Dinner with my family after the race felt like just what I needed—comforting, chaotic, and full of the kind of noise that made my heart feel full. I had missed the constant companionship of my parents, their bond with Gia, and their ability to make everyone feel important, the same superpower my brother had. The restaurant Matteo had chosen was nestled on a quiet street just outside Monza, with stone walls and flickering candlelight that made everything feel intimate and special. The air smelled like rosemary and garlic, and the low hum of conversation blended with the occasional clink of glasses.
I was wedged between my mother and Alexander, which felt like a particularly cruel setup orchestrated by Matteo since my mother was bound to want to talk to Alex all evening. My brother, sitting across from me, smirked every time our mother talked animatedly over me to Alexander. I shot my brother a glare, stabbing at the roasted potatoes on my plate with unnecessary force.
Alexander chuckled, the sound low and warm at something my mother said, and I couldn’t help but glance at him. Gianna had moved into his lap, refusing to sit on her own. She was eating right off his plate now as he continued to talk to my mother. He was relaxed in a way I hadn’t seen often, his usual sharp focus softened by the glow of the evening. He caught my gaze and gave me a quick wink, his eyes holding something that made my stomach twist.
“And how are you liking it, being on the road with Matteo and his circus of a sport?” my father asked, his booming voice cutting through the chatter.
“It’s…different,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “But it’s good. Gianna loves all the excitement, and I think it’s been good for me too. A change of pace.”
“She’s made friends with like every crew member already,” Matteo said, mouth full of food.
“I am a delight, that’s why,” I shot back at him with a winning smile. He rolled his eyes in response.
My mother patted my hand, laughing softly. “You are,cara mia. I must say, you seem lighter these days, happier. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you like this.”
Her words caught me off guard, the noise of the table faded into the background. I looked at her, trying to read the expression in her eyes. There was no judgment, no probing, just quiet, unconditional love.
“I am happy,” I said, settling into the thought. I had met more people and traveled more in the last couple of weeks than I had in years. It was fun and new and exciting and I felt like that dormant spark inside was starting to glow again.
Matteo raised his glass. “To Lucia surviving life on the circuit.”
“And to Matteo and Alexander,” my mother added, lifting her glass as well, “for their amazing finishes today. We’re so proud of both of you.” I glanced to Alexander, whose eyes held a soft look. They shifted to meet mine, and he covered it with an easy smile, raising his own glass.
“To Matteo and Alexander,” the table echoed.
I clinked my glass against Alexander’s, and when our fingers brushed, it sent a jolt through me that I felt all the way to my core. I quickly pulled back, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened.
The evening stretched on with laughter and stories, the kind of night that wrapped around you like a warm blanket. Eventually, I excused myself to head to the restroom, needing a moment to collect my thoughts.
As I stepped out into the quiet hallway near the restrooms, I nearly collided with Alexander. He was leaning casually against the wall, waiting.
“Fancy meeting you here,” he said, his voice low and playful.
I crossed my arms, tilting my head. “Are you following me, Wright?”
“Maybe.” He grinned, and it was the kind of grin that made it impossible to be annoyed. “Or maybe I just wanted a break from Matteo’s endless monologue about his overtaking move in the third sector.”
I laughed despite myself, shaking my head. “He’ll be talking about that for days.”
Alexander’s gaze softened, the teasing fell away. “You look really beautiful tonight, you know.”
I blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. “Are you practicing already?”
“Hmm.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down my spine.
“Careful, Alexander,” I said, my voice lighter than I felt. “People might think you’re flirting with me.”
“Isn’t that the idea,” he replied, his fingers brushing mine as if testing the waters. The touch was barely there, but it sent heat coursing through me.
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The world narrowed to just the two of us, the space between us charged.
But then I took a step back, forcing myself to break the spell. “We should get back.”
His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Lead the way.”
As I walked back to the table, I tried to shake off the feeling of his touch, the way my skin still buzzed where his fingers had brushed mine. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop myself from craving more.
* * *
