Page 110 of Start Your Engines

“That’s all I needed to hear. On it, boss.” His wink isn’t subtle, but I’m the only one looking into his eyes due to the unexpected Irish dancing and kicking up of his legs he’s performing.

“Can I join them?” Macca asks.

I roll my eyes, although that tickling smile is a full beam now. “Have at it, mate.”

My nose itches, and a lump forms in my throat. I’ve helped develop a team that manages their pre-race anxiety by having fun and not by fighting and shouting. Based on the stares from pit crews peeking through our open garage doors, it’s unusual, but it works.

“Are you okay?” Jacs asks. Tawny giggles as she high-fives the pit crew.

“I don’t want to lose this because my dad wouldn’t believe in me. In just over a week, this crew could be broken up with Tawny kicked out because Antoine and his dad or some other piece of shit buys the team. And Connor loves racing now and wants to make this team great. I want this to be the future for all of us,” I say as Connor jumps on someone’s back. “Oi,” I shout, pointing at him to get back on the ground.

“Sorry, boss,” he shouts and obeys, but his smile remains.

“Sen, being in the top six doesn’t mean anything to your dad, because he’s already made his decision, but it means something to your family, your team. We are doing it for each other, but more importantly, we’re doing it for you because you’re the best boss we’ve ever had. No matter what happens next, you made something amazing, okay?”

That’s when the tears fall. I’ve never been happier because, win or lose, I’ve found a family who truly believes in me, and there’s nothing more I want.

“Connor told me he’s taking you out tonight,” she says, handing me a tissue.

“He wants me to turn my phone off. He says I need to relax more than ever, especially after hearing about my dad and his scare. He doesn’t want that to happen to me.”

“He’s got a point, and we can manage without you. If there’s an emergency, I’ll call Connor. Okay?”

I grip her hand tightly. “Okay. Love you, Jacs.”

“Love you, too, Sen.”

I check my watch and raise my voice above the music. “Right, enough of this shit. We’ve got a podium to get. It’s tradition time.”

Our new ritual replaced Connor’s compulsive preparations before he got in the car, but it was also to celebrate what we have and not be another team ruled by fear.

“Everyone, a cheer for Tawny.” The crew cheers. “A cheer for Connor.” The crew cheers. “And a cheer for all of you. Because we’re all brilliant.”

“She forgot someone,” one of the crew shouts. She’s new and the quietest one, but she can holler. “A cheer for the best boss.”

The garage goes wild, cheering like they’re at a concert. I shake my head before I throw it back and laugh. “You’re a bunch of dicks. Now let’s do this.”

Jacs has a quick word with Tawny as I give Connor his earbuds.

“You can do this. I believe in you more than anyone and anything,” I say to him. I want to kiss him, but I can’t here. “Now get ready, and don’t forget to listen to your song.”

“Yes, baby,” he whispers. I shiver from head to toe. “I’d never forget the song the most beautiful woman in the world found for me because she always thought about me like I thought about her.”

It’s not a kiss to my lips but one to my heart. He walks backwards, his stare never leaving mine, and I press the heel of my palm to my chest.

As we reach my corridor after the awesome date Connor arranged, I lean up and ghost Connor’s lips with mine. His hands wrap around me, and I whisper against his mouth, “I’m so proud of you today. Your driving was intense, and your support and the discussions with Tawny are helping her, too.”

“It’s all for you and the team, baby. And well done for relaxing tonight. I’m glad you let me look after you. I’ve had no calls. The team functioned fine without you.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss. His murmur is filled with words of adoration. I might be about to lose my team, but I will return from that, especially with Connor by my side.

A clearing throat makes us turn to the door of my suite. Niki sits on the floor, his eyes pinched and his mouth tight.

“What the fuck?” Niki snaps.

CHAPTER 53

Senna

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