Page 114 of Cross the Line
Dev nods, gently pulling me to stand by his side. ‘Of course, man. Is it okay that my girlfriend’s here?’
‘Absolutely.’ Zaid’s attention shifts to me, and I’m suddenly on the receiving end of the world’s most intense – but surprisingly kind – stare. ‘Lovely to finally meet you, Willow.’
He knows my name? My shock must show on my face, because he chuckles lightly.
‘I’ve seen you around the paddock,’ he explains. ‘I’d shake your hand but . . .’ He glances wryly down at where his casted arms rest on a pillow in his lap. ‘Little injured at the moment.’
‘We’ll save it for another time,’ I reply, relaxing when he huffs a laugh. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Like I got hit by a car going two hundred kilometres per hour and then exploded.’
A surprised snort escapes me at his dry answer, and I immediately clap a hand over my mouth in embarrassment, but Zaid’s replying grin makes me a little less mortified.
‘I’ll recover,’ he reassures, his dark eyes assessing me before shifting to Dev. ‘So will Axel. We’ll be back.’
There’s no mention of Lorenzo. And I don’t miss the flash of weariness in his eyes at the mention of his own return.
‘But not until next season,’ Dev adds on for him, getting to what we assume is the point of this meeting – Dev taking Zaid’s place at Mascort, the contracts for which he signed just before we left to come here.
Zaid nods, black hair falling against his forehead. ‘First off, I wanted to welcome you to the team. Taking my place obviously wasn’t the way you were meant to start with Mascort, but I’m glad it’s you keeping my seat warm for me.’
Dev dips his head, and I tamp down a grin when a hint of pink colours his cheeks.
Too cute.
‘You deserve this spot.’ Zaid pauses, waiting for Dev to look up again. His expression is serious now. ‘I’ve watched you drive over the years. In the right car, I think you can do well. Very well.’
I keep my eyes on Dev as he takes in the praise from his idol. These words mean more than anything anyone else in the business has ever said to him, and Zaid seems to truly mean them.
‘Thank you,’ Dev says after a beat. ‘I’ll do my best to live up to that.’
Zaid’s smile shifts more into smirk territory as he relaxes into the pillows propping him up. ‘You better. If Mascort loses the Constructors’ Championship this year to Specter Energy because of you, I’ll have them rip up your contract. You understand?’
While I’m pretty sure Zaid is joking, he probably does have the power and sway to make that happen. And I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s clearly a good person, but championships aren’t won with kindness.
Dev clears his throat and nods, and I swear he stands a little straighter. ‘Yeah, completely understood.’
‘Good.’ Zaid gives him an assessing once-over. ‘All right, go on. Drive my car this weekend. You have my blessing. And don’t wreck it, yeah? It’s seen enough trauma.’
‘I’ll do my best.’
With that, we wish Zaid a speedy recovery before we slip back into the hallway. We’re quiet as we walk down the corridor, each processing that one-of-a-kind interaction. I’m certainly starstruck. And, okay, maybe developing the tiniest crush that I willnevertell Dev about.
Eventually, my boyfriend wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close, pressing a kiss to my temple. ‘I’m driving for Mascort this weekend,’ he mumbles in pure disbelief, as if it’s just hit him.
A giddy wave of butterflies swarms my stomach. I’m so proud of him I could scream. ‘You are.’
‘I’m taking Zaid’s seat until he’s better.’
‘That’s right.’
‘I have to fill Zaid fucking Yousef’s shoes.’
It’s definitely a big deal, but the way he says it sends crushing pressure down on me too. I wouldn’t blame him for being anxious about it. ‘I’m sure you’re gonna be—’
‘I’m so fucking excited.’
Sucking in a breath, I study his face, surprised by that gushing confession. ‘Really? You’re not nervous?’
