Page 58 of Collided (Dirty Air 2)

Peter wraps up the meeting with a warning glance and a grumbled apology about losing his temper. Look at that. Billionaires: they’re just like us.

Rick stays behind per my request. Clearly, I need to give him direction about what I want.

“I need you to find out what McCoy’s plan is for me next season. Ask if they want to keep me or not. If yes, then find out the cost and an estimated timeframe of how long it’ll take Peter to get over his dislike for me. My patience is thinning because his attitude changes more than my car shifts gears. If McCoy doesn’t plan on offering, I want to see a report about bids from other teams.”

“And if McCoy doesn’t agree to any terms?” He taps away at his phone.

“Then do your job. It’s what you take a chunk of my signing bonus for, isn’t it?”

Rick triggers my angry side, with him continuously giving me a hard time about my relationship with Sophie and my image with McCoy. I don’t pay him as much as I do to bitch and moan about me. He earns his million dollars by putting up with my shit and finding solutions. He likes money, and I like racing. It’s a win-win situation when he motivates himself.

His dark eyes remain on mine. “I’ll get right on it. But you know McCoy is your best bet. I’ve been working Peter down, trying to keep your payout worth you staying with the team. These deals take time so give me a few more weeks.”

Everyone and their goddamn mother know McCoy rules F1 with Bandini. But I won’t compromise myself and limit opportunities for a sick race car and a best friend for a teammate. At least not unless there is a promise that Peter will relax and let me do what I do best.

“Be careful with Miss Mitchell. As much fun as she probably is, you need to think about your career. This is the very thing you’ve been working toward since you were a kid. If you keep pissing Peter off, I don’t know if I can help you. I can’t save you from every mistake.”

His words make my stomach twist. With one last glance, I step outside of the conference room to find Jax leaning against the wall.

He glances at me with wary eyes. “Hey, I thought you could use a break from this place.”

“Let’s go.” I follow him out of the McCoy motorhome, leaving behind my shitty mood.

Jax and I make our way to a local pub, hiding in a corner booth far from potential fans. We order food and drinks.

“So, what happened?”

“They got pissed about Sophie and my reputation. Blah blah, same old shit.” I tear at the label on my beer bottle while Jax watches me.

“Is there a reason for them to be worried?” His raised brow doesn’t sit well with me. I’m tired of people questioning my shit, making me second-guess every move I make.

“Why the hell should they? I can fuck whomever I want without their approval, as long as it isn’t Peter’s niece.”

“So, you and Sophie are hooking up now?”

I take a sip of my beer. “No. But it shouldn’t matter either way. I promised to be good and to not draw attention to myself. Never did I say I would be a damn monk for months.”

“And how’s the not drawing attention to yourself working out for you?” He tilts his head and smirks.

“Screw you. How was I supposed to know some reporter would mention me hanging out with a friend at a press conference?”

“The same way you should have guessed they would wonder if you’re using your friend to get ahead with Bandini.”

“Seeing as they already offered Santiago a two-year contract, that shit is irrelevant. And Noah will probably race with Bandini until he retires.”

He shakes his head. “Seriously, though. What do you plan on doing about your friendship? Please tell me all this hassle and drama is worth it. Are you at least getting some?”

“No. But not because I don’t try.”

“Tell me more. Open up to Dr. Kingston.” He folds his hands in front of him.

“I pushed her before she was ready. The furthest we’ve gone is phone sex and kissing.”

“Phone sex? What are you, a fifteen-year-old boy lusting after his first girlfriend?”

I grind my molars together. “Fuck off. She kissed me a few nights ago, thank you very much.”

“Okay, I’ll stop being a dick. But really, you need to do something about your situation.”