SOPHIA: I’m feeling a little under the weather. Sorry, you’re going to be on your own tonight.
“God damn it,” I grumbled. That meant all the attention was going to be fixed on me. So much for my plans to slip away early. I typed out a reply.
BIANCA: You’d better be chucking your guts up, unable to lift your head off the pillow!
SOPHIA: It’s the other end, if you must know!
I laughed and tapped another response.
BIANCA: Hm, I suppose I’ll give you a pass then. Hope you feel better soon.
SOPHIA: Thanks, have a good time tonight.
That was unlikely. I sighed heavily, slipping my phone into my clutch. My personal device rumbled on the bedside table, and I smiled, stretching to grab it.
KRISTIAN: Team car will be five minutes. Has Sophia told you she’s not well enough to join us?
BIANCA: Shitting through the eye of a needle I hear.
KRISTIAN: God, you’re such a class act, aren’t you?
BIANCA: So I’ve been told. She owes me one – these sponsor functions are torturous at the best of times and now I’m going to be the centre of attention.
KRISTIAN: I didn’t think that would be a problem for you.
BIANCA: Usually it isn’t, but when I’m in a room of handsy old codgers being in the spotlight isn’t a good thing.
Kristian’s response was delayed, and I smirked, tapping out another message.
BIANCA: I’m only interested in one handsy old codger tonight.
There was a knock at the door, and I hopped up, tugging it open, surprised to see Kristian. He was reading my reply, and I laughed at the disgruntled frown on his face.
“A handsy old codger?” He smirked, shaking his head. “It’s a good job I like you. Although sometimes I wonder why.”
“You knowexactlywhy you like me,” I replied, gesturing to my dress. “There’s no mystery here.” I popped my hip and rested my hand on it as Kristian took in my outfit.
“I can’t argue with that,” he murmured. “Are you ready? The car is here.”
“Sure, let me grab my bag.” I strode back into the room, leaving Kristian holding the door open. My heels thudded on the carpet as I did my best to wiggle my hips enticingly, leaning over the bed to snatch my purse. I popped my personal phone alongside my team one and cast Kristian a smile.
“Let’s go,” I said, ducking underneath his arm as he held the door open. After checking my room was locked up, we both headed to the elevators in silence. It was strange to be attending a work event without Sophia acting as a buffer between us. I could almost pretend we were just another couple, heading out to a fancy dinner together. I eyed Kristian subtly as we waited for the lift to arrive. He was looking good tonight – dressed in another expensive, well–tailored suit with a crisp, white shirt that was open at the collar. I pressed my lips together, fighting a smile.
The lift pinged and we stepped inside, the tension already mounting. I held my breath, waiting for the doors to slide shut, trapping us in a rare moment of privacy. Tucking my bag beneath my arm, I reached out with the other to smooth my hand down Kristian’s back. His attention snapped to me immediately.
“It’s been a hot minute since Vegas,” I whispered. “Do you think you can find some time for me in your busy schedule tonight?” I allowed my hand to trail lower still, grabbing a handful of his behind, heart fluttering when he allowed it.
“Now who’s being handsy?” he teased, treating me to a smouldering grin. “Trust me, it hasn’t been through lack of trying. The team schedule has been intense these last few weeks.”
“Yeah, but you’re the one who sets the team schedule. You’re the boss,” I argued, feeling my cheeks flush when Kristian smirked.
“I’m glad you’ve learnt your place at least.”
“Oh, shut up,” I huffed, snatching my hand away from him to run it through my hair. “Are we fucking tonight, or not?”
The lift slowed and the doors rolled open. I pursed my lips with irritation as Kristian failed to answer me and insteadshoved his hands in his pockets and strode away, out into the hotel lobby.
We were racing in Singapore this weekend. The heat and humidity hit us like a wall as we left the air–conditioned hotel and hopped into the team car beside one another. I was practically squirming with excitement, thrilled to have Kristian all to myself for the first time in weeks. The driver closed the door behind the team principal, and he buckled himself in. A moment later the car rolled off, heading to the event on the other side of town.
