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“I like the confidence.”

“It’s not only that. More like I’ve thought about it so much it feels inevitable. Like I’ve already lived it so many times in my head.”

Pride surges through me. I can’t wait to watch Jameson drive. It’s nerve-racking and dangerous but also thrilling. After everything he’s done, he deserves this. Maybe he was born into that, but he’s also worked his ass off and sacrificed.

“I better go,” I decide, tugging out of his grasp. “I’m going to watch final prep in the paddock.” I can catch the last steps before the cars set off.

“I’ll start in the garage and grab a bite to eat. Somehow, I’m starving.” Jameson’s voice is rough, and my stomach flips at the thought of what we were doing this morning that made him so hungry.

“I can grab you something before I leave,” I promise, heading to the team catering area. Food at the academy is decent but this is next level. Everything from pastries to eggs to full farmer’s breakfast. Carafes of freshly brewed coffee, piping hot.

I grab coffees for me, Megan, and Eden and mash them into a quad tray. Then I start to pile food onto a plate. Eggs, bacon, pancakes. A sandwich for Jameson. When I knock a container of jam on the floor, I drop to my knees to collect it.

“It was dismissed. It can’t come up again.”

“There’s no reason it would.”

Voices near the doorway have me stilling.

“We dodged a bullet. No more mistakes, especially today.”

That voice.

I’ve heard it on television. In person.

The hairs on my neck lift.

“Is someone here?”

I plaster myself against the floor, trying to make myself smaller. I don’t know what will happen if I’m caught, but it won’t be good.

The voices disappear down the hall. I sneak back out, my heart pounding the entire time.

“You okay?” Jameson’s voice cuts through my haze when I get back to the garage.

I nod, then realize why he’s looking so oddly at me. “They were out of breakfast sandwiches.”

“Coffee too.” His gaze drops to my empty hands clasped in front of me.

“Oh. Yeah.” I nod stiltedly even though the half dozen carafes dance in my mind. “I have to go.”

He starts to say something more, but I practically sprint toward the grid. I watch the jewel-toned cars dotting the asphalt. What I overheard replays in my mind, an unwanted soundtrack on what’s otherwise a glorious day.

Luca materializes next to me, leaning on the rail at the side of the paddock.

Most students and ARI employees would probably wish to stand this close to him, but my palms are sweating.

“I was wrong about you,” he starts. “At first, I thought you were a nuisance. But you’ve shown me you were meant to be here.”

I turn and blink at him in disbelief.

In Vegas, he wanted me gone. Now he looks conciliatory.

“You don’t mean that.” There’s a tremor under my voice that betrays me.

As much as he makes me uncomfortable, I want him to mean it. Everything would be easier if he did.

“There’s no denying my son’s feelings for you. The question is whether you’re loyal.”