Damon presses his lips together into a chuckle.
“What?”
“Someone once told me that Lotus stands for lots of trouble, usually serious.”
I giggle. “I’m not sure that’s true.”
“Probably not, but I bet it would cost a bomb to get parts for any of these cars.”
“Yes, but if you can afford to own a supercar, you can probably afford to repair one.”
“Also true. Your next ride is here. Off you go, boy. Have fun.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
I run to the car, reaching it just as the instructor moves from the driver’s seat into the passenger seat. The Lotus is electric blue with a sleek profile. It has a more fun feel than the Aston Martin. This time, I don’t bother with a warm-up lap. I go for it straight away, getting everything I can out of the car. It nips around the track like a gazelle escaping a cheetah. I’m enjoying it so much that I don’t want to stop and almost ask to do my last four laps in the same car. But there’s another car I want to drive, so, reluctantly, I stop.
My final car is a Nissan Skyline R34. It’s much boxier, lacking the sleek curves of the other two cars. If anything, it feels like a sports car from the 1980s or 1990s. The one I’m driving is white with blue stripes. It handles very differently from the other two cars. The suspension is firmer, and I need to manage the revs to get the best performance out of the twin-turbo engine. It’s a fun drive and, by the time I complete the fourth lap, I’m breathless and giddy with excitement.
I remember to thank the driver before getting out of the car and dashing over to the stands.
“That was the best present ever, Daddy. Thank you! I love you!”
My heart stutters as I realise what I said. I falter, half-stepping backwards as I stare, wide-eyed at Damon. Is he panicking? Does he want to run a mile? I wouldn’t blame him. We’ve only been seeing each other for a few days, but I’ve longed for him secretly for so much longer.
“You…? He returns my stare.
I could wave my hands, laugh and tell him I didn’t really mean it. I’m excited, exhilarated, and carried away. Did I mean it? I’ve never been in love before. Or, if I have, I didn’t realise it. Damon makes me happy. He’s everything I want in a Daddy and a partner. We fit together, don’t we?
He takes my hand, and we walk on either side of the barrier until we reach the main building, where we’re able to reunite properly. Then he embraces me, wrapping me in strong, caring arms.
“Did you mean what you said?”
“I’ve been in lust with you for so long and now… now…” My cheeks become hot.
“Now?”
“I’m falling head over heels for you, Daddy.”
He strokes my face. “And I for you.”
I lean into his touch, my lashes fluttering. I want him so much.
We leave the building and walk across the carpark to the McLaren.
“I’m glad you had fun,” Damon says. “Which was your favourite car?”
“Don’t ask me that! I can’t decide. They were all amazing in different ways.”
He chuckles. “Fair enough.” When we reach the car, Damon hugs me. “I’m glad you enjoyed the experience.”
“I did. You’ve been spoiling me the last few days.”
“I’m your Daddy. It’s my job to spoil you.”
“And take care of me?”
He kisses me softly. “Yes. If you want me to.”
