Trackside Temptation

Chapter Thirty-Six

FRANCESCA

As we walked back into the hotel together, the silence of the car ride lingered between us. However, the quiet was a small comfort—I wasn't ready to grapple with his words while the chauffeur sat in front.

Matt came to a halt in the lobby, his expression softer than it had been all evening. He reached out, his hands finding mine with a gentle, almost pleading touch. "Listen," he began, his voice low and careful. "I have something planned for us. Can we please meet at eight?"

I looked at my watch; eight o'clock was an hour and a half away. I figured I should use that time to get ready, so I wouldn't look like an airport rat when he took me to whatever he had planned.

I nodded, and Matt's shoulders relaxed as a sigh of relief escaped him. "Okay good." He leaned in, his intention to kiss my forehead evident, but he paused, holding himself back. "I'll see you soon."

He hurried up the stairs to his suite, the thud of his shoes echoing in the stairwell. I pressed the button on the elevator, the loud ping pulling me out of my thoughts. As the doors slid open, Ayane stepped out. Her gaze was sharp, but a hint of relief could be found behind her eyes.

"This isn't the airport," she said, her tone cautious as she took in my dishevelled appearance.

I sighed, the frustration evident in my voice. "I know. I forgot my passport." I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And Matt came to talk to me."

Ayane's jaw dropped, "He what?"

I nodded, my emotions remaining a tangled mess. "He convinced me to stay one more day so he could try to make it up to me."

Ayane sighed. "He is persistent. I'll give him that." She looked around the hotel lobby. "Well, just keep your guard up. And if he can prove that he's worthy of being in your life... make him sweat a little while he grovels."

I laughed, relief washing over me almost instantly. I was glad Ayane wasn't judging me too harshly for this. It was frustrating watching a friend go back to someone who had hurt them, especially after she'd been by my side when Sam left. But despite everything Matt and I had been through, I wasn't entirely sure he was the wrong person for me yet.

"You're looking nice and dressed up," I pointed out, shifting the focus.

She blushed, a playful glint in her eyes. "Yeah, well, I might have a dinner date with a very important person tonight."

Ayane flicked her gaze past me, and I turned around to see Andy Lambert walking through the hotel doors. His smile was broad, reaching all the way to his eyes. I had never actually spoken to the man, despite hearing so much about him. It was a shame his first few races were completely wiped from the scoreboard, otherwise, there may have been four contenders for the win.

I stood there, momentarily stunned. I had no idea how Ayane had started talking with him, but she was practically glowing as she looked into his eyes. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and despite my state, I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Hey," Andy said to Ayane before turning his attention to me. "And hello, Francesca."

I smiled, a hint of nervousness in my voice. "Hi. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Likewise." Andy placed a hand behind Ayane's back. "Shall we? I have the reservation for seven thirty."

Ayane nodded before we exchanged brief, affectionate goodbyes. As they walked away, I glanced at my watch, feeling a fresh wave of nervousness. Time was slipping away, and the anticipation of Matt's plans made my heart race once more.