Page 71 of Fast & Reckless
He could see from Mira’s expression that she felt the sting of that dismissal and he itched with frustration. He wanted to introduce her properly, but if he did, he’d be outing their relationship in a pretty public way, andshewas the one who didn’t want that.
“It’s very nice to meet you all,” she said. “Enjoy the race.”
She was being the brisk professional she was with everyone in the paddock, and he didn’t like it. But it was too late, because she’d already turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Up until today, he’d been okay with keeping them under wraps. There was a lot on the line for both of them. If they were going to crash and burn, better to do it out of the public eye. But he wasn’t comfortable with hiding anymore. If Jem knew they were dating, she’d go mad. She’dloveMira. Mira would love Jem. Ed would have a field day relaying all the details to Clarissa. If they went public, they could both stop lying to Violet. Paul Wentworth wouldn’t send his daughter on fruitless cockblocking missions.
Did all this mean he was ready for more with her, whatever that meant? He didn’t know, but one thing was certain, he wasn’t going to figure it out in a bunch of late-night hotel hookups, no matter how fun they were. He needed more time with her. Hewantedmore time. That alone told him plenty. He’d never wanted more with anyone.
“Will?” Jem said quietly. “Is everything okay?”
He smiled at his sister. “Yeah, everything is fine. Come this way, guys.”
As they made their way through the low-key chaos of the race paddock, his mother was making that face of hers, and Will could feel himself already getting defensive.
“She’s been in a mood since we left London,” Jem muttered, falling into step beside him. “Spoiling for a row, if you ask me. So don’t give her one.”
“Why do you thinkIwould, Jem?”
“Because I see that look on your face, baby brother. Watch it, mate.”
“I’ll be fine. She’s the one who needs to watch it. Her and Dad both.”
He ushered all of them up the steps and into his motor home, where his parents glanced around in confusion.
“Can I get you a drink?” he asked almost desperately. “Ed? Jem?”
“A beer would be brilliant,” Ed said.
“Have you got something fizzy?” Jem peered over his shoulder as he opened the fridge.
“Is champagne fizzy enough for you?”
“Ooh, champagne isperfect!” He passed her a bottle of Moët, a sponsor gift.
“Jemima, it’s not even lunch time,” his mother admonished.
“That’s why I’m drinkingchampagne, Mum. Much more appropriate for brunch than whiskey, don’t you think?”
Will snorted in laughter and his father scowled at him. “Mum, Dad, anything?”
“No, thank you,” his mother huffed, answering for the both of them.
“This is rather posh, Will,” Jem said, running her fingers over a glossy wood table. “Quite a step up from last year.” Jem and Ed had come to watch him drive in a few of his Formula E races, but not his parents. Not after that fight three years ago.
“This is just a Lennox perk, and only for the European races. Not complaining though. It’s nice to have some privacy on the track.”
“Do youlivein here, then?” his mother asked, askance.
“Of course not, Mum. My hotel suite is in Buckingham. I’ve also got my flat in London, but I’m not there much during the season. I stay in hotels on the road.”
His mother shook her head. “Still living out of a suitcase, like some refugee, at your age.”
“Mum—” Jem sighed, but Will cut her off before she could continue.
“I’m not living out of a suitcase, Mum. I’mtravelingfor mywork, which is racing.”
“Mum,” Ed interjected, “Will’s one of the best drivers in the world. Have you picked up a bloody paper this season?”
