Page 21 of Drive Me Wild (Drive Me #2)

TWENTY-ONE

THEO

I jolt up to the sound of someone ringing my doorbell at rapid-fire speed. I’m running on minimal sleep thanks to a delayed flight back from Singapore. Looking at my phone, I see it’s only seven-forty-two. What the fuck? Throwing on a pair of sweats, I head downstairs. The hardwood floor is cold beneath my feet and sends an unwelcome shiver through my body. I should check the peephole, but I’m too desperate to stop the goddamn EDM song my doorbell’s conducting.

Swinging open the door, I find my sister standing with a massive suitcase next to her. She’s a mini version of our mum—except for the blue eyes we both inherited from our dad—with her wavy, dark brown hair, a nose no plastic surgeon could find fault in, and dimples that wink with her ever-present smile. And right now she’s giving me our mum’s infamous stare of calm reproach.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, dumbfounded.

She puts her hands on her hips and raises a singular eyebrow. “You’re kidding me, right?”

I rub the sleepiness from my eyes. “Uh. No?”

“Did you forget that I’m having an existential crisis and desperately need a holiday?”

Charlotte has just one semester of university left before graduation and has no idea what she wants to do afterward. Considering she’s changed her major three times and collects hobbies like Pokémon cards, I can’t necessarily say I’m surprised. Not that I’d ever tell her that. Nope. I’d like to have kids in the future, so I’m keeping that observation to myself.

“I didn’t forget, Char, but you told me you were arriving tomorrow,” I reply slowly.

“There was an earlier flight available,” she says with a frown. “I texted you about it.”

There’s no way I would’ve given her the green light to arrive the day I got home from a race, but I don’t mention that. “No big deal, Char. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I swear I did, Theodore.” She starts scrolling through her phone to find the text. Glancing up a few moments later, she bites her lower lip and mumbles, “Oops. I texted my friend Thea instead of you. I didn’t notice since, ya know, it’s only a letter off. Shit, I’m sorry. I?—”

I burst out laughing since I did the same thing earlier this year, although it was my team principal on the receiving end of a dick pic.

“C’mere, kid.” I pull her in for a long hug, resting my chin on the top of her head. I place my hands on her shoulders a few seconds later. “How about you freshen up while I get dressed and then we can head to breakfast? There’s a new spot down the street we can try out.”

Her dimples flash as her grimace dissipates. “Perfect. I’m starving.” She walks past me and into my foyer, saying, “Oh! What’s the dress code of this place?”

“It’s breakfast, Lottie. Wear pajamas for all I care,” I state, rolling my eyes. The world is Charlotte’s runway and I say that with complete seriousness. The woman dresses up to grab her prescriptions from the pharmacy.

“Okay, so cute-casual.” She flashes me a thumbs up before rushing up the stairs to get ready in a guest bedroom.

I text my friends and let them know that Lottie’s joining our dinner plans. I could reschedule, but they all get on well and having plans will help fight the eleven-hour jet lag.

I sigh when I notice a purse at the bottom of the stairs and a pair of shoes haphazardly piled at the front door, blocking the coat closet—where the shoes should go. I love my baby sis, but it’s going to be a long week.

The warm wood floors and sleek lighting of the restaurant make me feel like I’m at a spa. A spa that just so happens to serve spicy salmon on crispy rice and steamed dim sum with a garlic-infused vinegar dipping sauce. Given its close proximity to Josie’s apartment, she meets us for a quick drink before our dinner reservation. I spot her sitting at the large central bar, seated on one of the stools as she chats with the bartender. No surprise she’s first to arrive.

“‘Ello, princess,” I greet her. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Josie’s eyes light up as she looks at me, a heart-melting smile traveling across her lips. Before she can give me a proper hello—one that I wish involved a lingering kiss—Charlotte squeals and throws her arms around Josie’s neck.

Over the years, the two of them have developed a friendship completely devoid of my existence. They text frequently and comment on one another’s Instagram posts more than they comment on mine. Granted, I have millions of followers while they don’t, but whatever.

“Thank God you’re here,” Josie says conspiratorially as we settle into the two seats next to her. “Do either of you know what the bloody hell a dynamic low-intervention wine is?”

Charlotte picks up the drink menu, scanning it quickly although we both know she’s going to order wine. “No idea about that, but their cocktails have house shrubs in them…which sounds rather interesting, eh?”

The bartender hands over two glasses of wine and a cosmo—obviously mine—and we do a quick toast to Charlotte’s visit.

I intertwine my free hand with Josie’s under the table, desperate to feel her. To be close. We haven’t seen each other much over the past few weeks due to busy schedules and free time that doesn’t overlap. She came to Rosalie’s birthday party but spent more time doing somersaults and cartwheels with the four-year-olds than hanging out with me. I miss her… way more than a friend should. This weekend is the Hungarian Grand Prix and after that is summer break, so I’ll be in Australia for the month. Four weeks without Josie; four weeks with Richard. Worst fucking trade off of the century.

“Sorry I can’t stay for dinner,” Josie says with an apologetic smile. She’s going to a comedy show with some friends later and, while it’s great that she’s spending more time with them, I selfishly wish she could stay the whole night.

“I’m glad you could at least make drinks,” Charlotte reassures her. “Have you been here before?”

“No.” Josie shakes her head. “But I’ve had their ginger carrot soup, and it’s to die for.”

She rests her hand on my thigh under the table and gives it a quick squeeze. Her nails are painted light pink, the color of ballet slippers. I wonder when she got them done, considering they were lavender the last time we saw one another.

“To die for because it’s so horrible,” I correct her. “Highly don’t recommend.”

“You got Theo to try a soup?” Charlotte asks bewilderedly. “Did you hold a gun to his head?”

No, but she did promise to let me see the Buzz Lightyear vibrator. And hinted that she’d let us introduce it in the bedroom.

“I just asked nicely,” Josie says. “I was sick, so he felt bad saying no. He was a very good nurse.”

Charlotte’s drink lands on the table with such a loud thump that I flinch. “You’re telling me that you got Theo to eat soup with you while you were sick ?”

I mumble under my breath that you can’t eat soup as Josie nods with a laugh. Charlotte—being the ever so subtle sister she is—gapes at me with her mouth slightly ajar. She attempts to pry for more details, but Josie changes the topic of conversation. I’m sure my sister will hit me with an M16-level interrogation the moment Josie leaves.

The two of them chat as if I’m not there, but I don’t mind. I’m too distracted, anyway. The way Josie’s rubbing her thumb over my knuckles is getting me worked up. I want her hands all over me. Gripping my thighs as she swirls her tongue around me. Pressed against my chest as she rides me. Hands in my hair as she kisses me.

The bartender approaches us, but rather than ask us if we want another round, he hands Josie a new glass of wine. “From the gentleman over there,” he says, nodding to a bloke at the other end of the bar.

“Oh, um, thanks.” Josie gives the fucker a small smile and a quick wave. “Cheers.”

Fuck no . Hell fucking no. I know this move. I’ve done this move plenty of times before. I don’t realize how tightly my fingers are gripping her thigh until she shifts uncomfortably in her seat. The bloke may be wearing a green shirt, but I’ve turned into the green-eyed-monster.

Thankfully, the glass remains untouched for the duration of Josie’s time with us. The moment she leaves, I wave over the bartender. “Can you please tell the gentleman that sent over this drink that my friend is allergic to grapes and can’t drink wine?”

He looks down at the empty wineglass Josie had spent drinking the past hour. Didn’t really think that excuse through, but instead of trying to back it up, I push the glass forward, indicating that he should take it.

“Theodore.” Charlotte giggles and waves off the server, taking the glass of wine for herself. “Stop glowering at the poor man.”

“I’m not glowering,” I huff, averting my death-stare from the man in question. “Blake glowers; I glow. I’m like a damn Coppertone sunscreen or some shit. Stop being dramatic.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re dramatic, I’m… cinematic.”

I snort. “More like problematic.”

She sticks her tongue out before taking a sip of her drink. “All I’m saying is that I’ve never seen you jealous over a woman. It’s endearing, big bro.”

“It’s not a woman,” I argue. “It’s Josie.”

Charlotte lets out an obnoxiously long laugh. “Oh, yeah. Real nice. I’m sure she’d loooove to hear you say that.”

I elbow her in the arm. “You know what I mean. It’s… it’s Josie. She’s my best friend. Of course, I’m going to be protective of her.”

“Your best friend that you just so happen to be banging.”

I choke on my cocktail. How in the hell does she know that?

Charlotte grins at me, clearly pleased that she’s thrown me off. I think sisters sometimes feel the need to stir the pot for no reason. Hell, I suppose brothers act that way, too. I’ve certainly started my fair share of shit with her over the years.

“I’m not twelve,” she reminds me. “The sexual tension was so palpable, it was almost pornographic. I’m surprised you don’t have drool all over your chin, honestly.”

“Are you done bullying me?”

“Me bullying you?” Her jaw drops. “Do you not remember locking me in the basement when I was five because I accidentally sneezed on you?”

Accidentally my ass. Her aim had clearly been directed at me. It’s been seventeen years, and I still remember the incident as if it were yesterday.

“Whatever,” I huff. “Can we move on?”

“Nope. I’m just getting warmed up, and this is the most fun I’ve had all day. Tell me what’s going on with you two. Are you friends with benefits? Casually doing it? Exclusively doing it? Boyfriend-girlfriend? Ready to meet the parents? Looking at engagement rings? Picking out baby names?”

Has she always been this annoying? Christ. “Uh… I’m not sure.”

There’s nothing casual about what we’re doing, that’s for sure. We’ve had hot and heavy sex, but we’ve also—and it freaks me out to say this—made love. And I didn’t hate it… I fucking loved it. There’s something satisfyingly intimate about having sex with someone you deeply care about. It makes the orgasm ten times better, but it isn’t even about the orgasm, it’s about connecting. Friends don’t have the kind of sex we had, that much I know. What I don’t know is if I’m ready to admit what that means.

“Okay, well, what do you want it to be?”

“Is that relevant? Career comes first. Remember?” The line rolls off my tongue with practiced precision. Even though figuring things out with McAllister is my number one priority, that mantra tastes sour on my tongue.

“I’m focusing on my career,” Charlotte mimics in a deep baritone. “I’m literally breaking out in hives because that’s such a lame answer, Theodore.”

She holds out her arm to show me her invisible allergic reaction. There’s no way people think I’m more dramatic than her, right?

“Josie’s an integral part of your career, you dummy,” she continues. “The two of you travel together for every race. You’ll never find another woman more focused on your career. So your bullshit answer won’t work with me.”

“Yeah, but?—”

“There’s no but . You’re being ridiculous. Dad had a career and a family. I’d say he was pretty okay. And no offense, but Josie’s way out of your league. I’m your sister, so I’m forced to like you, but the fact that she willingly hangs out with you… Lock that in, Theodore. Seriously.”

I raise my brows. “Ever consider law school?”

“Why? Because I just shot down your line of defense in three sentences?”

“Because you turn everything into an argument,” I mutter.

When I spy Blake and Lucas, I practically leap into their arms, grateful for the reprieve from twenty questions. We’re led to a table tucked in the back corner of the restaurant, away from the prying eyes of the other patrons who are craning their necks to get a better look at the Formula 1 royalty gracing their presence. We all know better than to argue with Blake when he requests privacy.

The moment my sister sits down, she grabs Lucas’s bicep and leans in to get a better look. “Ohh. I like this tattoo, Lucas. New?”

A grin of appreciation breaks across his face. “Yeah, thanks. Surprised you noticed it.”

Blake and I exchange a look because neither of us spotted his new ink, despite being in close proximity to him all the time.

Charlotte flashes him a twinkling smile, her blue eyes filled with mirth. “You’ve got great arms. Women take notice.”

Nope. Absolutely not.

“You can’t just touch people like that, Charlotte,” I snap, not liking her flirty tone one iota.

Charlotte scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Why not? Is he going to die of cooties?” She turns her head to Lucas and raises a brow. “Is your body disintegrating at my touch?”

“No.” He lets out a throaty chuckle. “And you’re not one to talk, Theo. You’re the king of invading personal space.”

“Am not.”

“Yes, you are,” Blake says, flagging down a server so he can order a drink.

Lucas flicks up a blonde brow and takes a sip of his water. “Hmm. Remember when you broke into my hotel room while I was showering and proceeded to have a conversation with me, completely ignoring the fact that I was ass-naked? Or the time you whipped off your briefs to show me your dick because?—”

“Okay, okay!” I shout, raising my hands. “Sorry for wanting to make sure it wasn’t about to fall off.”

Turns out it was a side effect of taking Viagra for fun. My bad.

“You’re so weird, Theodore.” Charlotte props her chin in her hands. “Maybe I should get a tattoo.”

“You’re not getting a tattoo,” I decide with finality. No way in hell.

“I don’t remember asking you.” She flips me the bird before turning to Lucas and Blake, she says, “Okay. Let’s discuss. What do you guys think about Theo and Josie? He should get over his dumb career comes first bullshit, right?”

She’s dead to me. R.I.P. Nice knowing you, Charlotte!

When neither of them answers, she grimaces and mutters, “Oops. You guys didn’t know, did you?”

I’m too scared to look at my friends, unsure of how they’re going to react. I focus my attention on my drink, watching bubbles float to the top as I slurp it up in large gulps.

“Ha!” Lucas says suddenly, hitting his hands against the table. “Pay up, Hollis.”

Blake throws me a quick eye roll. “You just lost me a grand, arsehole.”

My jaw opens and closes. “What are you talking about?”

“There’s like twelve different bets going on, mate,” he replies with a nonchalant shrug. “You and Jos, huh? Care to fill us in?”

“We’ve been seeing one another,” I reply lamely.

“You’ve mastered the art of over-sharing, Walker,” Blake argues, his brows creasing together. “You tell me how often you bloody fucking manscape. And that’s all you’re going to say about it?”

I shrug. “My manscaping schedule is a perfected science. You should be honored I shared it with you.”

Lucas drums his fingers against the table. “Dude, we know the first porn video you ever jer?—”

“Can we maybe not talk about that?” Charlotte asks, her nose screwing up in disgust. “Please and thank you.”

“Is that seriously the only insight you’re going to give us?” Blake continues. “Just that you’re seeing one another?”

For the first time in my life, I don’t want to say anything else. What Josie and I have is ours. It’s not that I want to keep her a secret, but I want to keep us private. And quite frankly, I don’t know what to tell them. We’re friends who have sex? We’re not together but act like we are? That, even though we’re both single, I want to strangle any man who even so much as looks her way and don’t care about any other woman but her?

“I lied before.” Charlotte throws her arm around my shoulder. “ This is the most fun I’ve had all day.”

I shrug her off before daring to make eye contact with my friends. A very pregnant pause ensues where Lucas and Blake have a telepathic conversation, staring at one another without saying a word. I don’t like being on the outside, not sure of what they’re thinking, and I let it be known by aggressively clearing my throat.

Blake runs a hand through his messy hair. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but if you’re Josie’s rebound, what happens when she wants a relationship?”

His words send a wave of nausea through me. I may not be Josie’s boyfriend but I’m sure as fuck not just her rebound. Right?

“Who says we’re not both happy with how things are?”

“You may be,” he continues, “but how long does that last? You can’t be in a situationship forever, mate.”

“It’s not like that.”

Blake takes a sip of his drink, studying me coolly. “Yes, it is. If you’re more than friends but not a couple, that’s the literal definition of a situationship. Textbook case. Don’t be dumb.”

Before I can say anything, Lucas cuts in, “I don’t think Blake’s trying to be a dick.” He chastises Blake with narrowed eyes. “All he means is that Josie does relationships. Serious, stable, monogamous relationships. And sooner or later, she’s going to want to be in another one. So where do you fall into that?”

“There’s a lot more at stake than just than just a romance, you know?” I admit cautiously. “I don’t want to lose her friendship because a relationship may not work out.”

Blake nods in understanding. “I get that, but do you honestly think you could go back to being just friends now?”

He’s right, and I know it. The mere thought of Josie talking to me about other men or asking advice on what a text from some bloke means sends acid through my veins.

Charlotte takes a sip wine. “So, are you cool with being a rebound or you going to stop making excuses for why you can’t be in a relationship?”

I don’t know the answer to that, but I do know I’m not willing to lose Josie.