Page 23 of Kiss & Collide (Racing Hearts #2)

Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands

V iolet leaned against the backside of the Pinnacle garage, scrolling Instagram, while beside her, Imogen was on her phone, patiently explaining to Reece, back at his hotel, how to work the faucet in his shower.

She checked in on Chase’s account to see what kind of traction he was getting on the last thirst trap selfie Maisie had posted of him, shirtless in the gym.

She’d had to badger him for days to get him to take the damned picture.

The post had twenty thousand likes, which was huge engagement for Chase’s account.

One of the first comments was from Madison Mitchell: *melting* , and her reply was racking up engagement.

Madison had just posted a candid shot of herself from the Paris photo shoot, teasing her pink dress, and captioned it Exciting stuff coming soon!

She was about to log in to Chase’s account so she could reply for him, something cute and flirty, when she caught sight of his handle in the comments.

How are you so gorgeous?

Maisie was currently helming an Instagram live event from the Pinnacle account, so that wasn’t her. Chase must have done it himself, which was a surprise, since he hated social media.

As she watched, the likes on his comment rolled in. That should be a success . So why was she standing here, staring at his comment, her stomach feeling all weird and hollow?

Frustrated with herself, she swiped Instagram closed and pocketed her phone.

The buzz about Madison and Chase, combined with the amazing highlights reel she’d sent Sylvie, had been what finally locked down the GQ profile.

That was a huge win, and the Madison thing made it happen.

There was absolutely no reason to suddenly start feeling weird about it. None.

“Is the water hot now?” Imogen was asking. “Great! Enjoy your shower. We’ll see you soon.”

Violet groaned. “Imogen, do me a favor. When Reece eventually gets here, can you keep him away from Chase? That journalist from GQ is coming to do a feature on him and all I need is Reece wandering in and saying something embarrassing.”

“No problem,” Imogen said. “He’s watching the race from the office today. Cliff from Strategy is sitting with him to explain it all.”

“I’ve got a few things to go over with Chase before GQ gets here. Thanks for managing Reece so well. I know he’s a nightmare, but you’re the team hero.”

Imogen blushed, looking very pleased with herself. “No problem.”

When Violet found Chase in the garage, he was half out of his gray race suit, with the sleeves hanging loose.

His white Nomex undershirt hugged his upper body like a second skin.

As she got closer, memories of last night …

her hands all over that sculpted chest, those broad shoulders, those rock-hard biceps …

flashed through her mind in lurid detail.

He was talking with Leon, one hand absently fisted in his hair.

Last night she’d had her hands fisted in that hair, too.

“Can I borrow you for a second?” she said, slightly surprised her voice came out so steady.

Leon smirked and started backing away. “That’s my cue.”

“Leon—”

He held his hands up and grinned. “He’s all yours.”

She shot him a dirty look as he left.

“What’s up?” Chase asked, with the sort of smile she usually only saw when they were alone in a hotel room.

“This is business,” she told him. “First, Hannah Lumley from GQ is arriving soon. They’re writing a profile on you—”

“A profile?” He blinked in surprise. “In GQ ?”

“Yes, I convinced freaking GQ to do an entire profile on you because I am a genius.”

“That’s … thank you, Violet. You’re so good at this.”

His compliment made something warm bloom in her chest. It certainly wasn’t the first time she’d received a compliment about her work. Simone had constantly called Violet her secret weapon and her personal lifesaver. So why did it feel so different when Chase said it? Because Ian never had?

“Okay, Hannah’s going to shadow you for the next couple of races and she’ll come with us to Vegas. We’re flying out tomorrow morning.”

Chase scowled in confusion. “But the race in Vegas isn’t for another month.”

“The local promoter needs some drivers for promotional stuff in advance of the race. I managed to get you on it.”

“I’m guessing I was the cheap option, right?”

“Yes, but it’ll be your face on the ads all over Vegas. That’s a win. Plus it’s a chance to set up a face-to-face with you and Madison.”

“A what?”

“An in-person event. I’ve already set it up with Cam. She’s going to fly in from LA to see you.”

“Why?”

“For a date , you numpty. You’re supposed to be dating . This is part of it. It’s just one night, Chase.” But she couldn’t maintain eye contact with him as she said it. Judging from that Insta comment, he could be genuinely into her.

“Are you sure I really have to do this?”

“This thing with Madison is what finally helped me land GQ .”

He sighed deeply. “Fine. I’ll do Vegas. But tonight I do you.”

That made her look up. He was giving her that mischievous grin again, the one that should annoy the fuck out of her, but all it did was make her fight back her own smile.

“Hush. Now that you’re getting serious with Madison, not a word about that where anyone can hear you.”

“Relax, nobody cares.”

“Did you just catch that with Leon?” She hooked a thumb over her shoulder. “If anyone outside the team gets wind of it, it’ll embarrass Madison and make you look like a world-class asshole.”

Chase’s brow furrowed for a beat as he considered that. “You make a good point.”

“So. Tomorrow Vegas.”

“And tonight?”

“Yes, tonight.”

He saluted her. “See you later then, General.”