Page 44

CHAPTER 44

Connor

My heart lifts as I take the corner. This is what I spent my life working towards. But it’s not like it was before. I grip the steering wheel and flip a gearshift paddle as I speed out of it.

“Yes, Connor, you’re smashing it,” Macca tells me over the radio. “This is the best you’ve driven in years.”

“Thanks, Macca.”

He’s right.

I no longer think driving is my sole purpose in life. I know what, or rather who, my life is for, but as I speed around the track, adrenaline rushes through my body. There’s still the temptation to use some of my obsessive tactics, like tapping my leg or spinning before I get in the car, but Ric has helped me see that those techniques aren’t stopping me from crashing.

Luca, from Vessa, is a couple of seconds ahead of me. I need to get closer to pass him, and I will. My car will get me there.

“Keep chasing,” Macca says. “You’re still eight laps from the end, so if you can get close, I reckon you can pass him on the last couple of laps. There’s a chance. Your tyres are fresher than his.”

“That’s enough for me.”

Our car is improving. Senna is managing the money well and has made some changes. Of course she has. She’s a freaking business goddess. She’s a goddess in every way. I wouldn’t love driving if not for her.

She’s the reason this is different. She’s the reason for my happiness.

In my mirror, I spy my favourite Australian, Billy Nister, speeding up behind me. He’s young and makes mistakes, and I know the risk of having him behind me.

“Do you see Nister?” Macca says.

I know his words are more than to make me aware.

When drivers as cocksure and dangerous as Billy approached me in the first half of the season, my anxiety would have shot up. But not anymore. I know the risks, but I can beat them, because when I do, I get to drive, and as a bonus, I make my woman happy.

“Yeah, I got him.”

I smile as I block Billy. I can fend him off easily. He’s still young and making obvious mistakes. It’s Vessa I want to beat.

“How is Tawny doing?” I ask.

“She’s four cars behind you. She’s doing well for only her third race in Formula One. Her confidence is soaring. Well done for the pep talk you gave her.”

“I’m always happy to help the team,” I say. “One last thing before I shut off the radio and focus on Luca. Is everyone watching and enjoying the race?”

“Hells, yes, Connor. I have a feeling that even the boss is smiling.”

“I heard that,” Senna cuts in, and fireworks go off in my belly. Three words, and I’m a power horse whose only goal is to make its boss happy. “And yes, I’m beaming because my drivers are burning up the Italian track. Bring it home, Connor, and get past Vessa, too.”

“Yes, boss,” I say with a smirk. “Radio off unless it’s urgent. Catch you later.”

My smile carries me around the track until I’m within a second of Luca. As I pass him, I squeeze my hand and pump my fist. That one is for her.