Page 50 of Sparks Fly
The words replay in my head.
No letting you go, Ace.
I kissed the top of her head like she was mine to kiss. Like. She. Was. Mine.
Fuck.
I feel sick to my stomach.
She’s my sons ex-girlfriend.
She wasn’t mine to kiss.
In the moment and all that.
Scrubbing my face, I am leant up against the bar waiting for our drinks.
Margaritas for the girls, bourbon for us men.
We’ve not spoke about it since, just hovered over some tables. It was just a spur of the moment thing. I knew that. She knew that.
Casting my eyes across the room, her and Rue are sitting at a high circular table, legs crossed over their knees and they’re talking whilst Anaïs scans her phone around the room.
“Sir.” The barman’s voice pulls me in and I nod, sliding him my Amex and letting him ring it up.
“Thank you,” I say as I take the margaritas first, walking them over to the girls and placing them on the table.
Anaïs thanks me, snapping a picture of their cocktails, and then I turn on my heel and grab the three bourbons. Griffin disappeared before we even walked into the casino. I’ve no idea where he went but Luke assured me he was fine and this was standard behaviour for him.
I was desperate to tell them about Cowan, but until he has signed on that dotted line, my lips must remain sealed.
Luke is a good friend. We raced together back in the day, rivals on the track, but not off it. We lived in each other’s pockets and he was there for me when I needed him most. He was like an uncle to Royce but also wasn’t afraid to give him a talking too if needed. Royce was still immature when it came to his racing. He was arrogant, like all young racers, and he definitely could do with being knocked down a peg or two. Luke’s drivers, Griffin and Marques, both do that. They make him drive better, make him never feel too comfortable behind the wheel.
Standing at the next table along with my friends, I hand them their drinks and they both thank me.
“Thank you again for dinner,” I say, taking a mouthful and groaning in appreciation.
“Not a problem, least I could do.” He holds his glass out to me, and I return my cheers. Zach is quiet and his eyes flit between me and Anaïs.
“So, spill it… there is something going on between the both of you.” He side eyes Luke, smirking.
I laugh, shaking my head as I place my glass down on the table and fold my hands into my pockets.
“There is nothing going on. Pretty girl, smart head on her shoulders, just a crossover in dates with the penthouse.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Zach laughs loudly and smacks me on the back, causing me to cough.
“Honest. Royce’s PR lady is Anaïs’ best friend. She booked the penthouse after Royce broke up with her knowing full well Royce only comes to Monaco for races or eventsifhe has to. He wouldn’t come here out of choice. I fancied a break, came to the place I love the most and to my surprise, the pretty red head was asleep in my bed.”
Luke laughs, shaking his head as he takes a mouthful.
“Maybe it was fate,” Zach pipes up.
“Or.” I raise my brow, holding my finger up. “Maybe it was just what it was… a double booking.” Rolling my eyes, I push my hand forward and grab my drink.
“Whatever, Lex.” Luke smirks. “We will see, shall we.”
“Okay, bet on her right now.” Zach rubs his hands together as the words leave his mouth.
