“I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens. Speaking of, we already know Marissa’s at the top of her game, but Delaney, since you moved up, has really been turning up the heat. Danielle is going to have her hands full as she finishes out the season.”
“I still hate that she’s going to win the whole thing.”
“If Marissa can consistently make podium and Danielle falls completely out of the points for a couple of races,it’s mathematically possible she won’t emerge as drivers’ champion.”
“Stop talking dirty to me,” Reese said with a shake of her head. A pause hit. “I can’t wait to see them.”
“The Starting Grid? You girls.” She kind of loved their group chat name and the way Reese had found a core support system within the drivers’ ranks. “You all have gotten really tight. Reminds me of coming up with Veronica. That bond is unique and strong.” She squeezed Reese’s hand. “I’m happy you have them.”
“It feels very full circle, especially since Veronica brought us all together. I owe her a lot.” She kissed the back of Sloane’s hand, making it clear it wasn’t just The Starting Grid she was grateful for. “Now, how far away is this hotel anyway?”
“Why ever are you so impatient?”
“You’ll find out,” Reese said with a look that left absolutely no doubt she had plans and very little intention of waiting long for them. Sloane had absolutely zero complaints.
CHAPTER 21
VISIBLE, NOT ESSENTIAL
Reese laid out her clothes for the fan zone event later that afternoon while Sloane sat on the edge of the bed, blinking at her open laptop. She needed ten minutes to catch up on all she’d missed in the air, and then she and Reese had a little time to themselves. Reese couldn’t wait until Sloane was all hers. She looked amazing with her hair in a messy pony, her crystal-blue eyes bright, and thatgonna handle itattitude that drove Reese wild. “It sounds like Veronica’s team meeting has morphed into a champagne reception. Apparently, she’s landed a big fish.”
“By fish, do you mean sponsor?” Reese asked, straddling Sloane from behind, and sweeping her hair to the side, exposing her neck. She was obsessed with Sloane when she had her work face on, all focused and dialed in. It made her want to undo every ounce of that concentration. She placed a slow kiss on her collarbone. Just that slight contact prompted Reese’s entire body to come alive. Sloane smiled as she studied her inbox.
“I do mean sponsor. She’s very excited and wants to celebrate. If I had to guess, sending an academy driver to F1 has certainly garnered them some clout.”
Reese kissed higher, taking her time. “Mm-hmm. Wonder who that could be.”
“No idea. Some brunette with amazingly talented lips. It’s warm in here,” Sloane said, looking around. “I think I’m gonna take this off.” She began to unbutton her forest green top, leaving her in the black, low-cut tank top beneath. The generous line of cleavage slammed Reese in the throat. She swallowed and slid closer behind Sloane, her hands settling at Sloane’s hips like they belonged there. “You do that on purpose,” she said softly, voice rough around the edges. “You know I’m addicted to your breasts. And it’s totally working.”
Sloane glanced back at her, utterly unbothered. “What did I do?”
“Wear a tight top that shows off amazing amounts of cleavage that make me want to lick and kiss all over your body until you scream my name.” Reese leaned in again, her mouth brushing the skin just below Sloane’s ear.
“Oh.” Sloane swallowed.
“Mm-hmm.” Another kiss just under Sloane’s jaw. She smelled vanilla and citrus. “You’re wildly sexy right now, and I’m wondering how fast I can make you come. But slow might be more fun.”
Sloane sucked in air. “Well. I have no idea how you can do what you just did to me with words, but here we are.” She closed the laptop slowly before setting it aside. “Good,” she said. “Because after that email, I’m officially off the clock.”
Reese’s hands tightened, just slightly. “Finally.”
Sloane turned and slid her arms around Reese’s neck, close enough now that their lips nearly touched. “You’ve been patient while I worked,” she murmured. “I appreciate that.”
Reese smiled, all promise. “I’ve beencounting the minutesuntil I fuck you properly.”
Sloane closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around Reese as she kissed Sloane’s neck with precision.
“Do you know that I’ve been undressing you in my mind since the moment I saw you? I have. So maybe it’s me who will be doing the fucking.”
Reese’s eyes went wide, and she allowed herself to be lowered onto the bed with Sloane in that fucking black tank top on top. That tank top was going to taunt her for months. It was going to replay itself in sharp, merciless flashes: the way the fabric dipped low enough to make her mouth go dry, the faint sheen of skin she’d memorize without meaning to, the soft pull of gravity every time Sloane leaned over her. Months from now, Reese would see that same cut in a mirror or on a stranger, and her body would respond instantly, remembering black cotton stretched warm over round breasts, Sloane’s weight above her, and the exact moment her control had slipped clean through her fingers.
“Take off your pants for me,” Sloane said, sliding to the side. “I want to watch.”
Oh, Reese liked that very much. Wordlessly, she slid her thumbs beneath the waistband of her track pants, Sloane’s eyes on her movement, focused and unmistakably hungry. If she wanted a show, Reese would enjoy giving it to her. She eased the pants down her legs, kicking them off, and waited for further instruction. “Those, too,” Sloane said, eyes on the black bikinis that matched her bra. Her wardrobe was full of sets that she’d found Sloane appreciated very much.
Reese slid the fabric down her legs inch by slow inch. She felt Sloane’s gaze like a physical touch, tracing every revealed curve. When the bikinis joined the track pants on the floor, Reese stayed kneeling on the bed, naked now except for her bra, waiting. Heart hammering. Already slick with anticipation.
Sloane’s voice came low, reverent. “Look at you.”
