Andy groaned, dragging a hand down his face.“Oh, Lily, no.The podcaster?”
“He’s not just a podcaster,” I said defensively.“He writes articles too, and some good stuff.”
“Uh-huh.”Andy’s tone was deeply skeptical.“Where did thisbrilliantwriter take you?”
“This gorgeous little restaurant close to the hotel.We had a beautiful table outside with a nice view of the city.”
Andy stared at me.“Outside?Where every reporter, sponsor, and half the bloody paddock could walk by?Lily—”
“It wasnice, Andy,” I interrupted, leaning forward enthusiastically.“Really nice.He ordered this great wine which he knew would pair excellently with the duck that he—”
“Um, did he order for you?”Andy’s voice was flat with disbelief.
“He made arecommendation,” I corrected, rolling my eyes.“No need to defend my honor.When did you become such a cynic?He was a complete gentleman.”
“Lily…” Andy sat forward, elbows on his knees, his expression turning serious.“Just be careful with this one, yeah?I’m sure there’s nothing he’d love more than dating an F1 driver to boost his career.The guy lives to turn stories into clicks and engagement.”
“Why are you being like this?”I stood up, suddenly annoyed at having my good mood punctured.“I had a nice dinner with an old friend who turned out to be really interesting and charming.That’s it.You’re reading way too much into this.”
Andy studied me for a long moment, and I watched something shift in his expression, realization hitting.“Oh my god.You like him, don’t you?”He tsked, but a smile grew on his face.“Never thought blond hair and blue eyes was your type.”
I crossed my arms, swaying a hip to the side.“I-I mean, he’s nice.And yes, fine, I think he’s attractive.Is that a crime?”
“Not a crime,” Andy said carefully.“You’re right.I’m sorry.”He stood, grabbing his jacket.“Look, you’re a grown woman, and I trust your judgment.Plus, since your mother threw him at you, I imagine he doesn’t jeopardize this stupid morality clause that was shoved into your contract.”
Right after I’d signed, I’d called Andy to complain about it.As my personal physio, he was well aware of all my contract stipulations.“Andy—”
“It’s bullshit, Lily.”His voice was sharp now, frustrated.“It’s bullshit that you have one and your teammate doesn’t.What century are we living in?”
“It’s not exactly from Rennen,” I said quietly, sinking back onto the sofa.“It’s from a sponsor.They wanted… assurances.”
“Assurances,” Andy repeated flatly.“That you won’t—what, date the wrong person?”
“That I won’t create controversy that reflects poorly on their brand.And the team.”The words came out like I’d rehearsed them.Because I had.To myself, to my mother, trying to make peace with it.“And my mother thought it was smart to add protections.Even after three years, it’s still hard keeping sponsors as a woman, Andy.You know that.So, I agreed.”
Andy’s jaw worked, clearly biting back what he really wanted to say.“Right.Because God forbid you be seen with another driver in a way that might generate the wrong kind of headlines.”
My mind flashed back to Las Vegas.To my hotel room, and the way Henri had looked at me that night—like he’d finally found something he’d been searching for.I would’ve tried.Would’ve found a way to navigate the complications, the clause, all of it.But he never gave me the chance to even suggest it.He just left after some pathetic excuse, and the rejection stung worse because I still didn’t really understand why.
My throat bobbed as I pushed the memory down where it belonged, buried and forgotten.“Ollie’s safe,” I said, forcing brightness back into my voice.“He’s media, not a competitor.No conflict of interest.”
“Safe,” Andy echoed, although his tone made it sound like an insult.He sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face.“Just keep your eyes open, yeah?Make sure he’s interested in Lily the person, not Lily the driver.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Andy grabbed my shoulder gently.“I’m heading out.Get some rest, all right?”
I nodded, watching as he grabbed his jacket and left.The door clicked shut behind him, leaving silence.
Safe.
The word clung to me as I pulled the covers up, my eyes tracing the hotel ceiling’s texture in the dark.Ollie was safe, straightforward, and most importantly, interested in me.Not like Henri, who’d bolted the morning after our night together.He’d done all the things Henri hadn’t.
The realization came unwanted but impossible to deny.Henri wanted a single night, then vanished.Told me racing took priority, that he lacked time for more.A relationship would’ve been too much of a distraction for him.
But not Ollie.And tonight had beenfun.Devoid of any expectations or fighting or championship battles.
I found myself almost looking forward to the next time I’d see him.
