More as opposed to less. So I am adorable, even if just a bit.
William…
I crave hearing you say my name. It doesn’t hit that well as a message, ya know?
You’re infuriating.
You love it :)
The banter feels easy, familiar. This is the rhythm we've fallen into—him pushing, me pretending to resist, both of us enjoying the dance. But beneath my composed replies, an uncomfortable truth surfaces: I had genuinely been worried about him. Not just as my driver, but as my... William. The lack of label makes my brain stutter even in internal monologue.
My phone buzzes again.
I'll make sure it's healed enough by testing that the makeup team can cover it. You won't have to explain to the board why your driver looks like a Fight Club extra.
Or you could just avoid getting hit in the face in the first place?
Where's the fun in that? Besides, Felix says it gives me character.
I feel for him, having to deal with you for so many years.
Maybe you’re just jealous you haven’t known me for that long. But we can make up for it ;)
The mention of Felix Becker surprises me. Last I heard, there were rumors Baretta Racing was not going to renew with him. William doesn't talk about it much, but he worries about his friend, because he can yap about Felix at times. The fact that they went out together is a good sign.
How was Italy? Belforte behave himself?
As much as a suspected mafia consigliere can behave.
Oh come on, I bet that guy's a teddy bear underneath. In a very expensive, possibly bulletproof suit. Still looks like he can break someone's shins pretty easily though.
Italy was productive. I wasn't checking if our new investor is sweet or not. The deal's finalized. But I could have done without the rain welcoming me back to London.
Ah, you miss the Mediterranean sunshine. You should have stayed longer. But then I would have missed you more, so selfish me is glad you're back in our miserable weather.
My chest tightens at his candor. William never hides what he wants, how he feels. It's refreshing and terrifying all at once. And here I am, a coward and overthinker, pondering the pros and cons of saying "I miss you" and quickly wondering when he’ll get fed up with me because of my awkwardness when things get… serious.
A knock at my door yanks me back to reality. Blake peers in, points at his watch, and mouths "Aero meeting in fifteen." I nod, and he disappears.
I glance at the pile of documents on my desk, the emails multiplying on my screen, the cookie and pastry I still haven't touched taunting me with their heavenly smell. Trying to carry on this conversation while juggling work is impossible. Each message from William pulls me further from the professional mindset I need to maintain.
I shake it off as I reply to him.
Have to run. Meeting in fifteen.
Too important to text with a mere driver, I see how it is.
A driver with a ridiculous black eye, yes.
It's healing already. Will be beautiful for you to gaze at in three weeks. Probably all purple and yellow. Very artistic.
His playfulness is infectious, but I'm almost out of time. I start to type a quick goodbye when another thought strikes me. Before I can overthink it, I close my office door, return to my desk, and hit the call button on his contact.
He answers on the first ring, his voice warm and sounding surprised. "Well, this is an unexpected pleasure."
"It's faster than texting," I say, putting the phone on speaker and setting it on my desk as I take a bite of theKahkcookie.Damn, it is delicious.Haven’t had these cookies since… my mother passed. "And I'm already running late."
"Multitasking? Very efficient, Ms. Colton."
