“The money is good,” I say. “I wouldn’t be anxious on stage since every person on the invitation aside from Luca is a friend or family member.”
Ducking closer, he says, “Am I included among your friends?”
I grip his wrist, grinning. “You know what I mean.” I interlace our fingers and kiss his knuckles. “If Auri is interested, then I’ll do it. That influx of cash would mean fewer lives over the next couple of weeks. Between this interview and what I have planned for the rest of the month, I could be back to my regular schedule before we head to the Americas.”
He hits me with a mischievous grin. “And then you’d have more time to hang out with yourfriends,” he teases.
I give his shoulder a little shove, laughing. “I only want more time with you.”
With an arm draped around me, he pulls me into his chest. He rests his chin on my head, then blows out a slow, steady breath that centers me as much as it does him.
“Since my job comes with media requirements, I’m assuming myinvitationto this panel is more of an obligation. Same for Luca and the other drivers. Check with your sister and keep me posted.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll be there regardless, and I’ll support your decision either way.”
CHAPTER 47
ALARIC
The Keeping it in the Family with Formula 1 panel arranged by the F1 marketing admins is ridiculous. I stand by that statement. As expected, my participation is not optional. Likewise, the drivers are required to attend because of their contracts. Evangeline, Aurelia, and maybe one other person in the lineup may be the only participants who could opt out of this charade.
At least she’s making extra money and can reduce the number of lives she hosts over the next few weeks.
The flouncy black skirt she’s paired with a Granata-red T-shirt sparks all sorts of ideas in my imagination. She spent extra time doing her hair and makeup this morning, and while she looks beautiful, I can’t help but resent losing what I thought was guaranteed cuddle time when her alarm went off even earlier than mine.
“I miss you already.” Leaning against the wall near the front doors of my building, I snag her hand and pull her back to me.
She shakes her head, laughing, and gently frees herself from my hold. “We’re going to the same place.”
Hands in my pockets, I duck, focusing on my feet. All morning, this niggling in my gut hasn’t left me alone. I don’t want to do this.
Scratch that: I don’t want Evangeline to have to do this.
In just a few hours, she’s going to walk onto a stage and confront her tactless, spiteful ex-boyfriend in front of dozens of cameras, and there’s not a damn thing I can do to protect her.
I’m not looking forward to seeing Luca either.
But the need to keep Evangeline close—to beg her to sit this one outand let me take care of the money she’s owed so we can be done with this mess once and for all—is overwhelming. So much so that I have to visualize cinderblocks strapped to my feet to keep myself grounded.
When a car pulls into the portico, the license plate matching the car I ordered for her, she tips her chin toward the exit. “That’s me.”
I push off the wall and step into her personal space, cupping her face. “I’m sorry in advance for anything hard or stressful that happens today.”
She raises both eyebrows. “We both know what we have to do when we’re at the paddock,” she reminds me. “Sure, it’ll be hard, but this event will be over before lunchtime. Plus, I’ll be back here tonight.”
That eases the tension in my shoulders a little. “You’re sure staying in again is okay?”
I don’t know who I am right now. The anxiety about this event is getting to me. “We could sneak down to the marina if you want to have dinner on the water. Or I could?—”
She cuts me off with a kiss, then pops up on her tiptoes to press her forehead into mine. “Staying in is perfect.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say the words I’ve been ruminating over all morning.
I love her.
I’minlove with her.
I want to be the person and place she craves for the rest of her days.
But I stop myself from uttering the words, just like I have a dozen times this morning. We’re both under extra pressure today. This is not the time or place to share a love confession, no matter how strongly the conviction presses against my chest.
