Page 104 of Overtake
“Just saying.” He bumps my shoulder. “Some of us actually like having you around. Even when you’re making eyes at rival drivers.”
“I do not.”
“Please.” He snorts, then puts his fingers up behind his head like rabbit ears. “You two are worse than those romance novels Maiken reads. All lingering looks and tension and?—”
“Pretty sure those novels don’t include comparing qualifying data.”
“No, but they have scenes about checking each other’s rear ends.”
“That’s it.” I pick up the pace despite my burning lungs. “You’re doing the rest of this lap alone.”
“I have no regrets!” His laughter echoes across the empty track.
I flip him off.
“Pet?”
I turn around and jog backwards. “Yeah?”
“I’m glad you’ve got this. All of it. Even the complicated parts.”
I smile. “Thanks, Reece.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Shower?Check.
Makeup? Yeah.
Sexy outfit?
“Fuck.”
I stare at my suitcase. There’s plenty of team gear, workout clothes, and post-race casual clothing. I have one decent dress I take for sponsor parties because I can stuff it in my travel bag and it never wrinkles. But there’s nothing even remotely good enough for a first proper date with a Formula One champion. Sure, Nico said, “casual,” but I know pink combat boots and baggy camo pants aren’t what he meant.
This is ridiculous. He’s seen me sweaty and cursing in karts. Covered in champagne on podiums. That time in F3 when I got food poisoning and puked all over myself… and him.
“Huh. I forgot about that.” Christ, Nico’s always been there when I needed someone. How have I not noticed?
I shake my head. “Focus, Petra.” I snatch up my phone and text Jacintha.
S.O.S. Wardrobe crisis.
You just realized you packed like a complete scruff?
I wasn’t planning on dating when I left home.
No, you just planned on punching people. Much more practical.
You’re not helping.
You don’t pay me enough.
Probably true, but now isn’t the time.
Hmm. What’s the ask?
He said casual.
