What kind of boundaries?
“Fuck,” I mutter.
I just laid it all out on the line for her, and for what? For her to set boundaries between us? If she expects me to work alongside her, knowing her heart doesn’t stop when I walk into a room like mine when she does, then she’s going to be upset.
Tess
We can’t fraternize at work or in front of the media. When we’re practicing, we stay focused. When we’re in a meeting, you can’t brush your hand against my thigh beneath the table and expect me to not blush, because I will, and then I’ll forget my own name. When you’re in the thick of a race, we’re nothing more than what everyone believes we are: racer and engineer.
My pulse is off the charts, and my fingers speed across the screen.
Me
And when we’re not doing those things? Then what?
Say it.Please.
I’ve never wanted something more in my entire life.
I thought sitting behind the wheel with a taste of victory on my tongue as I pulled up to the podium was the only thing I’d ever want in this world.
But God, was I wrong.
I want her. My little spitfire of an engineer and her sweet breaths in my ear.
Tess
Then I’m yours.
I exhale, and it’s like breathing for the first time.
She’s mine, and suddenly nothing else matters to me.
Me
Then say it.
I don’t have to explain.
She knows what I want.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I answer her call without thought.
She exhales, and I wish I could feel it against my skin.
“I love you more than I’ve ever hated you, Rome Alexander Pierce.”
Her words stun me.
“Now go to sleep. I expect you to be ready to go tomorrow so we can be prepared for this week.”
My lip curves. “So bossy.”
“Goodnight, Rome.” There's a smile in her voice, and I find myself smiling too.
“Night, Princess…I love you.”
I wait with a tight chest.
