“That would be perfect. I’ll call them later today.” Lily is leaving tomorrow to go back to college.
We drag Luke along for some shopping, making him pay for whatever Lily chooses as her “souvenirs” from the trip. Luke shakes his head at his sister, but seeing the bond between them makes my heart swell.
I’ve always believed that the relationship a man has with his family reveals a lot about his character. Luke is a perfect example of this. Headores his sister and would do anything to protect her.
When we say our goodbyes, I do my best to keep my eyes from watering. My emotions have been riding high and low over the past few weeks, so I’m feeling especially emotional saying goodbye to Lily.
“Promise me you’ll call, like every week, with updates about all the fun places you’re going to see,” Lily tells me, and I promise her I’ll do that as I give her one last hug before Luke takes my spot.
He hugs his sister, warning her to stay out of trouble. Lily rolls her eyes at that, saying she doesn’t want to make promises she can’t keep, which makes Luke groan and me chuckle.
???
We’re lying in bed in Luke’s hotel room in Budapest. He’s drawing circles on my hip as my fingers explore his chest. I’ll never get tired of his body.
“I’ve been thinking,” I say, and Luke looks into my eyes. He waits for me to continue.
“About making us public. It’s not like we need to send out a press release, but I’m happy with us being public,” I tell him, and he immediately sits up, dragging me into his lap, kissing me.
We’ve been less careful around each other in the paddock, and I believe the Star News team is onto us, but everyone has just given me a small reassuring smilewhenever Luke would drop by our spot.
“Nothing would make me happier, Jessica. I know it can become turbulent, but we will handle it.” His total confidence in us has makes me feel more secure as well.
I’m working on my own insecurities, reminding myself that having a relationship this good should be cherished, not hidden. He makes me happy, and I want to do this, not only for Luke but for myself as well.
“Yeah, we will.” I kiss his cheek and run my hand down his stomach, getting lost in my man again.
Chapter 37
LUKE
I’m finishing my call with my parents when Jessica gets back to the hotel room. Saying my parents were ecstatic about my girlfriend would be an understatement. My mom has informed my dad about the whole Jessica situation, so when I told them we were back together, they cheered as if they had just won the lottery.
I haven’t brought a girl home to my parents since I made it into F1. Before that, I was a young boy with no real experience with love.
When I told them about Jessica, they insisted on flying straight to Budapest, but I convinced them to wait for Britain. I assured them she’s not going anywhere.
My parents have always been proud of my accomplishments, but they’ve also worried I’d never find a woman who could keep up with the craziness of my life and love me for who I am.
Not the fame or the money.
I figured I would hold onto the story of how we first met until they get here and meet Jessica in person, so for now, all they know is that she’s doing her internship in media in the F1 circus and that their son is head over heels in love with her.
I’ve been trying to find the right moment to tell her, but each time I chicken out.
It’s not like I’m afraid she won’t say it back; I’m almost sure she will, but I still feel vulnerable.
Hell, who would have thought?
Getting into a racing car and driving up to 370 km per hour, no stress.
Telling my woman how I feel? Freaking terrifying.
I walk over to Jessica and greet her at the door.
“Hey, princess. How was the conference?” I ask her. Jessica went to a conference in the city with Molly from her team. They’ve been researching social media and the growth of platforms, and they took the opportunity to attend a conference organized in the city while we were here.
“It was good. Learned a few tricks I’ll try out and see if they hold any value. How were the parents?” I pull her closer to me, her arms curling around my neck.
