“Ah.” The penny drops. “You broke it off.”
“It wasfake.” The words taste bitter on my tongue. “Plus, as soon as I did, she was out with Cowan!”
“I see.” He rolls his lips. “You’re jealous and now you’re worrying you’ve fucked up?”
I shrug a shoulder.
“Royce,” he says as he edges forward, “I know what you want, I can see the hunger and how hard you're working to get there. Trust me, you're going to do it, but it doesn't mean you have to be scared to fall in love. Many of the drivers have partners. It doesn't stop their ability to race.” He swallows and my eyes burn into him. “You can still achieve all you've ever dreamed of whilstliving,Royce.” He stands, hands folding into his pocket. “Don't leave it until it's too late.”
I swallow down the lump that has lodged into my throat.
“I see the way you look at each other. There is nothingfakeabout your relationship.”
I shake my head. “There is nothing between us but a contract.”
He scoffs, raising his brow at me like he doesn’t believe me.“Okay, son.” He paces towards the door before grazing his gaze across his shoulders. “All good?” he asks and I give a nod.
I am not okay. Far from it. All he has done is put me in a bigger head fuck than Dane had.
Fuck.
Waking,I slowly turn and groan as I do. I feel wrecked. I don’t have time to be tired. It’s free practice one today, and briefing, which means unfortunately I will be in a room with Cowan for a few hours. Silly prick. I can guarantee he’ll be baiting me.
As soon as my brain kicks in, it floods with thoughts of Athena. I wonder what she’s doing, eating, wearing… Everything about her consumes me. She had her book signing in Rue’s store today and her friend was flying over. It gives me an unsettled feeling deep inside of me.
Sighing, I drop my head. I forgot I offered to get her. Checking my phone for her flight details, I make a note that it falls between briefing and practice. Scrubbing my hand across my face, agitation bites at my neck. Realistically, would I going to be able to get there and back in time? I hate to disappoint her but if briefing runs over, I don’t stand a chance.
Clicking on Nora’s name, I dial, and she answers within two rings.
“Morning,” she says, her tone bright.
“Morning,” I grunt; mine is not.
“You sound like a bear with a sore head.” She’s too upbeat. I can’t stand it.
“I didn’t sleep well,” I admit, yawning.
“That’s a shame.” She doesn’t give a shit.
“I need a favour.” I push to my feet and move towards the lounge as I turn the coffee machine on.
“When do you evernotneed a favour, Mr Lexington?” She laughs softly and I respond with a scoff, the coffee machine beeping in the background.
“Any chance you can arrange a ride for Athena’s friend from the airport?”
“Already sorted it, chum.”
My stomach falls for just a second. “Oh.”
“Yeah, Athena asked me last night. She assumed you would retract your offer and well, seems she was right.”
My blood simmers with anger. “It’s not because of last night!” My voice is louder than I intended. “It’s just with briefing and practice… I just…” My words fall short.
She thought I was going to retract my offer.
I fucking hate that she thought that. Hate that she thinks badly of me.
“It’s fine, Royce. She knows you haven’t done it to be spiteful or petty…” She trails off and I pour my coffee into my mug.
