Page 58 of Racing Hearts
Unsurprisingly, within five minutes of getting back to the hotel room, Luca was asleep on the couch, the champagne and beer finally catching up with him. Chuckling, I grabbed the throw blanket from the end of his bed and gently draped it over him. On the coffee table, I set down a glass of water and a packet of painkillers for the inevitable morning headache.
For a moment, I contemplated how just two months ago I’d have done anything to get Luca thrown off the F1 grid.
But this wasn’t the same Luca Rossi who’d ditched me for a night out. Wasn’t the reckless driver who tried to throw me under the bus in front of the media.
This was a man who’d held me when I cried and who celebrated with me when I got on podiums. He’d surprised me all week, from karting and banter to the podcast, to his honesty in the car and that win at Monza.
Over and over again, I’d peeled back layers of Luca I hadn’t expected to find. And somewhere along the way, something shifted. I wasn’t just tolerating Luca anymore, wasn’t faking anything for the media or sponsors.
I was starting to like Luca Rossi.
Hell, I was starting to like him a lot.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Luca
The Tuesday before the Monaco Grand Prix, Georgia and I were scheduled to make an appearance at the local children’s hospital. It had been a few days since our night out in Monza, but I found myself missing her more than expected.
The teams had agreed that it would be best for me to stay with Georgia instead of the team hotel, which was fine by me. I’d spent half my life in hotels, and it would be nice to see her thrive in her own home.
Georgia had left a key for me with her door attendant, and after letting myself into her apartment, I was greeted by Éliott Simon, casually sipping a cup of coffee on Georgia’s couch, no Georgia in sight.
“Éliott, surprised to see you here,” I snapped with more annoyance than necessary.
He lifted his mug in a mock toast. “Nice to see you too, Luca. I’m staying with Henri this week… or is that not okay with you?” I deserved his sarcastic and condescending tone, even if I didn’t appreciate it. He motioned for me to take a seat across from him on the sofa. “So, how have things been going?” He studied me intently over the rim of his Valkyrie coffee mug.
“Fine.”
I leaned back and stared at the clock, willing Georgia to hurry up. Talking to Éliott was akin to watching paint dry—though, if I were being fair, that probably had more to do with the fact that I was jealous of their closeness.
“Sounds like you and Georgia have a fun day scheduled today. You know last year I went with her to the charity event, it was a great experience. She’s incredibly generous to give up so much of her time for the hospital, especially during such a busy week.” Éliott shot me a pointed look.
Nodding, I kept my expression neutral as I considered why Éliott was hawking Georgia at me, as if I didn’t know how special she was.
“Very glad I get to spend some personal time with her,” I responded smoothly, before adding, “just the two of us.”
Truthfully, I was thrilled that I had an entire afternoon of Georgia to myself. So much of our time was spent at the paddock with our teammates or with friends, and now I would finally have a moment to see Georgia in her element—without any distractions.
Éliott’s mouth curved slightly as he looked back at his phone, like he knew something I didn’t. “Well, at least you can’t bail on this one.”
My blood ran cold as I stared at Éliott.
Fuck.I hated that he knew.
The look on my face must have betrayed my shock, because Éliott let out a short laugh.
Before I could respond, the sound of a door opening caught our attention.
“Luca, you made it! Glad the key worked.” Georgia emerged from her bedroom, already dressed for the charity event, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She wore a navy-blue polo and black jeans that fitted her curves perfectly.
Éliott checked his watch. “Ah, shit, I’m going to be late for my VIP meeting.”
At ten a.m.?I snickered to myself. No chance he had a VIP meeting this early, but I appreciated Éliott making himself scarce.
“Georgia, an incredible host as always.” Éliott smiled, giving her a kiss on each cheek. “Go easy on Luca today, yeah?” Éliott’s eyes lingered on Georgia like there was an unspoken understanding between them.
Georgia chuckled, playfully punching his arm. “We’ll all catch up over dinner?”
