Page 128 of Downforce

“That’s enough of that.”

Harry looks back to me, amusement lighting his eyes. “Well since you haven’t introduced us yet, I assumed it was up to me to do it.” He moves closer.

“Harry, this is Annalise.” I look down at Annalise, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. “Babe, this is Harry Adams, my mate.”

“Friend who beat you in the 2015 and 2016 British Kart Championships. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Harry.”

Three heads swivel in Annalise’s direction.

I laugh because I should’ve known she would know who he was as soon as we walked in the door. There’s not much she doesn’t know when it comes to my sport.

“The pleasure belongs to me,” Harry says before looking over at me, his smile visibly cooling. “For you, I’m not so certain yet.”

My shoulders slump. “It’s been a while.”

Annalise steps out of my embrace, giving me the space.

“A while?” he huffs. “Did you forget how to count while over there at Amato?” He shakes his head. “No. Judging by your current standing on the grid this season, you know how to count just fine.”

“You’ve been watching this season?” That is a surprise.

He nods. “Proud of you for finally going where you belong.”

Words evade me.

“You’ve been missed,” he says, his tone conveying how genuine he is.

I step closer, squatting in front of his chair. “I’ve missed you and this place even more,” I tell him honestly.

“Been too long.”

I agree, but the lump in my throat stops words from saying more. Instead, I reach out and hug Harry for the first time in a long time. Relief floods me when he wraps his arms around my shoulders as well.

We remain in a hug for longer than I’d planned.

“Patrick volunteered to show me around the track. Apparently, there are some young future F1 hopefuls here today, practicing,” Annalise says, smiling at me before following the employee, whose name is apparently Patrick, out of the door.

I watch her through the windows as they round the building, headed toward the track.

“She’s smart.” Harry comes up beside me.

I nod, agreeing, knowing she left to give us time to be alone even though I hadn’t asked.

“She’s also your teammate’s sister, no?”

I peer down at him.

“Does he still hate you?”

“Probably,” I answer.

“Does he know about the two of you?”

“Not yet.”

Harry whistles. “I guess I can see why you’re having such a banger of a season.” He laughs when I give him a look. “Everyone sees it. Most suspect that things just clicked for you when you went over to Amato. Like it was your destiny.”

“You don’t?” I question.