Page 85 of Hot Lap
She's chosen the dark blue caftan again. Reece likes how it swirls around her body in a way that's both modest and sensual. Her hair is styled in a sixties-inspired updo, complete with a scarf she's fashioned into a wide headband and knotted with a bow at the top, and her makeup echoes the era with winged liner and nude lips. Nothing flashy or revealing, but undeniably Maiken.
He picks up his helmet bag and duffel. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
They head down to the lobby where Ona already waits, scrolling through her tablet. She looks up as they approach, her sharp eyes taking in Mai's appearance with approval.
"Good morning." She tucks the tablet into her bag, then trades a water bottle for Reece’s helmet bag.
"Ona," he says, "this is Maiken. Officially."
Ona extends her hand. "About time. You've been all he can think about."
Maiken grasps it with a smile. "Good."
Ona laughs. "I like you."
A valet brings the SUV around. Reece slides behind the wheel and Maiken takes the passenger seat.
Ona settles in the back. "You finally look rested.”
“I finally slept well.”
“Surprising.” Maiken glances over her shoulder. "We were up late."
Ona snorts. "I bet you were." She pauses. “I saw that picture.”
Maiken faces forward. “I’m not sorry.”
They head toward Lusail, leaving Doha's urban sprawl behind for stretches of desert punctuated by new construction. The November morning is surprisingly pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make it easy to forget this is still the desert.
Reece's phone buzzes. The caller ID reads:Sheyna.
He exchanges a quick glance with Maiken before answering and putting it on speaker. "Morning, Mum."
"Don't you 'morning Mum' me, Reece Ayrton Pritchard. I had to find out about your wife from damned social media? What kind of son doesn't call his mother when he gets married?" Sheyna's voice fills the car, honey-coated steel. Her accent matches Maiken's laid-back West Coast tone.
Reece winces. "It wasn't exactly planned?—"
"Oh, I know all about your Vegas adventure, child. What I don't know is why you didn't think to mention it to your own mother."
Ona snorts from the back seat. "She's got a point, mate."
Reece glares at his physio in the rearview mirror. "Not helping, Ona."
“Good morning, Ona!” Sheyna calls. “Be a dear and flog my errant child for me?”
“With pleasure.”
Reece ignores the traitor in the back seat. "Mum, I'd like you to meet Maiken Lange Pritchard. Maiken, this is my terrifying mother, Sheyna Williams."
Mai leans toward the phone, clearly trying not to laugh. "Hi, Sheyna. Nice to finally meet you."
"Well now, there's a voice I've been dying to hear." Sheyna's tone warms considerably. "You've got a strong jaw, Maiken. I like that. Just know strong jaws attract sharp teeth around the paddock."
Maiken nods. "I’ve noticed."
"Ohh. So Graham's already circling, huh? That man can smell happiness from three states away and has to poison it."
