Page 136 of Overtake
“No? It was just after Wyn met a wall.”
He laughs. “Oh, yeah. That. Oops.”
“‘Oops,’ he says.” I eat a little more.
His expression turns thoughtful. “Wyn said something interesting after everything came out about Graham.”
“Oh yeah?”
“That watching you and me together made him remember what racing should be. Competitive but fair.”
“That’s surprisingly insightful for someone who drinks milk at dinner.”
He snorts. “Don’t let Zara hear you say that. She’s unexpectedly protective of him.”
I laugh. “Speaking of unexpected relationships...”
He smirks.“¿Qué?”
“You know what, Nico Belmonte. You’re an unexpectedcomplication.”
That smirk persists. He’s so bloody confident. “Worth it though.” He gazes at me from beneath his brows and, lord, those grey eyes. They’re not playing fair.
God, so much has changed since Singapore. But some changes make you stronger, even when they’re hard. I look down, smile, and meet his gaze. “Yeah, Bunny Boy. Worth every second.”
His smirk morphs into a gentle smile. “Good.”
After we finish eating, Nico walks me back to my room. Every moment feels charged with everything we’re not doing tonight. But tomorrow looms—pole position versus P3, championship points at stake, the love of competition that drew us both to racing.
“Sleep well.” He brushes my hair off my face. “You’ll need it when I leave you behind at turn 1.”
“Aren’t you cocky.” But I’m grinning. “We’ll see about that.”
Nico’s lips find mine and his kiss makes promises I absolutely will make him keep.
A door creaks. The distinctive sound of a camera autofocusing.
Without breaking the kiss, I raise my hand, positioning it to block the shot. My hot pink middle fingernail says everything that needs saying.
Whoever it is gets the message and retreats.
“Subtle,” Nico murmurs against my lips.
“I have my moments.”
He kisses me once more, then steps back. “Buenas noches,mi corazón.”
I open my door. “Goodnight, Nico.”
We share one last look, one last moment of being just us. Then tomorrow we’re rivals again.
Exactly as it should be.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO | SUNDAY | RACE DAY
Race day dawnsclear and cool, and the high altitude makes the air feel sharp. The atmosphere at Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez is festive and wildly colorful. Luchador masks and sombreros abound. Red, white, and green flags are everywhere. Mariachis play and flamencos dance while women and men decked out in elaborate costumes, their faces painted forelDía de Los Muertos, stroll through the paddock, posing with fans, team personnel, and drivers.
