Page 45 of Jump Start

I rolled my eyes. How could he just ask me that so casually?

“That’s a strange way to ask someone to move in with you,” I said, turning to face him, toothbrush in my hand.

“What’s your answer?”

“One life-changing offer at a time, please,” my reply sarcastic and short.

“You should move in with me. We could drive to work together and flirt in the office all day.”

“Some of us would actually have to work for a living,” I joked, hoping for levity when I added, “It’s a no. For now, anyway. You live in the middle of nowhere and I’m a city girl.” I couldn’t help but notice the slight change in his face. Disappointment.

The idea of living with Thomas in his big, beautiful house was attractive, and so was being driven to work every day. I would think about it. Better not to give in too easily.

Twenty-two

Thomas

Great. After our discussion in the bathroom, all I could think about was Harper living with me, waking up together, and working on my baby together. Okay, now that was a bit of a stretch. Why did I even have that house if I didn’t share it with someone? She could take over as many rooms as she wanted with her collection of killer stiletto heels.

I had to stop myself. She needed time to think, and I didn’t want to put any pressure on her.

My alarm woke us both up early as fuck, as it usually did on race day.

“Arghhh,” Harper grumbled as she fought with her pillow to cover her ears. I loved watching her wake up in the morning. Her mood was foul, but to me, it was gorgeous on her.

“Never mind, Your Highness, please go back to sleep.” A few minutes later, without any further argument, she was lightly snoring, her lips slightly parted as she lay on her back.

I closed the hotel room door with a smile as Harper’s soft snores farewelled me. I wouldn’t see her now until after the race, depending on when she would make her way down to the garage. I knew she had a lot to consider this weekend, so I hoped she would relax and think things through.

I arrived at the Echidna catering tent only to be greeted bymost of the team already sitting down eating.

“What the hell, guys?” I raised both hands in the air. They must of all rolled out of bed and gone straight to catering.

Holly yelled out and patted the empty seat next to her. I nodded and went to grab juice and some porridge, my no-fail race day breakfast. I could barely eat, but skipping food on a day like today would be a very stupid move on my part.

I was feeling mentally strong; my fitness was right up there, and my form had been pretty consistent. In most of the races this year, I was coming either first, third, or fifth. I could do without the fifth place, but it served as motivation to keep pushing.

I strolled over to Holly and sat down beside her.

“No Harps?” I shook my head. She would usually come with me to breakfast, but I had a feeling she stayed awake for a while last night, her thoughts probably driving her wild.

“She’s having a sleep-in, big week.” No one else needed to know about the job offer yet. Plus, I was certain Harper would slap me silly if I decided to out her business.

“That’s fair. I hope her dad’s doing okay. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” Holly had become a good friend to Harps. I was grateful to her from the beginning.

With breakfast over rather quickly, it was time for the driving briefings before practice. Since Will’s suspension from the team pending drug and medical assessments, Landon was filling his place, which he was incredibly excited and nervous about. As a reserve driver, there weren’t many opportunities to get behind the wheel, but when you did, it was a feeling like no other.

My engineer, Tony, led us both into the driver’s side of the car trailers for the briefing.

“Jacko, you’re focussing on keeping your pace. There’s a chance you could be a top three championship contender if your points are consistent this weekend.”

I nodded. I felt the pressure, but it was manageable. It was no worse than the pressure I put on myself already.

“Landon, mate, do the best you can. I know you haven’t been in a race car for a while, so listen to your engineer, ask questions where you need to, and have fun.”

I put my hand on Landon’s shoulder briefly because, to be honest, he looked like he was shitting himself.

After another half hour or so of briefings, it was time to make our way to the garage. Perched on top of a stool, like the cherry on top of a cake, was Harper. She smiled from ear to ear when she saw me. I opened my arms to her. “Thought you’d be asleep. This is a surprise.”

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