He snaps out of it before I manage a cheeky smile.
Our heated glares mimic each other. From the outside, I guarantee we look like we’re going head to head, just like rivals do.
“And what if I said yes?”
He’s toying with me.
I know he doesn’t see something he likes. In fact, he can’t stand me–especially when he’s in a sim and I’m barking out demands.
Still, the question lands like a threat. It hits a little too close, sparking heat down my spine before I can stop it. I hate the way my body reacts before I’m able to shove the reaction aside.
But I do.
I bury it.
There is absolutely no way I'm letting him have the upper hand–not at some sponsor gala, or at the office, and especially not at our first Grand Prix.
The sooner Rome gives in to my authority, the better.
My elbows press into the table. “Two can play this game, Rome. Don’t even try to win.”
He leans back, my glass now in his large grip. My lipstick stain on the edge touches his lips, and the rest of my drink goes down the hatch.
The glass clinks onto the table, and I’m both stunned and annoyed.
Rome’s devilish glint drives into me in the tight space we’ve found ourselves in. “I don’t have to try,” he says with arrogance. “I’m a natural when it comes to winning, Tess.”
I roll my eyes so hard I get dizzy.
I refuse to look at him any longer, fearful if I keep up this little back and forth we’ve found ourselves in, people will get the wrong idea.
We’re too close.
Our faces a breath away.
If only everyone in this room knew that we were at each other’s throats instead of the opposite.
“I told you that only friends and family call me Tess–”
“And I’m neither,” he finishes for me. “I just can’t help but call you that, though. Your angry face is my favorite.”
I scowl and turn away, only to grow rooted in place.
My stomach curls into a ball of nausea with my gaze locked across the room.
Look at me! Letting my guard down because of Rome. I allowed him to distract me and rile me up to the point that I missed the moment Vinny walked into the room.
It’s not that I long to see him.
Instead, it’s out of protection.
“I’m ready to go,” I announce.
“Already?” Rome tilts his head. “We just started having fun.”
“If getting on my last nerve is fun, then sure.”
I glance back to Vinny, who stands next to Jericho.
