Page 52 of Formula Dreams
“It’s kind of moot, Ronan.You’re here with another woman and while I might be okay with a casual relationship, I don’t share.”
“Neither do I,” I grouse.“So, we agree… we don’t share.”
Francesca cocks an arched eyebrow at me.“And yet… you’re here with another woman.”
“And Carlos was an inch away from grabbing your ass,” I retort.
She rolls her eyes, an indication that she finds me ridiculous.“I told you… we’re friends.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and squeeze my eyes shut.How do I get this back on track?
When I open them again, Francesca is leaning against the vanity, hands pressed to the granite, her expression unreadable.I step closer, willing her to hear me.“I’m not going home with Amelia.I never intended to.”
Her voice is quieter now, but sharp.“Why not?”
I let the silence stretch, the answer weighing on me heavily before I finally give it air.“Because I want to go home with you.”
Her eyes search mine, wary but curious.“You want to go home with me?”
“Yes.”No hesitation, no room for her to doubt.
A beat passes, scrutinizing my face like she’s looking for the lie—and then she nods, slow, deliberate.“All right.But I’m not doing this if you’re still… seeing other people.”
“I’m not.And I don’t want you to either.”
Her lips twitch, almost a smile.“So… friends with benefits, but… exclusive?”
I let out a short breath, like it’s a deal being sealed.“Yes.”For a moment, it’s quiet, an unspoken but heavy agreement settling between us.Then I add, “But no one needs to know.”
I see the hesitation in her eyes, the way features tighten to tell me she doesn’t love that.But she nods anyway.“Fine.”
I don’t let myself think about why her agreement doesn’t feel like a win.“I’m going to have to spend the rest of the evening with Amelia,” I admit, voice low.“But it doesn’t mean anything.”
Francesca tips her head like she’s weighing the truth of that.“Fine.But keep your hands to yourself.”
A slow smirk pulls at my mouth.“Tell Carlos to do the same.”
She rolls her eyes.
I don’t push it.Truth is, I believe that they’re only friends.And watching that faint flush climb her cheeks is… cute.Not that I’d ever say it out loud.
I glance toward the door, then back at her.“I’ll check the hall.”
When I’m sure it’s clear, I step aside for her to slip out first.But I catch her wrist, tugging her back just long enough to steal one more kiss—quick, hot, enough to make her gasp against my mouth.“I’ll text when I’m on my way to your place.”
She gives me a sly smile.“I’ll be naked and waiting.”
A groan rumbles out of me.“Witch.”
She grins, eyes dancing, and then she’s gone down the corridor.
I head back into the main ballroom, weaving through the crowd until I spot Amelia at the bar, waiting on a drink.On the dance floor, Lex and Posey move together easily, smiling in a way that makes the whole room fade around them.
Amelia turns when I approach, lips curving into a mix of flirtation and expectation.“There you are.I was starting to think you’d ditched me.What do you say we blow this place and head to your flat?”
“That’s not going to happen tonight.”I keep my tone polite but firm.“I’ve got an early morning in Woking, so I’m heading back there.”
Her expression falls for a second before she pastes on a faint smile.“Suit yourself.”
