Over the next few hours, I try to tear my eyes away from Jax in the ring, but I find it hard. Like harder than his muscles flexing under the bright gym lights hard. His skin glistens from sweat and he has a permanent smile on his face all morning. It’s so breathtaking, I find it hard to stare for an extended period of time. Kind of like looking at the sun too long with my eyes burning and my skin growing hot.
“Want me to take a picture of him for you? They usually last longer.” A tan woman I instantly recognize as Noah’s girlfriend, Maya, shows up by my side. Maya is a bit shorter than me. She dresses in similar workout gear to mine, with her brunette ponytail bobbing behind her. “Awesome event, by the way.”
“So great and I love the cause. Maya, take a photo of me while you’re at it. I’m going to send it to Liam’s nieces.” Sophie, with blonde space buns and a matching fluorescent sports bra and leggings, waves at Maya as she walks toward the ring. She looks small compared to the raised sparring octagon.
“She loves a good photo moment.” Santiago Alatorre throws an arm around his sister’s shoulders as his brown eyes glance over at me. His dark hair drips with sweat after his round of sparring with a fan.
“Sunshine, I told you to stay five feet away.” Liam leans against the cables as he smacks a kiss on top of Sophie’s head.
Sophie makes a gagging noise. “I told you to stop calling me that months ago.”
“Not my fault when you’re dressed up like that.” Liam flashes her a cheerful smile as he shakes his head, and a tiny sense of jealousy floods through me. Not at them in particular. God, no, I don’t like Liam like that. It’s more because I find it difficult to ignore my sense of loneliness at seeing a couple truly happy and in love.
The last relationship I had was ages ago, before Abuela got sick and I started working the F1 circuit. That coupled with my inability to imagine a future with them set me up for failure. I didn’t think I’d miss having a romantic connection with someone but seeing a happy couple hits me hard.
“Why do you want her to stay away? I’d donate a thousand euros to see Sophie kick your ass in there.” Noah takes a sip of water from Maya’s bottle.
“I’d like to watch her try. Jax taught me how to spar years ago.” Liam lowers himself onto the gym floor.
“And you’re still terrible! I’d have better luck teaching Santiago to fight.” Jax throws his hands in the air as he follows Liam out of the ring.
Liam cranks his middle finger like a jack in the box. A soft laugh escapes my lips, bringing Jax’s attention back to me. His narrowed eyes fail to have the effect he wants, instead causing goosebumps to run down my skin.
Note to self: stop planning events that require Jax to take his shirt off. His abs are distracting for the onlookers.
Me. I’m the onlooker.
“I don’t know about that. I’ve seen Santi’s right hook.” Noah walks up to his friends.
“And don’t you forget it. One wrong move toward Maya and you’re done.” Santi throws a couple of punches in the air.
“Hey, it’s Elena, right? Do you mind taking our photo, please?” Maya offers me her camera.
Ignoring the increasing sense of loneliness, I snap a few pictures and return the camera to Maya. The group laughs as Santiago drags Noah into the octagon, claiming he needs to remind him what happens if he breaks his sister’s heart.
For the rest of the day, I feel Jax’s eyes on me, even when I pretend to busy myself with other tasks.
I shouldn’t notice it. Shouldn’t want it. But most of all, I shouldn’t wish for more of it.
9
Jax
Surviving the first two races included a Xan a night and a shit ton of deep breathing.
Race three is going strong, with me acting more like a dick than usual because I hate how Elena is unavoidable. The more time I spend around her, the harder I find it to resist the urge to learn all about her.
I could blame the stress from the Bahrain Grand Prix for my recent irritability, but it’s a cop-out for how I truly feel. Conflicted. Frustrated. So damn scared of having someone like Elena around me day and night.
I push my thoughts aside because it’s a bloody qualifying day. A buzz trickles down my spine before the third Prix of the World Championship schedule.
My car gleams under the pit lights, sleek silver paint shining, the wheels smooth and fresh. McCoy’s cars are some of the best and the team works their asses off to produce podium-finishing race cars. Liam and I smashed it for a couple of seasons together before he left, moving onto another team after he fell in love with Sophie.
For the first time in years, I have confidence in the garage. When Liam was here, McCoy focused on giving him the best strategies. He could handle the pressure while I’ve been a loose cannon one moment away from misfiring.
But now, with him gone and my new partner fresh off a sucky lower team, I have a chance at winning the whole World Championship. All I need to do is handle my anxiety and my growing irritation toward my unwelcome roommate.
Elías hangs around his car with Elena. I didn’t find him annoying before, but now I’m not too sure. He openly flirts with Elena right in front of me. I’d rather introduce a drill bit to my eye than watch them get together.