Page 27 of Jump Start

“You come as my girlfriend.”

She tapped her nose with her index finger, exaggerating as she mulled it over. “Hmm…interesting proposition you have there, Jackson.”

The room was silent, to me at least. I couldn’t hear anything but the hesitation in my breath as I waited for her response.

I went to speak but she put her finger on my mouth. “Yes.”

See where not being a coward gets you?

Thirteen

Harper

“Ready, Allenwright?” Thomas asked as he monitored his reverse camera, backing out of the Echidna Racing parking lot.

I nodded. “Sure, why not? It’s every girl’s dream to go to a racing weekend, is it not?”

That earned me a scoff from the driver’s seat.

We were headed to Sydney Motorsport Park, for a sprint race that had the potential to earn Thomas significant points in the championship, should he find himself in the top five. Thomas and his team had been prepping for weeks leading up to it; testing the cars, reworking the engine, and strategising. I was always so impressed by the sheer professionalism and teamwork required for a race team. I know ‘team’ is in the word; however, seeing it in person was a whole other story. After a short drive from the Echidna headquarters, we arrived at the racing precinct. For the duration of the weekend, we would be staying in accommodation provided by the team. Thomas was slightly annoyed he couldn’t just drive home; however, Chris made a compelling point on why he would need to stay.

“Mate, you’ll be wrecked after quali and practise. You’re not going to want to drive home.”

***

We arrived late Friday evening. Saturday would be filled with practice, qualifying, and race meetings, and, of course, the race on Sunday. Thomas had filled me in on what to expect for the weekend, but I was grateful that I had Holly to hang out with since Thomas would not be around much.

I sat down on the bed provided in the luxurious trailer we had been given.

“I’m exhausted already,” I said with a yawn.

Thomas stood next to the bed, placing our bags on the floor. “I don’t see how. You haven’t done a thing.”

I poked my tongue out at him, grabbed his hand and pulled him down onto the bed, pinning him underneath me.

“I’m glad you’re here, I’m just sorry that we won’t get to spend a lot of time together,” he said, rubbing his hands up and down my back while effectively releasing me from my bra, and then my top. I shook both off, the cool air conditioning raising goosebumps on my skin.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” I leant down and kissed him as his hands wandered slowly over my body.

“I know you’re fine. Just look at you, Harper.”

His voice vibrated against my neck as I struggled with the waistband of his pants.

“So impatient tonight,” he spoke low, looking down his body at me.

“Shhh,” I whispered as I bent down, taking him in my mouth.

***

The next morning started with the abrupt and shrill sound of Thomas’s alarm.

“For the love of…” I grumbled as I tried to pry my eyes open. Turning the bedside lamp on, I noticed that he was already up and dressed well before his alarm.

“You’re ready?” I questioned as I sat up in the bed, aware that my hair would be poofy and sticking out in various directions.

He smirked and leant down to kiss me. “Yep, pre-race briefing and press to do. Come down to the garage when you can. Just remember, there’s film crews in and out all day so be prepared.”

I lay back down for a few moments, head-first into the pillows, and groaned. Even though I worked in the media world, having to contend with the other side was something I had yet to get used to. I heard a light thump on the bedside table next to my head and stretched my eyes open again.

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