Page 31 of Jump Start

A look passed between them and then they both looked back at me.

I narrowed my eyes. “What?”

Chris motioned for me to have a seat next to him. “So, Thomas didn’t tell you what actually happened?” I shook my head. Chris shifted in his seat before continuing. “When Thomas heard you were sick over the radio, he finished the race and ran up to your trailer with all his gear still attached. We had to talk him out of forfeiting.”

I stared blankly at them. He certainly hadn’t mentioned anything like that. “It wasn’t a big deal though. I’m fine.”

They looked unsure about how to respond, and to be honest, I was floored by Thomas’s reaction. That, combined with how he helped me recover in such a sweet and gentle way. I think a part of me believed this was all a game, that maybe he wasn’t serious. Now, I wasn’t so sure.

Holly read it all over my face. “Girl, that boy is in love with you, and he has been from the start.”

I laughed and covered my face with my hands, unsure how to respond to that. We had certainly been closer, but a small part of me still had doubts. This was obviously something I needed to work on.

I was sipping on a coffee when Thomas parked his car in the garage.

“Hey! How are you feeling?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around me gently. I leant my head on his chest and let my weight fall against him.

“I’m fine, you silly goose. Holly and Chris told me what happened yesterday. You didn’t need to worry.”

Thomas lifted the visor of his helmet to look me in the eyes. “Yes, I did. Completely necessary.” Then he put the visor down again, even though he didn’t need to wear his helmet anymore.

“Thomas?”

“Yeah, Harps?”

“I love you.”

He squeezed me tighter. “What took you so long?”

I could get used to the caring, protective version of Thomas Henry-Jackson.

Fourteen

Harper

The drive back to Echidna headquarters consisted of me falling asleep, Thomas on the phone with Chris, and a call from my parents that I swiftly ignored. I wasn’t ready to tell them I was dating the one person I had been bitching about for weeks. There would be a time and place for that, and it wouldn’t be in the car with said person.

After Thomas dropped me back at my apartment, I contemplated doing some work before returning to the office the next day. Instead, I decided that a long ‘everything’ shower and going to bed early were way more productive.

As I tucked myself in, I reflected on the last few days with Thomas. He had shown me compassion, selflessness, and affection—all emotions I wasn’t sure he was capable of. Underneath his sarcastic and sassy exterior was a soft and kind man who would seemingly do anything for me.

The thought scared me. It had been a long time since I was in love, and I hoped I hadn’t given my heart away too soon.

***

The following week was full of dull work meetings, run-of-the-mill stories, and what felt like a whole lot of nothing. Even though working at theDailywas my dream, lately it had felt a little too routine. Perhaps that was due to me spending more time around engine oil and race cars than politicians and journalists in recent weeks.Maybe I should be looking for a job in motorsport journalism. Maybe that was what I was meant to be doing.

I wasn’t tied to theDaily. It was my first official job, it was comfortable, and it paid well. Maybe that was the problem.

As Meredith and I sat like statues in the break room, my phone rang. I gladly pulled it out of my pocket to see 'Thomas Henry—Jackson (Prick)'calling. I answered with a chuckle. “What’s so funny?” he remarked through the phone.

I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me. “Just makes me laugh that I still have you saved as ‘prick’ in my phone. Don’t worry, I don’t think you are one… now.”

“Imagine my relief,” he deadpanned.

“What is the point of this phone call, Thomas?” I waited for his response as I poked my tongue out at Meredith, who was giggling at the harmless banter between my new boyfriend and me.

“Echidna Racing is having a birthday party for Chris in the city next Saturday night and he wanted me to invite you…well, I want you to come with me.”

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