Page 141 of On The Edge

How did he go from afraid to declaring it to posting it outright?

How did I go from misery a week ago to my new boss telling me to attend the race and make sure branding for Revive was present in all aspects? I’m sure Cruz gave a little push on that, but I’m not going to say I mind.

Maybe in the future I will, but not this first race with us back together.

“Wish me luck, Madds?” he asks as he links his fingers with mine.

“I don’t think you need any wishing, but I’ll wish it anyway.” I lean in for the kiss. This time I know there are cameras around and I one hundred percent know the kiss isn’t for show. It’s in the tenderness of his lips. In the way he leans back and smiles gently at me. “Good luck, Cross. Come back to me safely and bring me home a victory.”

“I’ve already won.” Another press of his lips against mine and then a step back, another long look, before he turns on his heel and gets to work.

I sigh. I can’t help it, but I do. How? Why? I mean . . . this is real.

“You two could make anyone believe in love,” Amandine says as she steps up beside me with a dreamy look on her face.

“I take that as a huge compliment.” She hands me a headset. “Thank you.”

“Always.”

“Uh, hey,” I say as she turns.

“Hmm?”

“Is Dominic up top?” I ask, curious why I haven’t seen him lurking around the garage yet. Needing to prepare myself for the dark cloud trying to dampen my sunshine.

“Nope.”

“No?” Dominic Navarro not at a race? That’s a first.

“He’s no longer allowed in the garage area per Cruz’s instruction. I guess his paddock passes somehow got mixed up.” She winks and gives me a full-on grin before walking away.

I stare after her and then look back at where Cruz is getting buckled in.

He’s no longer allowed in the garage area per Cruz’s instruction.

Wow. It seems a lot of growing up and ownership has happened in the weeks we’ve been apart.

* * *

P1.

He won.

Cruz fucking won. He’s been so swamped with the media and the podium that I can’t wait to kiss him into infinity I’m so excited for him.

But his team matters. The people who got him there, who hold him, and who helped him, so I’m absolutely fine with standing back and letting them do their thing. I’ll gladly settle for the stolen glances and sly smiles every now and again.

Besides, I know I get him the rest of the night so I’ll bide my time.

“Team picture,” Amandine says, circling everyone up to take a picture with the trophy and the sandwich board that shows the team name and finish position.

I take a step back to get out of the way.

“No, you don’t,” she says. “You are just as much a part of this team as anyone else, Lucky Charm.”

I look at her like she’s crazy. “You think I’m joking? Get in there.”

And when I look up, Cruz is holding his hand out to me with a grin the size of Texas on his face.