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“Maybe just a tad.” Violet giggled.
The car pulled into the lot. Leslie’s restaurant greeted them with sparkling fairy lights dotting the walkway and a soft, warm glow emanating from each window.
The place was packed when they entered. Violet had imagined it’d be quiet, except for the low murmur of conversations and maybe a few clinking glasses. She didn’t expect the boisterous laughter and celebrations reverberating throughout the restaurant.
“It’s different than I expected.”
Franco chuckled. “It’s not usually like this. They rented the whole place for the Victor’s Dinner.”
Violet’s eyes widened. “The whole place?”
“Yep.” Franco smiled. “They’ve got a nice dance floor if you’re not too tired.” He winked at her. “Our team will join us soon, along with lots of sponsors, their staff and family, journalists, and others. Oh, and some of the other teams will be here to congratulate us too.”
“Oh wow,” Violet exclaimed. “I had no idea how big this was.”
Franco smiled, wrapped his arm around her, and leaned in for a kiss.
The moment they entered the dining hall, cheers and whistles filled the room. Franco shook hands with many of the sponsors and the other guests. Cameras flashed in unison as journalists seized photo opportunities.
Franco leaned into Violet. “I need to make a celebratory speech. Will you accompany me?” he whispered into her ear.
“Of course,” Violet replied.
Franco moved his hand across her waist and down her arm, clasping his warm fingers around hers. Her nerves ignited at his touch, sending a flood of emotions through her.
Despite the chaos surrounding her, in that one moment, all she could think about was Franco. His touch. His kiss was soft and gentle. His warm lips trailed down her neck, across her bare skin. His body intertwined with hers. She summoned her inner strength. It was all she could do to lower the heat of her raging desire.
One glance into Franco’s face told her he sensed her burning need, and her cheeks flushed. She strained to look away to focus on anything else and push those passions back for now.
Franco cupped her chin in his hand and turned her face toward his. His dark eyes pierced hers. Then, he leaned in and kissed her right there in front of everyone. Violet’s cheeks warmed, and Franco chuckled. It made her tiger stir.
They finally made their way to the front of the room, where a short platform sat. A few instruments and chairs were near the back of the stage, and a microphone stand was at the front. A man in a suit and tie stood there, smiling down at them.
“And here he is, folks! The man of the hour. Let’s hear it for Franco Zellar!”
Franco kissed Violet’s hand before stepping onto the stage. She watched with pride as he approached the microphone and shook the man’s hand. Then, he took the mic in hand, gave her a wink, and cleared his throat.
Just as Violet contemplated what he might say, Franco’s voice filled the room.
“Thank you, everyone. We’ve had a great season, and today’s race was fantastic. Yet I couldn’t have done it without my team’s help,” Franco began. “My chief mechanic Cornel and the rest of my team did a great job keeping the car in tip-top shape and ready to race. In addition, my team and management were all wonderful in putting together a great schedule and always keeping me on my toes.”
Everyone laughed and clapped. Violet could only assume he referred to all the hard work they put in to ensure a great turnout and race.
Although she considered that maybe there was something humorous that she was missing. Perhaps she’d ask Franco about it later if she remembered. But, of course, she figured she’d always find out at some point anyway. So, maybe she’d just leave it be for now and get to know everyone better.
“And, of course, I could never forget the support I received from all my wonderful sponsors,” Franco continued. “MTP Oil, Hebron Archery, and all the guys and gals at Deuces Wild who’ve been there since the beginning.”
He paused, and the crowd ignited into a slurry of cheers and whistles.
“And the Better Beans Company too! You guys all rock!” Franco pointed a hand toward a large group of men in the far corner. Some clapped. Others cheered and hooted their approval.
It was not what Violet would’ve expected in a fine restaurant. She was sure of that, but perhaps this was how things were in racing, especially winning. A thought crossed her mind, and Violet searched the crowd for beer mugs. She giggled at herself when she didn’t see any.
Violet listened as Franco continued rambling on the names of all the major companies who sponsored him. There were so many of them. She never would’ve guessed there’d be so much involved. She figured it was just a handful, but no. There was a lengthy list.
She peered into the crowd. Loads of smiles and cheers. Some clapped. Several others raised their wine glasses toward Franco before clicking them together and drinking.
“Finally,” Franco continued. “I’d like to thank a beautiful lady who has entered my life, Violet Carney.”
