Trackside Temptation

Chapter Twenty-Three

FRANCESCA

It was finally the summer break. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved my job, especially the part where I'd met Matthias van der Burg, who knew all the right things to say. And touch. And suck.

But I was in need of a holiday, one long enough to take me back home. It felt almost foolish to trade all this sun and adventure for the cold embrace of a New Zealand winter. Yet, I missed my dad and Ayane, and there was something irresistible about the thought of sipping a coffee from my local cafe.

To my surprise, I found myself seated beside Matthias as the pilot's voice echoed through the cabin, signalling our descent into my hometown.

"What are you doing for the break?" Matthias asked, his arms wrapped around me as we nestled under the elegant roof of our Belgian hotel.

I looked up and him. "I'm going home. Why? Do you want to join?"

Matthias grinned, pressing a soft kiss on the top of my head. "Yeah."

I sat up, surprised by the casualness in his tone. "Wait... are you joking?"

He chuckled before joining me against the headboard. "No, I mean, you're more than welcome to tell me to stay back. I get that you might want to spend time with your family and friends. But if you're up for it, I'd love to take you to Queenstown after you've had your time at home.

I rolled my eyes. "Classic, tourist. Wanting to go to Queenstown in the winter. Let me guess—you want to visit an ice bar and take photos by the lakefront too?"

Matthias chuckled. "Isn't that the whole point?"

I shrugged. "You're right. And I'd love for you to come with me. But don't complain when you're freezing your balls off and wish you were tanning on a beach in Mallorca."

He pulled me in for a tight cuddle. "I promise I won't."

"You ready for the descent?" I laughed, glancing over to see Matt gripping the edge of the armrest with white knuckles. You'd think the business class suite would make him more relaxed, but I'd warned him about the turbulent landings and that had him freaking out long before we'd even left Belgium. We'd flown in countless jets over the year, but Matt was never going to warm to the idea of it.

As the plane dipped into a north-westerly gust, I felt it drop suddenly, and a few screams echoed from the back. It was nothing new to me, though.

I reached over and grabbed Matt's hand as he lay there with his eyes shut. I couldn't help but giggle—he was absolutely adorable.

***

Our Uber driver pulled up outside my dad's three-story suburban home. I never quite understood why he needed such a large place for himself, but owning a company seemed reason enough for him to make the investment.

Matthias wheeled both of our suitcases up the paved pathway, as I leaned in to press the doorbell.

There was a sudden thud, followed by the sound of footsteps inched closer to us. After the quick click of a lock, Don McKenzie was opening the door. His smile grew tenfold as his eyes settled on me, then shifted to Matthias.

"Hello, pumpkin," he said, pulling me in for a tight, warm hug. The familiar scent of his shampoo and the feel of his embrace was comforting. I hugged him back, feeling a rush of nostalgia. It'd been a while.

My father turned to Matt, extending his hand. "Son, it's lovely to finally meet you."

Matthias shook his hand firmly. "Likewise, Mr. Mck—"