Page 114 of Out of Control

And so very cool too.

As I turn to walk away, Stavros is in front of me. His usual scowl isn’t there, and I’m currently looking at what is probably the closest thing to a smile I’ve ever seen.

I’m still not in the mood for his shit or for his sharp words to ruin my good day.

“Good job,” Stavros says.

“Right.”

He nods. “Sometimes fire lights a fuse. Sometimes it destroys all it touches. I lit a fuse all those years ago. I was wrong in how I did it, so I’ll give you that.”

“If that’s an apology, you can suck—”

“It’s not. But you’ve shown you can respect authority and your teammate. That I will applaud.”

Okay.

“I have my team to get to,” I say and turn without giving him anything more.

• • •

Footsteps.

They’re at my back, coming closer. Company is the last thing I want right now and yet they keep coming.

And it’s not because I’m pissed or grumpy or a surly asshole—I’m usually a bit of all three—but because I just want to soak in this moment.

I have a woman I love and who loves me in return.

I’ve made some headway with my parents and while I’d love to introduce them to Sofia, I’m content with still taking things slow.

And I did something good today. I thought of we instead of me and who the fuck knew I had it in me?

So is there any doubt that she’s coming to find me to acknowledge it? She’s known me longer than anyone here.

“Go away, Blair,” I say.

“She’s not the only one who knows you find the best view of the track before race week starts and after a podium to soak it all in.”

I startle at the sound of Cruz’s voice.

This is interesting.

“Didn’t realize I was that predictable.”

Cruz chuckles. “You’re anything but predictable, Rossi.”

His footsteps stop beside me and I glance up at him. He’s holding out a beer to me while he takes a drink of his own. I eye him cautiously.

I’ve seen a lot of olive branches given to others in my lifetime but not a single one has been outstretched to me.

I’ll wait to reserve judgment.

But I accept the beer and wait to see what the fuck this visit is about.

“I’m having a good day, Navarro. Why are you here trying to fuck it up?” If he’s not going to talk, then I will.

He stands silently for a beat before taking a seat beside me. Fucking great.