my dog for a few moments. She adored my dog, she knew what I liked to eat. Could she be any more perfect?

"I missed you." I said, giving her a kiss.

"Really? I missed you too." She smiled at me, then climbed back into her car to grab a dress and a tote bag from the back seat.

Something seemed off. She had smiled, but it looked forced. "Is everything alright?" I asked.

"Let's go inside. I'm starved." She replied, and now I was really worried that something was wrong. What if she was having second thoughts about us?

Once inside, I dove into my food, but noticed she was just picking at hers. Didn't she just say she was starving?

I pushed my food away. "What's wrong baby?" I asked.

"Erik came to see me this morning." She replied, with a sad look. Well, that explained it. He had probably upset her. Erik obviously wasn't ready to let go.

"What did he want?" I asked.

She sighed, and paused for a moment as if to collect her thoughts. "He said he was returning some of my things, but he also cautioned me that having sex with you would be a mistake because guys talk and once we slept together, you would lose interest." Her expression was unreadable. I couldn't tell if she was sad, mad, worried or what. It obviously bothered her though. Surely she wasn't buying whatever he was trying to sell her. I suddenly wanted to kick Erik's ass for even putting those thoughts into her head.

"You know I would never do that to you, Laynie, or anyone for that matter. I'm not perfect by any means, but I would like to think that I'm a pretty good guy. I love you, and I missed the hell out of you this morning. I wanted nothing more than to stay in bed with you. I hope you know that."

I watched as a tear formed in the corner of her blue gray eye, but she quickly blinked it away. "I feel so stupid Ryan. I know you were in a rush this morning, but you didn't even ask how I was feeling or even say I love you. I hate that I'm feeling so insecure, because I promise I'm not usually like this, but last night was such a huge thing for me. I guess I just needed reassurance that I didn't make a mistake, and when you left so quickly I couldn't get out of my own head. Erik coming by and saying what he did just let my mind go crazier."

"Last night was a huge deal for me too. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it made me feel that I was your first, that you trusted me enough to be your first. I could have handled things a lot better this morning. I'm so sorry that I didn't take how you might be feeling into account. I was rushing to leave because I knew if I didn't, I would have been tempted to stay."

Now the tears that she had been holding back rolled down her cheek. I wiped them away with my thumb. "Now I feel even stupider. I should have known that, but I guess I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything. I've never been in love before. I should just trust you and not need constant reassurance." She sniffled and flashed me a watery smile.

"I'll tell you I love you a hundred, no, a thousand plus times a day if it makes you feel better."

She finally smiled, a real, blinding smile. "You don't have to do that." She giggled.

"Maybe I want to. I like saying it." I smiled back and my hand caressed her cheek.

"I like hearing it." She said, her hand coming up to cover mine.

"Come here." I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her onto my lap. She melted into my embrace and I held her tightly, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair and skin.

"So tell me about the meeting." She said, after several moments.

I filled her in on everything except for Todd's announcement of retiring since I had been told to keep that to myself for the time being. I noticed her sigh of relief when I said that Roger was going to have a word with Richard Petty, Erik's car owner.

"Erik said he wasn't going to pull anything like he did yesterday, but he said to warn you that he was not going to cut you any slack on the track and he was going to race you hard."

"Honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less. I can't really blame him for being angry. I'd feel the same way too if I lost you"

"I have no idea what to expect tonight. I'm sure my dad is going to read me the riot act for everything. He still treats me like a little girl sometimes, and I'm sure he's going to have plenty to say about it all." She sighed.

"I'm sure it will be fine. Your dad is a pretty laid back guy. He and I have always gotten along great."

"But we weren't together then. Dad is pretty laid back except for when it comes to Lyss and me. You should have seen how intimidated poor Alex was when mom and dad had them over for dinner when he and Lyss first started dating. I thought dad had scared him off for sure."

"Okay, now you're making me nervous." I groaned.

"Sorry." She grinned sheepishly.

We talked for a while and kissed for a while longer until it was time to get ready. I wished we didn't have to go. I was starting to dread it.

I finished my shower and dried off, just as Laynie was stepping into a charcoal grey knit dress. It was some kind of sweater material that ended a few inches above her knees and clung to every delectable curve. Laynie had explained to me earlier that her mother liked to see her daughters in something other than jeans and racing shirts when she had them over for dinner a couple times a month, so the dress made sense.

"Can you zip me up?" She asked, catching my eye as I looked her up and down.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed, as I saw the large bruise on the middle of her back, my fingers brushing over it gently. Did I hurt her?

"It's from getting knocked down yesterday. Remember I got slammed into that concrete pillar." She reminded me.

I knew she had hit the back of her head, but I had no idea she had any other injuries. "Are you okay?" I asked concerned, kicking myself for not asking sooner.

"I'm fine. It's just a bruise." She replied.

"Is everything else fine? I didn't hurt you did I?"

"I promise I'm fine. I'm fine enough that I can't wait to do it all over again after dinner." She grinned, then planted a deep, steamy kiss on my lips that really had me looking forward to tonight. Once we got through dinner that is.

We finished getting dressed, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I had seen her dressed up before. She had worn a dress to the Penske Christmas party a couple of months ago, and I had thought she really looked nice, but I was seeing her through different eyes now and she was so damn beautiful. Her hair fell in loose, shiny waves past her shoulders. She was glowing with just a light touch of makeup that made her pretty eyes really stand out. The high heels showed off her amazing legs and that dress that clung to her curves had me itching to take it off of her. Soon.

"Ready to go?" She asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

I hope this dinner went quickly.