Page 20 of Rush
‘My trailer?’ Marco suggested.
They led the way and while Blake made himself comfortable on the sofa, Savi and Marco stayed standing up,waiting for what he had to say. Whatever it was, Savi knew it couldn’t be good if he had to fly halfway across the world to say it.
‘I’ll cut to the chase, Jesse and I have been talking about damage control. Now, Savi, I know your identity hasn’t been exposed but we need to throw people off the scent. Jesse mentioned that Mr De Luca, you, uh… have been dating around, shall we say.’
‘We get it, I’m a man whore. What’s my sex life got to do with Savannah and Jesse?’
‘We think you two should pretend you’re dating.’
The two of them stood there in utter silence, dumbfounded by his announcement. Was her boyfriend out of his damn mind? It made zero sense. ‘Why, exactly?’ She cast a hesitant glance at Marco, who was still quiet but smirking to himself.
‘Think about it, Savi!’ Blake said with genuine excitement in his tone. ‘People are going to be hunting for the girl in the photos, so if you’re already seen to be with someone, it’s unlikely anyone will clock it was you.’
‘But Jesse and I have no links to each other according to the outside world, so how is anyone going to link us? Why would they suspect me?’
‘He follows you on social media, for a start. You know what people are like, that alone can sometimes be enough for the fans and media to run wild with theories. And you grew up not far away from each other. I wouldn’t put it past people, Savi. Please consider this, just as a precaution. Jesse doesn’t want to risk it, and we feel that this is a good solution. Plus, it’s good publicity for your team.’
‘For the team, maybe. Not for me. An IEC rookie datingher teammate mere weeks into the start of the race season? I’m fighting for my spot at the top of the leaderboard, trying to be taken seriously as an athlete. I don’t want to be known for my dating history.’ She could already imagine the derogatory comments, as if women in motorsport didn’t get enough of those.
‘I mean, it worked for Faith and Julien when they got together. The fans love a bit of romance,’ Marco shrugged, totally unbothered by the idea.
‘What, you’re down for this? What about your yacht groupies?’ She narrowed her eyes.
‘I can boot them to one side for a season, Savannah. If it throws people off the scent and helps you out, I’d be more than willing to do it.’
She was suspicious, not just that he was offering to stop sleeping with other women for an entire race season but also that he was acting so nonchalant about it. This was a huge PR stunt, and there would be rules. Enforced by Jesse, who she was equally suspicious of because what man wanted another guy’s hands all over his girl?
‘What’s in it for you?’ she questioned, noting that Blake was still smiling away while they went back and forth.
‘Nothing, but I’m your buddy, remember? We’re teammates. I don’t take that relationship lightly, Savannah. If you need me to do this, I’m all in. Plus, you know… if there’s even a tiny chance that it might get Esme riled up then even better.’
‘And there it is,’ she scoffed. ‘You’re still not over her?’
‘Nope, which is why I need to get under you. You know, in a metaphorical sense.’
‘Uh…’ Blake interjected. ‘This isn’t a physical agreement.’
‘No, no. I am aware. Savannah and I are not… Wouldn’t dream of it. But, how are the fans going to think we’re more than friends? We have to do something to suggest that there is a romantic element, a kiss on the cheek here and there. If it’s not believable, fans aren’t going to get invested.’
Savi studied Marco’s features, trying hard to admire him in that kind of light. But she wasn’t going to lie, as attractive as he was, there was nothing there. Her body didn’t react in the slightest. How was she supposed to kiss him without standing dead still, arms glued to her sides and her lips unable to move with his? She had always been awkward around guys, but the chemistry between her and Jesse had been undeniable. She wasn’t so sure she could be convincing enough for this.
‘Jesse will write up a contract if that’s what you both want, make sure the lines are clear as day, but he trusts Savi enough not to worry about it. A contract is just another thing that could be exposed in the press, so it would be better to do it without one. However, Mr De Luca, he would like to make it very clear that he is also trustingyou, man to man. No crossing boundaries, and Savi is to be the one who sets them.’
That hurt Savi’s heart. Shouldn’t Jesse at least be talking toherabout it? Not only was he actively encouraging her to pretend to be in a relationship with someone else, but he had no interest in putting anything on paper. It was bizarre. This whole thing was out of pocket, and she still didn’t know if it was a good idea. For anyone.
‘I can talk to him. Tell him what’s what. If he wants. Other than that, just tell us from a professional perspective how you think we should launch this relationship into the media, and we’ll crack on and chat to our PR team, assuming Savannah is keen.’
‘Keen might not be the right word,’ she grimaced. ‘But if you think this will work, then let’s give it a go. Just for a couple of months until all the fuss about the photos has died down. There’s no need to drag this out over a whole race season.’
‘Well, actually… Jesse thinks we need to give it six months minimum. So that will take us through to November. You can announce a break-up before the festive season, then you’ll have the winter break to “heal” before you see each other at work again in January.’
‘He’s really thought of everything, huh?’ Savannah’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
‘You don’t have to do this, Savi. But we’re doing it for you. It doesn’t make a difference to Jesse if you’re linked to the photos, his privacy has already been violated, but you’re a rookie in this championship. It’s not a good look for your sponsors.’
She felt her skin getting hot under the pressure of having to make a decision that had seemingly already been made for her. He was right and everyone in this room plus Jesse knew it.
‘Okay,’ she breathed out, wiping her wet palms on her race suit.
