Page 58

CHAPTER 58

Connor

Five months ago, I’d have given anything never to drive again, and now here I am, in the top spot on the podium, with my palm against my heart as the British National Anthem plays. I stand straighter than I ever have in my life. I’ve listened to this before from the top of the podium, but this is the sweetest rendition I’ve ever heard.

Tears sting my cheeks, and I puff my chest. I smile at Tawny, who beams back so broadly that I bet her face will hurt tomorrow. You never forget your first Formula One podium.

I can’t see Senna without jumping out of position, but standing next to Billy in second is the love of my life. Today, Senna gets her first podium, too.

Maybe Billy senses my curiosity, because when I look over, he stands back, and there’s Senna, her eyes closed and breathing in the moment. She’s mouthing along to the anthem. And that’s when I start sobbing. We gave each other the best gift in the world.

I drove like an arsehole and risked it all, but it was worth it to get her up here. We haven’t been able to speak more than a couple of words to each other, so I don’t know if her smile is also because her dad came through with the plan Ralf and I set in motion.

I pinch my bottom lip as I imagine what she’d want me to do right now.

It’s like her voice is in my head. Enjoy this moment, baby. I grasp it with everything I have. I take a deep breath and sing loudly.

As the anthem ends, everyone cheers with me. And that’s when I grab the champagne and rush over to Senna. I’m shaking it like I’m back in the garage dancing.

Tawny gets champagne on my face on her way to Billy. “Payback is a bitch,” she shouts at him, confirming their past rivalry. He could be her Connor, for all I know.

“Don’t you dare, Connor.” Senna points at me as I rush over. She’s thrown on a coat in preparation. She knows I wouldn’t do it if she were just in a white blouse. Although I’d love that sight, it’s not for anyone else. She’s mine to lust over.

I pop my bottle down and open my hands.

“You’re not even giving yourself a fighting chance, Dane?” she chuckles.

I fix her with my stare. “I want everything you give me.”

She stands on my step, so she has a bit more height on me.

My hands itch. I want to grab her, but I don’t want her to lose an inch of the respect she’s earned as team boss.

“But first.” I hold my hand up. “Please tell me one thing.”

“Stop delaying. It’s your turn to get wet.”

“Oi, no flirting while we’re up here. Tell me this. Will I be calling you boss after today?”

Her face softens, and fuck, I want to kiss her.

“Yes. I own the team, and as I told you on the day I walked into my boardroom and found your cocky face staring back at me: I own you. I’ve got you now, Connor, and you will do exactly what I say.”

It’s like my body lights with stars. “And I wouldn’t want it any other way. Now, champagne me up, boss.”

The crowd laughs as I open my mouth, and she pours the fizzing liquid into it.

We rush to the concert, Senna in those teeny shorts I love and our team hoodie and me in jeans and a Coulter Racing Team T-shirt. In seconds, Taylor Swift will sing to a maximum capacity crowd. Every boss, driver, and person at the race congratulated Senna and me. She reeled off motor racing facts about female drivers as I tried to push us through the crowd.

As we run from another team boss, she shouts in my ear, “They respect me. Me!”

“Of course they do, baby. Now, we need to hurry. Taylor doesn’t wait for anyone.” Her giddiness infects me like I’m high on her.

A hand flies in front of us, and we stop in front of Filip, the devilishly handsome Vessa team boss. He stands closer than I like, and I fist my hands to stop from moving him away to a respectable distance from my girlfriend. I’m not protecting her; I’m declaring she’s mine.

“Well done, Senna,” he says in his charming accent. He smells like a Greek god.

She smiles like a fangirl until she catches my raised eyebrows and sour stare. At her sheepish grin, I shake my head and mouth, “I’ll spank you when we get home.” She presses her lips together with her finger and thumb.

“Today, I congratulate you, Connor, and especially you, Senna,” Filip proclaims, oblivious to our communication. “Miss Coulter, you brought your team back from the brink and made it a contender.”

She nods, although I’m sure she’s nervous when her fingers brush her tattoo and she tucks her hair behind her ear. He’s the boss of the most successful racing team.

“We did it as a team. One team, one family, and a whole lot of fight.”

“You’ll need that fight for next season. We’ll all be watching Coulter.”

That kicks her competitive spirit into action, and she tips her head at him. “Enjoy the view as we kick your ass, Filip.”

I grab her hand and drag her away. The soreness of my jaw and the speed with which I’m moving as I glare at Filip over my shoulder is driven by jealousy. “Taylor Swift is on in two minutes.”

She slows me down with a yank of my hand. “I’m doing a boss walk, baby. I want him to know I’m not scared. We’re going to fuck up every team next season.”

“Yes, we are,” I reply, brushing my lips to her cheek.

When we reach the concert, we get caught up in the crowd. I turn my cap, and she pops up her hoodie so we’re a little hidden. As I drag her in front of me, I let out a moan. She may be a badass boss, but she’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen in shorts.

“I can’t believe this isn’t the end,” I whisper to her as Taylor Swift starts with “Love Story.” “I’ve got all I’ve ever wanted here with me right now.”

I wrap my arms around her as she hums in agreement.

“Today is the best day of my life, Connor,” she says softly. “When I got out of bed this morning, I was certain it would be the worst, but you’ve made all my dreams come true.” The smell of fuel and her trademark orange blossom perfume fills my soul. “I used to listen to this song as a teenager. I imagined you’d see me one day like I saw you.”

Her heart thrums against my chest, and it’s like we’re beating as one.

“And all along, I did.” She sighs, and I hold her tighter. “I don’t deserve you, Coults,” I whisper in her ear before pulling her hoodie down and dropping kisses on her hair. “Why do you love me?”

She sighs softly. “Because from the first day I met you, you challenged me and made me feel like I could conquer the world.” I close my eyes and put my hands in the pocket of her hoodie. “And now, because you let me ride your face like a rodeo queen.”

I laugh loudly, and my cock twitches in agreement. “I owe you special treatment when we get home.”

“And you’re officially moving in?”

“Fuck yes. I’ll follow you to the end of the earth if you’ll let me.”

“Forever and always. Although, no funny business until you get some sleep. You need rest.” Of course she noticed I hadn’t slept during our video calls. “But after that, I’ll show you exactly what you’ve earned for giving me fifth place and my first podium as a team boss.”

“The first of many. I can’t wait.” My lips brush her ear as I growl, “I’m imagining you on all fours, my lips on your neck, my cock deep inside you as you scream my name, and I pull the greatest orgasm out of you. And you need a spank for earlier. Is that good for you, boss?”

I press against her. She’s as horny for it as I am. If we weren’t surrounded by strangers with cameras on their phones, I’d be sliding my fingers between her legs to find out how wet she is for me.

“Perfect, baby,” she murmurs.

“I don’t normally do requests,” Senna’s favourite singer shouts from the stage. “But I heard that a winning team boss and groundbreaking woman listens to one of my songs when she needs power. This song goes out to all the women who’ve ever felt less. Let’s keep making history, ladies. This one is for you, Senna Coulter.”

Senna throws her head back and laughs as the first lines of “The Man” surround us.