Page 3 of Bicycle Built for Two

“Yup. It’s all good. I got to meet you, after all.” Ben smiled up at him, a brighter smile than the one he got when he first stopped.

Jason noticed the fine stubble on his face, similar to what most of the riders had on day two. He also caught a look at vivid green eyes, which the sun hit just right.

From his jersey pocket, Jason’s phone vibrated. He reached around, pulled it out, and removed it from the zip-top bag.

Drew texted: We’re in at the rest stop. Do you need us to come back for you?

Jason replied: Nah. All good. Just helping someone with a flat. How long do I have before closing time?

He held the phone, waiting for the response.

“Everything okay?” Ben got the tire back on the wheel and started to inflate it with his hand pump.

“Yeah, just my teammates checking in.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean for you to get separated.”

“Not a problem.”

The phone vibrated with the reply.

Drew: About forty minutes until they’ll kick us out and you’re not that far away. We’ll hang here and wait.

He typed quickly: Perfect. I’ll see you soon.

“We’ll catch up at the next rest stop.” Jason looked to Ben. “It’s less than four miles, so there’s time to get there.”

“You can go if you want. I’ll be fine. It’s easy from here.”

Little beads of sweat broke out on Ben’s forehead, caused by the effort of working the small hand pump. They were damn sexy, and Jason’s thoughts turned to how the rest of Ben would look covered in fine beads of sweat.

“Really, it’s good,” Ben said, as if he could see Jason weighing the pros and cons of leaving him there.

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. I’ll buy you a tall, cold glass of water tonight.”

Jason laughed. No alcohol was allowed during the ride, so he appreciated the humor of of the offer.

“I look forward to it. I’ll see you later then.”

Ben handed Jason his tools, which Jason stowed in his jersey pocket along with the phone.

“Thanks for the help, Jay.”

“You’re welcome.” Jason picked up his bike. As he rode away, he stood to crank up the speed and make up the distance between himself and his team.