“Ouch. Quit it, Kens.”
Kensie giggled and snuggled against my body. “I’m sorry that I didn’t remember it was your birthday.”
“I didn’t tell you, so I couldn’t really be mad,” I reasoned.
“No, you had every right. I should know, at least, remember that much about you. Guess a part of me blocked on that date because that might mean we’re real.” She dragged a finger down my tattooed arm. “My birthday . . .”
“Your birthday is September twelfth, and your favorite color is yellow, and if it’s not, it should be. You love long walks on the beach, Neapolitan ice cream, and Lizzo and Meg because they’re loud, brash, and have the talent to back it up. You want to use your platform to uplift and empower women. You also don’t trust me, and I plan to make that change,” I promised.
Kensie’s eyes watered before she burrowed her head into my shoulder. I rubbed her back while she held on to me. Soon, her soft snores evoked a smile.
I got it bad.
The helmet became my shades while I watched Kensie and Gabriel chat on the side of the track. We’d gone head-to-head, and Gabriel had emerged victoriously. He’d also driven solo and had his best performance yet. Ferrari executives who observed from above in the booth with Malcolm were pleased.
Acid curled my stomach while my temples throbbed. I wanted Kensie here to celebrate my birthday and be my cheerleader, not flirt with the enemy. She heartily laughed at whatever he leaned in to say. I didn’t know if he was trying to get under my skin intentionally or was simply enamored with Kensie. Who could blame him? I had trouble keeping my eyes off her when she arrived at the track in curvy jeans and an off-the-shoulder yellow blouse. She’d taken her braids out, and her freshly straightened, raven-colored hair framed her heart-shaped face.
“You ready?” Malcolm said into my ear through his mic.
“Yeah,” I said and eased into the car, ignoring the initial discomfort of the smallness of the vehicle. My car roared to life, and I glanced at Kensie, whose excited gaze was now trained on me while Gabriel whispered something near her ear. I shut my eyes to the infuriating sight, willing myself to channel all my infuriating jealousy into beating Gabriel’s time.
One of my crew signaled for me to start, and I grabbed the wheel and sped off. Melding my body to the car’s movements, I checked the time when I completed the first lap. Shit. Already five seconds behind Gabriel’s time. Edging closer to the curve, I increased the speed, rather than slowing the car, which caused the tires to veer slightly off track. I cursed silently, knowing that one error would cost me. My crew slowed me down during my pit stop while changing my tires, and one of the bolts rolled away. I crossed the finish line three minutes after Gabriel’s time and slid out of the car and tossed my helmet on the nearby bench. “Fuck.”
“Hey, no worries. You’re getting better every day. Your time is still good enough for us to make the top twenty. Be thankful for me.” A gloating Gabriel walked over to me while the executives were in the booth, talking with Malcolm, who shook his head subtly at me. Disappointment flooded me. When it counted, I couldn’t deliver.
“You got this, baby,” Kensie yelled from across the track. At some point during the twenty-five laps, Kensie retrieved a dozen blue and silver balloons that she now held. The easy smile she had for Gabriel turned into a concerned one regarding me.
I didn’t want her sympathy. We almost lost each other because I wanted her here with me, and for what? In her eyes, I always wanted to remain a winner. I jumped back into the car and pressed the button, startling Gabriel.
“What the hell are you doing?” Gabriel howled. “The pit crew isn’t ready. You need fresh tires.”
“I’m sorry, did you say something?” I revved the engine over his voice.
“At least put on your damn helmet,” Malcolm growled in my ear from the booth. I muted the mic and sped off.
This time, pure adrenaline and determination ruled. Everything faded into nothingness except me and the road. The curves of the track beckoned me, giving me momentum to increase speed when the road stretched ahead. I ignored the pit crew who waited anxiously to change my tires. A stench arose as the wheels shook from the burning rubber, but I crossed the finish line four seconds before Gabriel’s best time.
Kensie jumped up and down, screaming my name, waving my balloons in the air.
The crew cheered, and the four members of the executive Ferrari team smiled and shook hands. Their investment in me appeared to be paying off. Gabriel’s hands were on his waist, his expression unreadable. Yet, I sensed he was pleased more than angry. Only Malcolm paced within the booth, and I understood why. I’d been reckless and unprotected. The slightest bump or minor turn at that sort of speed could have caused a nasty head injury. He and I would have words later—no doubt about it. In the meantime, I let go while I raced and caught my elusive flow because of the woman who hurried toward me with the proudest grin.
“Happy Birthday!” She collided with me and pulled my head down to kiss me, inadvertently releasing the balloons. We both laughed as they dotted the sky. “Oops, sorry. I went through all that trouble to hide the balloons, and then you don’t get to see them.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re my best gift.” I kissed the tip of her nose.
She smiled impishly. “And you say that without me ever sucking you off.”
Instant brick.
Kensie took a step away, and I tugged her back. “Give me a second. This suit doesn’t hide my dick.”
She giggled. “Better get control. You still have practice, remember?” She tapped my ass. “See you in bed later tonight for myothergift.”
Gawking is an understatement as I watched her sensually saunter to my car before she sped back to Fisher Island. Kensie may be a distraction after all.
And right at this moment, I didn’t give a fuck.
Chapter 17
