Tessa inhales sharply, her phone in her hand. Our eyes lock, and my world stops.
Will it ever get easier? Seeing her and not being able to touch her?
The only thing I want to do is back her into the small space, press her against the wall, and beg her to let me in again.
I step into the elevator, just as she steps out.
Our arms brush, and I’m rooted in place. I turn slightly toward her floral perfume, but I keep myself from following after her and push myself farther into the elevator.
I’m leaving the cards in her hands, and when she’s ready—ifshe’s ready—I’ll be here.
Chapter Forty-Nine
TESSA
SEVERAL WEEKS LATER
“Put me through to Rome,”Beck says through the radio.
I huff. “That isn’t even possible. Now pay attention!”
“I’d just like to know how the hell he dealt with your demands while driving, because I’m having a hard time.”
“Just do what I say, and you won’t have a hard time!” I snap.
Beck sighs loudly.
I glance at the monitors, and I can’t help but secretly root for Rome. This is the fourth race where he’s been paired with Van, and Beck with me. Per usual, we each had to work through some kinks, but both Beck and Rome have been placing better with each race.
Rome is in second with only a few corners left until the checkered flag.
“Inside!” I shout to Beck.
He listens and takes the inside lane instead of the outer, and sure enough, he gains a position.
“Thank you!” I exclaim and throw my hands up. “Finally!
Beck whistles. “Hell yeah!”
I want to say, ‘See what happens when you listen to me,’ but I’m too swept up in the front of the line where Rome is.
My adrenaline peaks with my heart in my throat.
Come on, come on. Use the DRS.
I hold my breath as he jockeys for first, waiting for the perfect moment to overtake Milo.
As soon as he dashes forward, I jump out of my seat and slap my hand over my mouth.
“He did it,” I whisper, talking to myself.
I press my lips together, fighting a smile.
“Who? What?” Beck asks.
The checkered flag waves. Van and the rest of his crew cheer so loud I can’t help but look over at them. My oldest brother smiles like a kid in a candy shop, and I shoot him the smile I was trying to hide.
“By the sound of your voice, I bet Rome got first, huh?” Beck chuckles, and I’m tempted to rip my headset off.
