Page 31 of Fast Track to Forever
I strike the iron while it's hot. “Can we go somewhere more private? I need to talk to you.”
She nods and walks towards the house. I'm aware of everyone's gazes and I frankly don't care.
She settles on a sitting area, not the main lounge. Public but private. Undecided. She oozes onto the leather sofa and tucks her legs under her. The barely-there dress rides up, showing her thighs, and I gasp, but try to mask it with a cough.
I sit down next to her. This is going to be painfully uncomfortable. “I think someone is trying to sabotage both your family and mine. And our relationship.”
My words shatter the silence.
She narrows her eyes. “This sounds very far-fetched, Will. Very cloak and dagger. Someone planting the mouse. Someone leaving the one-star reviews.”
I pick up her hand and bring it to my lips, then put it on my bare chest, holding it there with my own. “While racing, I've made lots of enemies. If I win, others lose. Money, sponsorships. I'm not saying it's them, but there are plenty of people who want to see me out. And what better way than to do the dirty on my family? And the family of the woman I love. “
She shudders. I’ve kept my distance for so long, but now is my chance to tell her exactly how I feel. I can’t give up on us. Not now, not ever.
“I want you to know that my feelings haven't changed. I love you. I need you.”
Kat looks down, her hand still on my chest. Her voice is a whisper. “I love you too. I trust you.”
I nod and envelop her in my arms. “We need to find out who's behind all of this.”
“Glad to see you lovebirds made up!” Daryl’s head appears around the corner and Kat squeaks. My arms clench tighter around her, and Daryl’s eyebrows bounce up and down a few times. “Time for a game of Uno, me thinks.”
I sigh, ready to protest, but Kat unfolds from the couch and pulls me up with her. “I would love a game of Uno. We could have our little side bet, Will.” She winks at me.
“Game oooonn!” I shout.
Kat
Will'sgreen eyes dart from his cards to me and the others. Smugly, he puts down a +2. I shout Uno and put down another +2. John grumpily picks up four cards. When it's my turn, I put down my last card and everyone claps. I kiss Will on the cheek and head off to the side, to let them battle it out. And to plot what Will owes me for our side bet.
“Kat, babe, you thrashed them! Love it!” Big Seb’s wife Christelle is arranging some asparagus rolls and cheese rolls on a platter.
I chuckle. “Haven't played in ages. Shame you couldn't join us.”
“Nah, one of the kids wanted cuddles.”
“Do you need any help?”
“Maybe you can carry this tray, and I'll carry this other one.” She points at a charcuterie platter.
I grab the tray and follow her outside towards the pool. I glance back towards Will and blow him a kiss. I came tonight specifically to see him. It’s going to make my parents so angry, but I can’t help it. We’re meant to be.
“So you and Will, eh?”
“Yep. What do you think?”
“Long time coming really. He's had a crush on you since forever.”
We put the platters on the table, and Christelle rearranges the napkins. She's always been a perfectionist.
“Everyone keeps saying that. I… never knew. Never noticed.”
Christelle smiles and winks. “Sometimes the most obvious things are right under your nose. Hey, totally unrelated, I love your bracelet.” She points at my leather wristlet and gently takes my hand to have a look.
“I made it. You know me, always tinkering.”
“You're super talented, Kat. You should open an online store. And I'm sure the local gift shops would be delighted to stock your work.”
