Page 25 of Formula Chance

“I will,” he says, his tone shifting slightly. “But that’s not why I wanted to talk.”

Here it comes. I brace myself, expecting him to lay into me for our argument—or worse, for our past. But when he speaks, his voice is calm, almost thoughtful.

“I want to put the past behind us, Bex,” he says, meeting my gaze. “We’re going to be working together, and I don’t want… whatever this is between us to get in the way.”

I blink, his words not what I anticipated. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” he says. “I know I was angry back then—hell, we were both angry. But that was three years ago. We were young, and we both handled things badly. It’s time to move on.”

His honesty disarms me, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say. “I don’t know if it’s that easy,” I admit. “We didn’t just fight, Nash. We imploded. And when I tried to visit you in the hospital—” I break off, swallowing hard. “When you told me to get out… that was hatred in your voice. I’ve never heard anything like that before.”

He winces, a shadow crossing his face. “I was… in a bad place. I’m sorry for that, Bex. I really am. There was never any hate. Not then, not now. I handled things badly in lots of ways.”

His apology is unexpected, and it loosens something inside me. “I wasn’t perfect either,” I say quietly. “I threw the ring at you. I couldn’t see reason. I ended things without giving us a chance to fix it.”

“We were both at fault,” he says simply. “At least that’s what my parents believe, but I think they have a point. We were young and not dealing with the pressure very well—your career, my fame. It was a lot.”

I nod, feeling the truth of his words. “Honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing when I think about how I acted sometimes.”

Nash chuckles, offering me a sheepish smile. “I was the same way and the reason I know that is how different I am now.”

Something about his tone has me guessing. “The fire?”

He nods. “Yeah. I think I changed a lot after that. It… put things into perspective.”

I glance away, the gravity of his words settling over me, and I consider how extraordinary this interaction is. When I left his hospital room, I never thought we’d be able to have a civil conversation again. “Maybe this is closure,” I say, meeting his gaze. “For both of us.”

“Maybe it is,” he agrees. “But let’s not overthink it. Let’s just focus on working together and being adults about it.”

I smile faintly, the tension between us easing for the first time in years. “I think I can handle that.”

“Good,” he says, his lips twitching into a half smile. “Because I’m not planning to argue with you again. It’s exhausting.”

I laugh, the sound lightening the moment. “You? Not argue? I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Before he can respond, a posh, familiar voice cuts through the crowd. “Nash Sinclair, I demand a fucking kiss.”

We both turn to see Lex Hamilton striding toward us, looking every bit the star driver in a perfectly tailored navy suit and crisp white shirt. Beside him is a petite brunette in a flowing, emerald-green gown, her dark brown hair styled in loose waves.

Nash and I both stand. Backslaps and a kiss to my cheek, Lex looks between us with part wonder and part amusement. He’s one of the drivers on the circuit who knows our history. “Never thought I’d see this reunion.”

Nash gives me what can only be construed as a tender smile. “Neither did we, but we’re all about new beginnings.”

Lex beams and squeezes Nash’s shoulder. “I’m so fucking happy you’re back in FI.” He then turns to me. “And you… always knew you’d be a big strategy star. Congrats, Bex.”

“Thanks, Lex,” I reply warmly. “It’s a dream for sure.”

Lex tugs on the woman beside him, his arm going around her waist. His entire demeanor changes, his expression almost sappy. “Nash… Bex… this is my girlfriend, Posey.”

I’m the first to react, offering my hand. “I’ve obviously heard a bit about your story in the press. Sounds like Lex lucked out meeting you.”

Posey blushes. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. He’s told me all about your rise through motorsports. I love seeing a strong woman in a man’s world.”

“Careful,” Lex says, offering me a wink. “You might end up as a heroine in one of her books.”

“That would be awesome,” I exclaim with a laugh.

Nash leans between us, putting his hand out. “I’m Nash Sinclair.”

---