TESSA
This is a high-speed track,and it couldn’t be more fitting for the past few days. Taking in the historical data and sim runs, it’s clear that this circuit is fast and reckless, just like Rome and me.
We’re cutting corners and crossing lines, destined to crash and burn.
However, right now isn’t the time to linger on what we did and, instead, focus on what’s in front of me. Which is twenty sleek cars vibrating to hit the throttle, all with a hunger to succeed.
Including me.
“Radio check,” I say into my headset. “Can you hear me?”
“Even when you’re not speaking, I can hear you.”
Heat creeps up my neck.
“I heard that sigh, Princess.”
I shake my head, my lips twitching to smile.
“It was full of irritation.”
His dark chuckle sends a chill down my spine. “I don’t doubt it.”
“You need to focus,” I stress.
“I am focused,” he argues. “Are you?”
He doesn’t wait for me to answer.
“Did you drink your Diet Coke yet?”
How does he know about my favorite drink?
“No…I didn’t have time to get one.”
“I know.” I hear the smile in his voice. “That’s why I had one sent over to you.”
What?
I glance around in search of this infamous Diet Coke, and the moment I land on a Styrofoam cup with my name on it, I blink back in surprise.
“Find it?” he asks.
I grab it with shaky hands and suck on the straw, taking in three huge mouthfuls. The carbonation tingles the inside of my mouth, and I moan quietly.
He clears his throat. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
After another sip, I ask, “Is this a bribe?”
He snorts. “A bribe? For what exactly?”
I bite my tongue, refusing to say the words.
“For you not to dip out early next time?” he asks.
Sweat prickles my skin. “There is no next time.”
It’s going to be green in less than a minute, and this is not the conversation we should be having, especially on a radio where anyone could listen.
