“My lucky charm.” I smile against her mouth, kissing her again before I walk over to where I am needed.
I do what I have to, weighing and official bits, then settle in the cooldown room. I’m sat with Matt and Carlo, my eyes bouncing between them.
“Well done, mate,” they congratulate me again.
I feel like this is a pinch me moment. I have looked up to Matt from when I was a kid. He is the current world champion, but after an awful start to the season, he is slipping down the points. Meanwhile, I am climbing up them.
I stand behind the podium. Excitement bubbles inside of me when music plays. I am told to make my way, and as I begin to walk, the crowd cheers and it feels like an out of body experience.
Climbing onto the podium, I lock my hands behind my back and that’s when I see her, right where she promised to be—front and centre. I lock my eyes on her, throwing a wink. She beams up at me, and I have never seen her look more beautiful than she does now. My dad, Anaïs, and Edel stand next to her, watching on, and I still can’t believe I am up here.
Matt and Carlo join us and that’s when the British anthem plays. I close my eyes, tilting my head back and for a moment I take it all in. The crowds are silent, and all I can hear is the anthem. My heart is drumming slowly to the beat. A small smile creases my lips at what I have achieved, and I know that I am only just getting started.
The president and mayor walk out, handing us our trophies and once we’ve had our photos, it’s time for the champagne spray. Matt and Carlo focus on me, making sure to cover me from head to toe in the sticky liquid.
“It’s in my eyes.” I am laughing, my team engineer also joining in on the fun.
The guys pull me in for another hug and a pat on the back before we’re shown off the stage. Grabbing a towel from Nora who is waiting for me, I wipe my face then place myPirellicap back on over my damp hair. I was soaked.
“Well done, Royce.” She gives me a wide smile.
“Thanks.” I beam.
Her phone is in her hand and her recorder. “Ready for press?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I admit, as she pushes through the door.
The social media team are behind me, and I miss Anaïs following me around like she did last season. She was a nuisance.
“No talking about the incident at the beginning of the race,” she warns me as she leads me into the square area where all the press wait. “First one,” she says softly, nudging me forward.
“Royce Lexington,” a young man says, huge smile on his face. “Great race and congratulations on your first ever win.”
“Thank you.” My fingers curl around the barrier.
“The car seemed good, and you drove exceptional,” he continues pumping up my ego and I laugh.
“The team have done a great job on the car; it’s been consistent most of the season. Erm...” I look over and see Cowan. My blood burns as it swims through my veins. “Yeah, it’s been great,” I ramble off.
“Your new teammate, it seems he isn’t feeling maybe as confident as you do in the car. He definitely isn’t getting the same outcomes.”
Nora stiffens beside me, and I can feel her eyes on me.
“Just proves who’s the better driver then, doesn’t it?” I smirk, then thank the guy as he tries to ask me further questions.
The same questions float around, and I give pretty much the same answers. Nora guides me out and towards my room. My eyes land on Athena, she’s sitting cross legged, tapping away.
“Don’t be long, we have another round of press with you, Cowan, Matt, and Carlo in about twenty minutes,” Nora reminds me and I nod.
Clearing my throat, Athena’s eyes lift to me where I’m leant against the door frame. She places her laptop down as she runs towards me, jumping into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist.
“Fuck, I missed you,” I murmur, my hands cupping her ass as I hold her up.
“Did you?” She smiles, eyes glistening.
I nod, walking towards the sofa and sitting down, holding her on my lap.
“How’s my winner?” She runs her fingers over the edge of my cap peak then teasingly runs them around the back of my neck, linking them as I tip my head back ever so slightly.
