40. The Final Showdown

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. DECEMBER 2026.

"Never would I ever have thought I'd be on practically a joint couples holiday with Jake." Sophie remarked as the four of them were strolling along the streets of Dubai, enjoying the few days Jake had before he faced the final race of the season.

Jake chuckled. "Life surprises you I guess."

The four had been spending a lot of time together since Austin and Sophie had time off but Jake still felt the missing presence of the other two. Thierry headed straight to Abu Dhabi with his team and the two decided that it would probably be for the best that both of the drivers let the other prepare in their own way for their deciding race. Jaxon, who was thoroughly disappointed not to be able to attend, was in the midst of another NFL season and the Sunday of the race, he had a game on meaning he couldn't attend - that was just the harsh reality of busy schedules.

For the few days off that Jake allowed himself, they had a packed itinerary to make sure they made the most of their time in Dubai. They left late morning on Monday and checked into their luxurious and prestigious hotel in the afternoon.

Their first activity was a desert safari, something that none of them had done before. They had a guide in front but the four were allowed to drive their own dune ATVs.

"I feel like it'd be wrong not to let you drive." Olivia said with a chuckle as Jake instinctively made his way into the drivers seat.

"Unless you want to?" Jake asked, to which Liv just shook her head.

Liv climbed on the back of the ATV, he arms tightly wrapping around Jake's waist. The dune bashing gave an adrenaline rush thatwas a familiar feeling for Jake, but feeling Olivia's excitement made it even more special.

"Wow, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement as they sped over the dunes.

Jake grinned, his hands gripping the handlebars of the vehicle. "Just wait until we get to the sunset spot."

They arrived at a traditional Arabian camp as the sub dipped below the horizon and the sky was painted in hues of orange and pink. There was a buffet dinner serving traditional food under the stars as well as traditional entertainment.

"Bloody Austin almost got us killed!" Sophie exclaimed at the camp.

Austin raised his hands in protest. "No I didn't! I just went a bit faster than I probably could have controlled."

Liv laughed. "This is why you need a race-car driver boyfriend."

The next day, the two couples split up for the first half of the day and Jake and Olivia decided to explore the city. They started their morning with a compulsory run (in the sweltering heat Jake felt his lungs were ready to explode by the end of it) before they visited Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

Jake was never the biggest shopper but he knew Liv loved it, and he was more than happy to just accompany her. She couldn't resist the allure of the fashion boutiques, while Jake found himself fascinated by the Dubai Aquarium which they visited once Olivia had bought practically half the mall out.

"Look at that shark!" Jake pointed, his face lit up with boyish excitement.

Olivia laughed, snapping a photo of him. "You're like a kid in a candy store."

"Excuse me," a voice came from behind them, "could I get a picture with you both? I'm a massive fan."

Despite having their private time and enjoying the company of each other, Jake and Liv were always happy to interact with their fans. They snapped a quick picture with them before they continued on at the aquarium.

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