Page 71 of Formula Chance

As for who will take Matthieu’s seat? That’s up to the team now. I trust Brienne, Luca and Bex to make the right decision. They’re already talking about Francesca Accardi, and I know whoever they choose will bring fresh energy to the team. Titans Racing is in good hands.

But none of that compares to what’s been eating at me since Bex resigned. The moment she walked away, it hit me with a clarity I’ve never experienced before. I simply can’t lose her. Not just as my strategist, but as my partner. It’s taken me far too long to admit it, but I’m done hiding. Done letting fear hold me back. It’s time to take a page from her book and play the odds, risk and reward.

The door creaks open, and my pulse spikes when I turn to see her standing there. Bex looks tired but beautiful, her blond hair pulled into a loose braid over her shoulder, a hesitant smile on her lips. Her presence fills the room, and I turn off the Batak.

“Hey,” she says softly, stepping inside.

“Hey,” I reply, my voice rough with the weight of everything I’ve been holding in. “How did the meeting go?”

“Good,” she says with a smile. “Francesca is the first pick and they’re going to make her an offer.”

“I think that’s a great decision.” And secretly, I hope that rubs Hendrik raw when he hears the news. He’s a misogynist through and through, believing there is no room on the team for women. No telling what Matthieu will think about it, but I imagine it will be a devastating blow. No sympathy here though.

Bex walks closer, fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. “I wanted to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything,” she says, her voice trembling slightly. “For calling Brienne. For fighting for me. For… risking everything when you didn’t have to.”

I take two steps and meet her. “I did have to, Bex. I couldn’t sit back and let you walk away. Not from your career, not from me.”

I see the flicker of vulnerability all over her face. “Nash…”

“I mean it,” I cut in, my voice firm. I cup her cheeks so she’s forced to keep her focus on me. “I’ve spent so much time building walls, telling myself I couldn’t take the risk. That getting close again would hurt too much. But I’m done with that. You’re worth every risk, every ounce of fear. And just like you do in your job, I had to weigh the odds. Risk versus reward, right?”

She nods, tears welling in her eyes. One slips free and I brush it away with my thumb.

“I realized the reward of being with you far outweighs any risk. I love you, Bex. I always have, even when I was too stubborn or scared to admit it. And I’m done letting fear dictate my life. Coming back to racing was my first step. Choosing you is my next.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that to me again,” she murmurs.

“I want to spend my life with you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “Not just as your partner, but as your champion. Your rock. I’ll stand by you, support you, and make damn sure you never feel like you’re in this alone. I’ll put you first, always. Because you’re it for me, Bex. You always have been.”

Her breath hitches, and she lowers her forehead to my chest. “I love you too,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “And I want that. A life with you. You’ve always been the one for me, Nash. Even when I tried to convince myself otherwise.”

I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly as the weight of the past few days melts away. She’s here, in my arms, and for the first time in years, everything feels right.

“Second chances,” she murmurs against my chest.

“And this time, we don’t let go,” I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, wrapping my arms tighter. She feels perfect here in my embrace, right where she belongs. But a thought sparks in my mind—a daring, impulsive idea that feels so right it makes my heart race faster than any car I’ve ever driven.

“We need to do something,” I murmur, pulling back just enough to see her face.

Her brows knit together in curiosity, and she swipes away another stray tear. “Like what?”

“You’ll see,” I reply with a mischievous smile, taking her hand and lacing our fingers together.

“Nash…,” she starts, but I don’t give her a chance to argue.

“Trust me,” I say, tugging her gently toward the door.

We leave the recreation room and make our way through the halls, earning a few curious glances as we pass. When we step outside, the crisp air hits us, but I barely notice. All I can think about is what’s ahead.

Bex looks up at me in confusion as I lead her to my car. With my signing bonus I’d purchased a sleek Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and she sits gleaming under the late-afternoon sun, which isn’t seen all that often in England at this time of year. Bex stops in her tracks, tilting her head. “Where are we going?”

“That’s all you have to say?” I ask with a laugh.

“What should I say?” she asks, confused.

---