I mumbled against his chest. “Why didn’t you tell her we’re pretending to be engaged?”
“The same reason you didn’t. Why tell her it’s fake when it’s become real?”
Still exhausted from the brief exchange with Emme, I looked up at him and gave a half smile. “You think you know me?”
“I do, and when I saw you charge out of the house like a raging bull, I knew you loved me regardless of whether you ever tell me.” He brushed his lips against mine. “I really do have to go, and you have a long agenda today.”
I eased out of his arms and lightly pushed him away. “Way too much to do, and you need to focus, mister.”
“Why?” he grinned broadly.
“Because you have a time to beat.” I winked and returned inside the house—now sure that I loved Canaan Jackson, and that he deserved all of me.
Chapter 24
Canaan
Gabriel whistled, looking at the crowd that Kensie had arranged to be transported to their training grounds. “I didn’t expect this many people,” he commented, his French accent heavier than usual. “I’mthe Formula One racer, and most of the crowd is foryou.”
“I have to give Kensie the credit.” I proudly gestured to my new love, a glowing Kensie, who took pictures with some people in the stands.
Gabriel nudged his shoulder and slyly grinned. “Very lucky man, no?”
“Very,” I acknowledged, recognizing that Gabriel stated facts and wasn’t trying to push up on her. Since that day on the track when he advised me, we’ve been grudgingly cordial and respectful to each other.
My teammate then walked backward toward his car. “They may be here for you, but they’ll witnessmesmoking you today and switch teams.”
I laughed. “I like your swag. Just keep that same energy when I sail past you in about thirty minutes.”
“In your dreams.” Gabriel waved his hand to get the attention of one of the crew members to assist him. “Good luck, because you’re going to need it.”
“We’ll see.” I nodded before waving at Kensie in the stands, who blew me a kiss.
“Can you stop cheesing like a damn fool?” Malcolm said, pulling down his cap over his short locks as he approached me. “People are watching. Even Tad Gorman is here waiting to see you fuck up.” Tad Gorman, an Australian, had won the last two F1 races and was considered the front-runner in Miami.
I placed my helmet on my head and scanned the growing crowds in the stands, searching for his competition. “Good. Love the challenge. I can’t help it, Mal, I’m excited.”
“Then get your mind where it needs to be. That smile has Kensie written all over it.”
“She makes me happy.” My words only deepened the scowl on his face. “Why are you so against her? You’re the sappy one of us.” Malcolm believed in love and was engaged once. He never told me why it ended three years ago, and as far as I know, he’d been alone all this time.
“I’m not against her. She’s cool peeps, but not sure I trust her with how everything went down about that video.” He tapped the front of my helmet. “And I know how easily distracted you can be, and I’ve never seen you this unfocused despite all the practice. Losing love feels like death, especially if she betrays you. Trust me, I know. I don’t want you to get hurt, okay?”
“Naw, only this track can hurt me,” I bragged, though his concern stroked the lingering doubt about Kensie. “I’m good.”
Malcolm studied my face. “I’ve said what I needed to say. You like Kensie, I love her. Now, show the world who you are and that you deserve a place at the grandest race of all here in four weeks.” He squeezed my shoulder and, as he always did, cautioned. “Be safe out there. We need you back in one piece.”
“One mind. One heart. One soul,” I recited my mantra as I began withdrawing into myself.
Malcolm nodded. “One mind. One heart. One soul.”
The man, only four years my senior, whose gruffness made him seem twice older, started signaling to the crew that I was ready to drive. He then went to say a few encouraging words to Gabriel, who was waiting to hop into his car. The Black man from Nice, France, was just as determined and competitive as I was. Over seven weeks, I’d learned that he had a legitimate shot at winning the race and that we damn sure had the capabilities to bring home a victory for Ferrari as the best team.
Before I could get into my car, Kensie snaked her arm around my waist and whispered, “I believe in you.”
I grinned down at her and knew without a doubt that she did. “Thank you.”
“Kensie, with all due respect, get over to the stands so we can get started before I get security. Canaan, get in the damn car,” Malcolm barked.
