Ryan was feeling really good the next morning.
He had a great time with Livvy the night before, and that kiss was something else. It wasn't planned. He intended to hold back, but he couldn't help himself. She was every bit as sweet as he remembered her to be.

As the next few days passed, he found himself feeling better and more relaxed then he had in a long time, and he knew it was because of Livvy. Just her presence alone calmed him. He showed her around the shop, introduced her to everyone. He found himself thinking more and more about their kiss. Even though it had been impulsive, he was glad it had happened, and he was waiting for the right moment to do it again.

He also realized he had not thought about Lauren in days. Her betrayal had stung, but he was moving past it. All he could think about was Livvy. She was night and day from Lauren.

Lauren loved the attention she got by dating a NASCAR driver. She craved the spotlight and when he had gotten into a run of bad luck, she couldn't handle it and decided she wanted to be with someone who was winning races. Of course that had been behind his back until he caught her in the act. Livvy didn't care about the spotlight or who he was. She had known him way back when he was a nobody.

Since their dinner, they hung out daily. Laughing, joking, reconnecting. It was amazing how seamless it was, like no time had passed. Being with her was as easy as breathing.

*******

On the plane to Pocono, she was nervous, but excited. She had no clue what she was getting into, but welcomed the challenge. Ryan squeezed her hand for comfort and when she smiled at him, his heart melted.

He didn't know where any of this was going with Livvy, but he knew he wanted to be with her.

*********

Olivia's head was spinning. She didn't realize that Ryan had so many different sponsors. The car that was red and white last week was now yellow and green for this weekends race.

Reading through all the information she had been given, along with her own research, she tried to wrap her head around everything. Menards/Libman was this weeks sponsor. Dex Imaging was last week. Body Armor the previous week. Next week would be Wrangler. Moneylion would be the next Pocono race. PPG was also a very popular one. Those were just some of the main ones. Each sponsor had a very different paint scheme, different companies that Ryan had to meet with, and she was going to have to coordinate all of that. To say she was overwhelmed was an understatement.

Scott proved to be a godsend, giving her tips and tons of information, and constantly reassuring her that she would be fine.

He also assured her that Ryan was very easy to work with. He had a very laid back, easygoing personality, but like pretty much all drivers, he did have his little meltdowns. However, his meltdowns were few and far between and blew over fairly quickly. She was reminded of the previous weekend when Ryan had snapped at her, and she had gotten her feathers ruffled. She really did need to develop thicker skin for this job.

Friday had gone well. Ryan couldn't help but notice how cute Livvy looked in her new Penske polo and khakis.

Olivia and Scott had accompanied Ryan to his first appearance, which was a Q&A for Ford drivers. She couldn't help but smile when she saw how many fans were there in Ryan Blaney shirts and hats.

Ryan had first practice of the day, and Olivia and Scott took that time to debrief and go over the rest of Ryan's day. After this practice was over, he had about an hour free before final practice, then an appearance with Menards and he was done for the day. Not too bad.

Practice ended, and Olivia went with Ryan back to his coach so he could change for his appearance. "Just give me about five minutes." He said.

"That's Fine. We have time." She replied.

When Ryan opened the door, she was surprised to see a beautiful blonde sitting on his couch, looking completely at home.

She wasn't the only one surprised. She also couldn't miss the tension in Ryan's jaw. "Lauren, what are you doing here?" He asked.

"Ry, can we talk please?" Lauren asked.

"I'll go catch up with Scott and we'll meet you there." Olivia said. Ryan nodded, but did not say anything, but he did not look happy at all to see Lauren, whoever she was.

********

"Who is Lauren?" Olivia asked Scott, once she met up with him, not bothering to squelch her curiosity.

"Ryan's ex. She did a real number on him. I'm glad she's out of his life." Scott replied.

No wonder Ryan didn't look happy.

"Why? Is she causing trouble again?" Scott asked.

Olivia hesitated. Scott did not look happy either. "She uh, she's in his coach. She said she wanted to talk." Olivia replied.

"Fuck." Scott muttered, then took off in the direction of Ryan's coach.

Olivia followed, jogging to keep up with Scott's much longer strides. By the time they reached the coach, Ryan was alone. His face was red and his eyes stormy. She couldn't help but notice the broken picture frame on the floor.

"Everything okay here bud?" Scott asked.

"Just wonderful." Ryan muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Let's go. Don't want to be late." Ryan walked out the door and to the waiting golf cart.

*******

During his appearance, Ryan put on his corporate face. He smiled, he laughed, he charmed everyone, but Olivia couldn't help but notice his jaw clench and his smile fade when he thought no one was looking. He was not okay. She could tell he was on the verge of having a meltdown, and based on last Sunday, it was probably best she gave him his space.

When the meeting was over. She got back into the golf cart with Ryan and Scott and headed back to Ryan's coach.

Scott left to go back to his hotel, and Olivia decided it was best she do the same.

"I'm going to go back to my hotel. I'll see you in the morning Ry."

"Livvy, don't go. Please."

His eyes looked so sad, that it made her heart ache. He needed her, and was reaching out to her.

"Alright. I'll stay." She agreed, and saw the first hint of a real smile since they had walked into the coach and found Lauren there.

"Movie night?" Ryan asked.

"Only if I get to pick the movie." She said.

"Fine. You can pick the movie, but you have to make the popcorn." Ryan's smile had gotten a little brighter.

It felt like old times.

*******

About a quarter of the way into Infinity War, she noticed Ryan wasn't paying much attention to the movie. He seemed a million miles away. She nudged him to get his attention, and he put his arm around her shoulder. "Ry, do you want to..." Her question was cut off when he pressed his lips to hers. Mmmm. His lips were so soft. She melted into the kiss, feeling it in her toes. Her body got all warm and tingly, and like a couple of nights ago, she felt like she was floating.

Damn he knew how to kiss.

She was enjoying the kiss, but then things began to heat up. His tongue demanded entrance into her mouth, and she felt his hand begin to creep up her shirt.

Nope. Not happening.

She pushed away from him, and he reluctantly let her go. She looked at his swollen lips, and almost regretted pushing him away, until she saw his jaw clench again. It was a look she knew.

"Ry, do you want to talk about it?" She asked softly.

His eyes hardened. "No. I don't want to talk about it." He snapped.

Of course this was about Lauren. Suddenly she was angry, and she had a feeling she knew what Ryan's sudden interest in her was about.

"Are you just using me to get over her?" She asked, trying to hold in her anger.

"You know nothing about her Livvy, or anything going on in my life right now."

"No I don't know, because you won't talk to me." She softened her tone.

"She cheated on me. Now you know." He snapped again.

Olivia knew it was time for her to leave. She never should have stayed in the first place. Now she was wondering if taking this job was a big mistake.

"I'm going to go Ryan. I think you just need some space. I'll see you in the morning." She said as calmly as she could manage.

"Fine Olivia. Leave. That's what you're good at." He yelled, opening the door and motioning her out.

She held back her tears, determined he would not see her cry, then she walked out, closing the door behind her, and only then did she allow the tears to fall.