‘I can do that,’ she said stiffly, trying to take it from him.
‘I know,’ he said, tightening his grip. ‘But you don’t have to.’
Her chin lifted. ‘I can and do accept help. When I want to.’
‘Sure,’ he drawled. ‘As little as possible.’
He flexed and finally she let go, let him put the damned bag in her room. Having things done for her definitely made her uncomfortable. He was offering only basic courtesy but she wasn’t used to being treated well. She would become accustomed to staff supporting her. He’d watched her work her butt off over these past weeks. She was nimble, quick, on hand with the right tool with surgical precision. She always worked extra hours, always went the extra mile. She was focused, diligent, ruthlessly competent. She’d clawed her way into P1 because failure wasn’t an option. This wasn’t just desire; this was survival for her. But while she wanted to be part of the team, she kept slightly distanced. Head down, walls up. A defensive strategy he also used. And when she’d thought she was alone and away from the team, she’d indulged in a cherry—a rare tiny treat. No wonder she was hungry for touch. She should have so much more. He would ensure she did—in that arena at least, he could deliver.
‘The doctor will be here after lunch,’ he said when he got back to the lounge and found her sprawled on the sofa, enjoying the air-conditioned room.
‘What are we going to do until then?’ she murmured.
‘Whatever we want.’ Awareness rippled through him as he saw that gleam in her eyes.
A small smile curved her mouth. ‘Shall we watch the race replay?’
‘Sure.’ He was not disappointed. He had patience.
He programmed the smart screen then sprawled beside her, muted his phone and flipped it face down to ignore the never-ending succession of calls and messages. Work could wait. He was spending just a little precious time with her. But the moment the music began, Lily was lost to him.
‘Oh no.’ She winced as she watched Emiliano lose the lead in the first lap. ‘Oh that’s such a shame.’
She was glued to the action and there was plenty of it, but Massimo barely paid attention to the screen; watching her was too entertaining. She was a bundle of nervous energy. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea; it was completely winding her up.
‘Oh he’s pitting.’ She slid off the sofa to kneel on the rug, even closer to the screen.
‘Why are you so keyed up when you already know the result?’ He chuckled.
She held up a hand to silence him. ‘Fast. That was good. They practice over and over.’
Yeah, he was aware, but she watched all the other team’s pit stops with the same intensity. Calling out the strategy. Wincing when Conrad’s car kissed the wall after an impressive overtake. Her energy was infectious—he sank into her sparkling excitement. He never wanted to watch another race without her beside him. Ever.
She watched as Conrad recovered places to get into third position, while Emiliano surged back to second. ‘There’s the moment!’ she squealed.
He laughed. She glanced and caught him staring and suddenly turned red.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘You should’ve been there to celebrate with him.’
‘You should’ve been with the team. You worked hard to help them get that result.’ His throat was parched and swallowing was tricky. ‘But honestly, I have no regrets.’
It just slipped out, but he realised he truly didn’t. He never missed watching a race—even when he wasn’t actually at the event he watched it live online. But he’d missed it completely last night and he didn’t give a damn. He didn’t regret that night on the cargo plane, either. He could never regret any of the moments they’d shared.
She’d gone completely still, almost as if she were transfixed. Despite the air-conditioning, Massimo was suddenly sweltering and his chest tightened. His heart thundered, pumping hot blood everywhere—was sheblushing?
He didn’t know but suddenly she was. Again. A fresh flush swept not just her cheeks, but her shoulders, her décolletage, and he sank into her sweet smile.
‘Not interested in the race anymore?’ He could hardly speak.
‘I know what happens.’
His heart almost thumped right out of his chest as she suddenly crawled the short distance to arrive at his feet.
She looked up at him. ‘Do I have an access-all-areas pass from you?’
‘Absolutely.’ Desire enveloped him as heat ignited those gold flecks in her eyes. ‘What…?’
He broke off as she shook her head. Still not ready to talk? Nor was he in this moment. She rose to her knees and put her hands on his legs, pushing them farther apart. He allowed it—right now he would let her do whatever she wanted.
