Page 15 of Racing for Redemption (Backmarker Love trilogy #1)

Extra pretty, extra fresh

William

Oh god. Maybe I cleaned up way too much. I don’t even go this far for dates.

The restaurant is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and the aroma of Italian cuisine filling the air. I scan the room, looking for familiar faces.

“Mr. Foster?” A hostess approaches, smiling. “The Colton Racing party is this way. ”

She leads me to a private room in the back. As I enter, conversations pause, attention turning to me. I spot a few mechanics, some engineers, and Blake near the head of the table. But no Violet.

“Foster!” Blake calls out, waving me over. “Usually, we have to send out a search party for the drivers, so I’m glad at least one of you could make it. Grab a seat.”

I laugh, settling in next to him, nodding greetings to the others. The chatter resumes, a mix of technical jargon and good-natured ribbing. Nicholas isn’t here, either. But seeing as I’ve yet to meet him at the factory, my gut tells me he won’t be here tonight.

“So,” I say to Blake, keeping my voice low. “Is the boss joining us?”

He chuckles. “Violet? Oh, she’ll be here. Probably working until the last minute, as usual.”

I’m about to reply when the door swings open. Violet strides in, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

Good lord.

She’s traded her usual tailored suits for dark jeans that hug her form perfectly, and a red-wine blouse that brings out the warmth in her softly tanned skin.

Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, softer than I’ve ever seen it.

But it’s her smile—relaxed, genuine—that really catches me off guard.

Someone is testing me. I want to get up and wrap my arms around her, feel how soft she must be.

Oh fuck. Why did I think wearing tight jeans was a good idea? I'm suffering right now .

“Sorry I’m late,” she says, sliding into the seat across from me. “Traffic was a nightmare coming from downtown.”

Downtown? But the factory and headquarters building is in the countryside… Oh, maybe she lives downtown in one of those fancy high-rise apartments. She is a hard worker, so it's good that she's got a fancy house for herself. It's deserved.

As conversation flows around us, my gaze is continually drawn to Violet. She laughs at a joke from one of the engineers, and the sound sends a jolt through me. I’ve never seen her this… unguarded before.

“Earth to Foster.” Blake’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You with us?”

I blink, realizing I’ve completely missed the last few minutes of conversation. “Sorry, just… thinking about the car.”

Blake raises an eyebrow, glancing between Violet and me. But before he can comment, our food arrives.

As we eat, the talk turns to the upcoming season—predictions, goals, concerns. I contribute where I can, but I’m hyper aware of Violet’s presence across the table.

“What do you think, William?” Her voice snaps me back to attention. “About our chances at the first race?”

I meet her gaze, surprised by the use of my first name. “Honestly? It’ll be tough. It’s Australia we’re talking about. But I think we can surprise some people. Maybe snag a point or two if luck’s on our side, and we get a good pit stop, or an unexpected safety car. ”

She nods, a glimmer of approval in her eyes. “That’s the spirit. Cautiously optimistic. But if we can’t, I’m okay with finishing the race with the car intact. Bonus points if you get P17 or higher.”

“Where do I get the bonus points? Do those convert into brownies? Can I cash them in in some way?” I playfully ask.

A smile slowly takes over her face. “You get brownie points. If the season goes according to plan, maybe we can discuss compensation, or a bonus for that. But no promises; we’re strapped for money.”

My mouth opens, and my lips twitch before I decide against saying what I’m thinking.

‘ I’d like to take you on a date ’ would be too…

straightforward. I don't want to be that type of guy, making an unwanted move on her. She doesn’t look even remotely interested in me.

So, let’s not start that. Getting that close with a boss is not really…

conventional. So, I grab my glass of mango juice and down it in one go as if I’ve been craving it all day.

Trying to drown that need to ask her out as a reward for a good season.

As the night wears on, I relax, genuinely enjoying everyone’s company. These people, this team—they’re starting to feel like family. Like home. I feel wanted. Appreciated. It feels good for a change.

Eventually, people begin to trickle out. Soon, it’s just Violet, Blake, and me, a comfortable silence settling over our table. The empty plates are long gone. The restaurant has quieted, the soft clink of dishes and murmur of conversation creating a cozy atmosphere .

I lean back in my chair, feeling pleasantly full and relaxed. “Thanks for this,” I say, glancing between Violet and Blake. “It’s nice to get to know everyone outside of work.”

Blake nods, a warm smile on his face. “That’s the idea. Team building and all that.” He checks his watch and sighs. “I should get going. Early meeting tomorrow.”

As he stands to leave, he gives Violet a meaningful look I can’t quite decipher. She rolls her eyes, but there’s fondness in the gesture. They look like father and daughter—it's kinda sweet.

“Don’t stay out too late, you two,” Blake says with a wink as he heads for the door.

And then, it’s just Violet and me.

For a moment, neither of us speaks. I study her in the soft lighting, noticing how it softens the usual sharp lines of her face.

She looks younger somehow, more carefree.

This woman does not appear to be in her thirties.

Usually, people who work in stressful environments look drained, a bit older than their age, but Violet?

She looks closer to my age. She’s gorgeous.

“So,” I say, breaking the silence. “Do you always work until the last minute before team dinners?”

She laughs, the sound rich and genuine, and I smile in return. “Caught me. Old habits die hard, I suppose.”

“All work and no play, eh, boss?”

Her eyes meet mine, a challenge in them. “Who says I don’t play, William? ”

A jolt of electricity goes through me at her words, at the way she holds my gaze. Dangerous territory , a voice in my head warns. But I can’t seem to look away.

“Fair enough,” I concede with a grin. “Though, I have to say, this is the most relaxed I’ve seen you since… Well, ever.”

She sighs, twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. “It’s been a rough year. Sometimes, it’s hard to let my guard down.”

I nod, understanding all too well. “Tell me about it. But hey, new season, new start, right?”

“Right,” she agrees, a small smile playing at her lips. “Speaking of which, how are you settling in? No happy-go-lucky shit, okay? Be frank.”

I consider my answer carefully. “Honestly? Better than I expected. The team’s great, the car has potential. And…” I hesitate, then decide to go for broke. “And I’ve got a boss who actually seems to believe in me, even if I pretty much begged for this seat. That’s new.”

Violet’s expression softens. “You’ve got talent, William.

Raw, unpolished talent. But talent nonetheless.

I wouldn’t have taken a chance on you if I didn’t see that.

” She takes a sip of her drink. “Still, you’re quite the shot in the dark for us.

Blake is worried I’ve made a reckless choice by signing you right away.

I stand by it, though; I like what I’ve been seeing so far.

You’re passionate. A natural leader. People flock to you.

You’re approachable. Different from the other drivers we’ve had in the past. So, I’m betting it all on you. ”

Her words warm me more than they should. “Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence. I won’t let you down.”

“See that you don’t, or I’ll drag you with me to my demise,” she says, but there’s no real bite to her words.

“I like the team, and I don’t want to disappoint. Seeing them all outside of work and knowing they’re not faking their excitement about me really boosted my morale.”

She nods, smiling. “They’re good people. Passionate. Loyal. Even when things get tough.”

“Like you,” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

Violet looks up, surprise flickering across her face. “What do you mean?”

I take a deep breath, deciding to just go for it.

“I mean, you could have walked away. Found an easier job, one with less pressure. But you’re still here, fighting for this team.

The board of directors wants your neck, and social media makes your life a living hell. And yet, you fight. It’s… admirable.”

A faint blush colors her cheeks, and she looks away. “It’s my family’s legacy. I can’t just abandon it.”

“Is that the only reason?” I press gently.

She meets my gaze then, and I see a vulnerability there that takes my breath away. “No,” she admits softly. “I love this team. This sport. Even when it drives me crazy.”

I laugh, nodding. “Oh, I know that feeling. It drives me so crazy that sometimes, I do dumb shit.”

“Like almost hitting a Team Principal, and offending their team,” she adds .

“Yeah.” I scratch the back of my neck. “Like foolishly almost hitting a Team Principal, and offending their team.” I look at the background of the restaurant, avoiding eye contact with her for a while.

A DJ is playing some loungy music, several couples are enjoying their time together, and the rowdiness of coworkers hanging out after more than a couple drinks is just starting.

“I’m sorry,” I utter, looking her in the eyes.

“For what?”