Olivia woke up the following morning. Ryan's arms were still wrapped around her. She would have loved to stay that way, but they had a busy day. Opting to let Ryan sleep a little longer, she carefully detangled herself from his embrace and made her way to the small kitchenette.

I think I love you Livvy

Those words played through her head. He was asleep, or half asleep. He probably didn't mean it.

But what if he did?

No. It was way too soon for that. He had opened up to her, told her he had been crazy about her in school, but he never mentioned love.

She had to admit the thought made her heart flutter.

Stop daydreaming Olivia. Your boyfriend has a busy day and a 400 mile race to run. He's going to need some food.

Luckily, the coach was well stocked. She found pancake mix in the cabinet and bacon and eggs in the fridge.

She was finishing up the pancakes when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist. "Damn she cooks too. Guess I gotta keep her around."

"That's fine. I'm only keeping you around for your body."

Ryan laughed, but she couldn't help but blush. She didn't know where that comment had come from, although she had to admit she had been feeling more confident lately.

"Are we expecting company, because you sure fixed enough." Ryan commented, looking at the piles of food.

"Scott is on his way. We have to go over a few things before we start the day." Oh right. He had actually forgotten about Scott.

No sooner had she spoke, there was a knock on the door.  Olivia went to answer while Ryan fixed a plate.

"Olivia's going above and beyond because I never cooked you breakfast." Scott laughed, as he looked at the plates of pancakes, bacon and eggs.

Scott couldn't help but notice the way Olivia was dressed, T-shirt and athletic shorts, and her tousled hair, it was obvious she had spent the night here.

As much as he felt that Olivia was good for Ryan, he couldn't help but be concerned. Ryan had been doing better over the last couple of days, but he was just coming out of a long term relationship and was not in the best place. Scott knew it was none of his business, but had developed a fondness for Olivia and he just didn't want to see her hurt. He needed some time alone with Ryan so he could talk to him.

Everyone ate quietly, and Olivia excused herself so that she could get ready for the day.

This gave Scott an opportunity to talk to Ryan alone, and he didn't waste any time because he didn't want Olivia overhear, and as soon as he heard the shower turn on, he spoke. "Ryan, I know it's none of my business, but man, what are you doing with Olivia?"

Ryan's eyes hardened. "You're right. It's not any of your business, but if you must know, we are dating."

"For what, like five minutes. I know she spent the night here, and that worries me because you are just getting out of a long term relationship and and that sweet girl has hearts in her eyes every time she looks at you, and it would be a real shame to see her get hurt."

Ryan wanted to be angry, but he understood Scott's concerns, and the fact that Scott said Olivia had heart eyes made him feel a little giddy.

"I know what you're getting at Scott. Trust me. I know what I'm doing. Livvy and I had this conversation. She is not a rebound. Far from it. I am crazy about her. I have been for a long time. I guess you can say she's the one who got away. As for her spending the night. That's all it was. We slept. Believe me, the last thing I want to do is hurt her. I think she and I could really have something real, and I'm not going to do anything to screw that up."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that. I was afraid you was going to bite my head off when I brought it up, but had to do it for her sake. She's different from a lot of the girls on this scene. In a good way."

"She's very special." Ryan said, almost to himself.

Ryan and Scott talked a little bit about general stuff, when Olivia came out. She was dressed, but her hair was still wet.

"Shower is all yours Ry. I just need to dry my hair and we can discuss everything for the day."

********

Ryan finished the race in twelfth place. He wasn't exactly happy. He fought the handling all race long. They never could get the balance right. Restarts were chaotic and passing was difficult, but it could have gone worse. He was just happy to see his girlfriend.

They arrived back in Concord and Ryan walked Olivia back to her car. He didn't want her to go.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply, telling himself he would see her tomorrow. To his surprise, she clung to him.

"I don't want to let you go." She laughed nervously.

"Then don't." He kissed her again. They finally broke apart, both clearly affected.

"I feel so silly. I've never been the clingy, needy type. Maybe because I've never really had anyone to be clingy and needy for. It's crazy. You'll be like 10 minutes away, and I'll see you in the morning, but I don't want to be alone and..."

He silenced her with another kiss. "Come home with me. I think we need to be together away from the track, not working and no Scott around." He joked.

"Alright. You lead the way. I'll follow."

*******

"Are you crying?" Ryan asked Olivia.

"Nope. I've just got something in my eye." She sniffled.

"You're cute, but you're full of shit." He chuckled.

She sniffled again.

"How many times have you seen this movie Livvy?"

"A bunch." She replied.

"How many times have you cried?"

"Every single time. Don't make fun of me Ry." She whined.

She really was cute. He pulled her onto his lap and brushed the tear off her cheek with his thumb.

She ran her fingers through the back of his hair, drawing him closer until their lips met. The kiss started out innocent enough, but quickly became heated. She could feel his hardness against her middle, and it only made her more aroused.

It was too soon for this, but it felt so good. When his hand slipped under the back of her shirt and touched her bare skin, she though she would burn up from the heat.

He carefully laid her on her back, and his lips moved to her neck. Soft, tantalizing, open mouth kisses along the Column of her neck to behind her ear. He found her sweet spot and began sucking on it.

She got nervous when his hand cupped her breast.

As good as this felt, she knew it was too soon for this. She was not ready.

"Ry. Stop." She pushed against his chest.

Finally he stopped and looked at her, her lips were swollen and eyes hooded. Damn he didn't want to stop.

"I'm sorry Ry, I'm just not ready for this."

"It's okay. It is really soon. You're not ready. I can wait."

"I've never. God this is so embarrassing. I've never done this." Olivia lowered her head blushing.

"Never? With anyone?" Ryan asked.

Olivia shook her head. "There's never been anyone."

"Why are you embarrassed?" Ryan tilted her head up to look at him.

"For real? An almost 25 year old virgin. I don't think I'm ready, but how will I know when I am?"

"You'll know. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's actually pretty hot." He grinned at her and she flushed even more.

He needed a shower. A cold one.