Page 99 of Racing for Redemption
“Just be careful, okay? Whatever it is.”
The rest of the flight passes in relative silence. When we land in Dubai, the heat hits us like a wall as we exit the plane. I really hate this weather.
William falls into step beside me as we walk through the terminal.
“What’s the plan?” he asks, voice neutral, expression anything but.
“Blake and I have meetings with potential sponsors all afternoon,” I reply. “You’re free until your media commitments tomorrow.”
“So, I’ll see you later?”
The question hangs between us.
“I don’t know,” I say, knowing I’m just here in passing, then I’m off to more meetings in Europe, and won’t be on the road with the team for a couple of weeks. Then I add, “I have aridiculously busy week, and you should focus on the PR things marketing handed you, so…”
Blake appears at my side with our transportation details, and William takes the hint, nodding a polite goodbye before heading toward the taxi stand. I watch him go, the distance between us growing with each step.
“Ready?” Blake asks, his expression carefully neutral.
I nod, turning away from William’s retreating figure. The taxi is waiting, the air conditioning a blessed relief from the Dubai heat. As we pull away from the airport, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
William:Left something in your room this morning. Please tell me you picked it up.
I smile despite myself, fingers hovering over the screen. Before I can reply, another message appears.
William:Also, you look really hot in that leather jacket.
Heat rises to my face. I glance at Blake, but he’s focused on his own phone, seemingly oblivious.Gosh, he’s not holding back anymore, is he?
Me:I found your watch. And thanks.
Three dots appear immediately, then:
William:Hold on to it. The watch was an excuse. I just want to see you.
His honesty disarms me. No games, no pretense. Just simple want.
Me:I’ll be away for a couple of weeks. I didn’t tell you, because it made no sense, but now that we’re… in this arrangement… I’ll see you again for the triple header in Europe, starting in Imola. Please behave while I’m away.
William:Always.
Me:Can we move that concert to the end of the season? It'll get hectic in the next couple of months. I doubt I'll have a breather.
William:You're killing me here… So many awesome shows to go to, and you say end of the season? But okay. It's a deal.
Me:Deal. Stay safe.
I put my phone away, but the warmth of his messages lingers. I pull it back out and open a different conversation.
Me:I did something crazy last night.
Anna replies almost instantly:!!!! Tell me everything. Who? What? How good?
I smile, typing quickly:William. And… very good. Too good. Divine, even.
Anna:OMG YOUR DRIVER??? VIOLET COLTON, YOU MINX!!!!
Me:It was only supposed to be once. To get it out of our systems.
