Chapter 24 #2
Unlocking the door, I grab my phone and camera and dump my bag on the floor.
Kicking off my shoes, I move towards the sofa and lay down on it.
A silly grin is on my face as I think back to earlier and the way I rode Creed.
His fingers marking my skin, our breathy moans filling the car as the windows steamed up and the rain belted down on the roof.
Dragging my fingers across my bottom lip, I pull up my messages.
Can’t stop thinking about earlier…
Placing my phone screen down on my chest, my skin tingles and suddenly I miss him. Craving him once more. Craving what we just had and what we could be.
Ace, it’s all I have thought about on my drive home.
My breath catches and I know I could easily slip my fingers between my legs and submerge myself in pleasure, but I can’t. I have to get showered and ready for Rue.
Rolling myself off the bed, I pad towards my bathroom.
Turning the tap on, the hot water spurts from the head and the room quickly begins to fill with steam.
Peeling my clothes from me, I dump them in the wash basket and step under the water, letting it hit my skin.
Lathering shampoo into my roots, I close my eyes and slowly massage it in as the suds run down my silky body.
I take much longer than I needed to, but some showers just hit different.
Turning it off, I step out and wrap the towel around me, pulling it close as I cleanse my face and brush my teeth.
I have no idea where we are going tonight, but Nora has mentioned a couple of places that she can get us into using the Saint Onyx name.
My heart flutters. I’m dating the CEO of that team. Fuck.
Realisation slowly sinks in and anxiety knots in my stomach.
I have no idea how people will take it. Social media will have a field day, especially because Royce is my ex… and now I am dating his dad.
Rushing out of the bathroom, I swipe my phone up and message Creed.
Can we keep us under wraps for a while? I just think it’ll cause a lot of commotion and it’s not fair on Royce.
He reads it straight away then messages me back.
Of course, we can keep it quiet for now x
I smile. Hopefully it buys us a bit more time and we can just focus on us. We need to date; I don’t really know much about him, and he doesn’t know much about me.
Dressing in pyjamas and wrapping my hair in a towel, I wait until Rue is here before I get dressed. Moving towards the living room, I check the time and notice she will be due any minute. I pace, not sure what to do with myself whilst I wait.
My phone buzzes in my hand and I smile when I see it’s Rue.
Walking to the door, I unlock it and swing it open as I wait like an excited kid at Christmas.
I hear the sound of her suitcase being dragged down the corridor before I see her.
Once she turns that corner, she drops her hand from the case handle and we run towards each other, wrapping my arms around her, holding her tight.
“It’s so good to see you.” I squeeze and she laughs.
“It’s good to see you too.” We pull away and she has a wide smile on her face.
“How was the flight?” I ask as I follow her to get her case and walk back into the apartment.
“Yeah, not bad. Its not overly long, is it?” She hums.
“No, I suppose not.” I smile, closing the door behind her and she looks around our apartment.
“Well, this is nice.” She steps further into the room, hands on her hips and I stand next to her.
There is a small hallway that leads down to the spacious open plan living room, with the kitchen sitting behind and is only separated by kitchen units and a breakfast bar.
There is a small round dining room table with four chairs that sits between.
The main bathroom is just as you walk in and mine and Nora’s bedrooms are tucked away at the end of another hallway, both with en suites.
It’s spacious and cosy at the same time.
“Yeah, it’s all right, isn’t it?” I pull her case and put it at the end of the breakfast bar. “Do you want to get cleaned up?” I nod for her to follow me to my bedroom, dragging her case behind her.
“I am so pumped to be here.” She beams as we step into my room and I frown at the mess.
“Sorry.” I rush around trying to pick up the odds and sods and she waves me off.
“It’s fine, doesn’t bother me,” she says as she falls onto the bed and groans.
I lean against the door frame, warmness surrounding my heart. I’m so grateful to have her and Nora in my life. Nora has always been there, but Rue kind of fitted in like a missing jigsaw piece.
I have my girls and as long as I had them, I was rich in life.
“Go freshen up. There is space in my wardrobe if you want to hang some stuff up.”
“How long until we leave for Singapore?”
“We fly Monday.”
“Okay, so we have three days before we leave.” Her thoughts echo around the room as she sits up.
“I’m going to go make a tea. Do you want one?”
“I would love one.” She smiles, pushing from the bed and crouching in front of her suitcase. “Milky, one sugar, please.”
She answers my question before I even ask it. We drank mostly coffee in Monaco, so I had no idea how she takes tea.
“Okay.”
Pushing off the door frame, I walk towards the kitchen and look at the big metal clock—it’s past seven and Nora still isn’t home.
I know she has so much shit going on with this whole Cowan situation and Kai.
It’s not been nice watching it unfold. The rumours were speculating for a while and I think Kai knew deep down that it was true, but to physically be told you have no seat for the next season, well I can imagine it’s horrible.
He’s a good driver, he just doesn’t think his decisions through very well. I hate that he hasn’t got any back-ups, but the F1 market constantly changes and contracts fall through, so I am keeping everything crossed that he gets a seat.
Filling the kettle, I pop it on to boil and then scroll my phone for Nora’s number. She answers on the second ring.
“Babe, I am so sorry.” She sounds breathless, the sound of her office chair skating across the floor is loud in the background.
“No, it’s fine. Rue just got here and is unpacking. Just wanted to make sure you were okay, that’s all.”
“Yeah, I’m okay, just sorting out the press releases for Singapore. We’re going to be hounded, and I need Kai and Royce to be prepared.”
“Why Kai? Thought you only dealt with Royce?”
“Not anymore. Since this absolute shit show, Kai has now been dumped on me too.”
“Oh, hun.” I sigh, dropping a tea bag in each cup. “I know I don’t know much, but if you need any help, I am happy to slip in. It’s not like I am swamped constantly; my team take a lot of my workload now.”
I hear her sigh.
“Do you know what, I would really appreciate that. I know you’re off tomorrow, but maybe we can get some bits sorted over the weekend, just so I have a clear head ready for next week.”
“Yeah, of course.” I add the milk then top the mug full of the boiling water and let it sit for a moment.
“Thank you so much.”
“Never have to thank me, love. Now, pack up, we have dinner to eat.”
“Okay, okay, I am leaving in ten… If you’ve not heard from me by half past…” My eyes flick to the clock on the wall, that’s fifteen minutes. “Then call me.”
“Will do.” I laugh and cut the phone off as I stir in the sugar and strain the tea bag.
Sliding my phone into the waist band of my pyjama shorts, I grab the tea and walk through to the bedroom to see it empty, but I can hear the shower running.
Placing the cup on the side table, I sit on the bed, crossing my leg under myself and go through my camera roll to find something to post. I feel bad that I have kind of neglected my social media, but I told my followers I had a job helping out a social media team for a sports team…
I didn’t want to give specifics, and I did say I would be posting sporadically.
I decide on a photo dump—the sunsets, my food, my coffee’s and of course, a little snippet of the pit lane, but not anywhere near Saint Onyx. I honestly don’t think Creed would mind, but it’s more me. I want to keep that part of my life private for now.
I have put my life out there for the world to see, all of it.
The good, the bad, and the ugly. I have never been shy about my past, never hidden a breakup or how I am feeling, but for now, I wanted this new chapter to just be about me.
After all, that’s what Monaco was, and in a way, I found myself, but I also found a new friend for life and a job that could open up so many doors.
Hitting post, it doesn’t take long for the likes and comments to roll in. Some make me smile, some don’t, but you’ll always get the odd few people who like to bring you down. Closing down my app, I open my messages and click on Creed’s name.
I want date night in Singapore x
The dots appear suddenly, and I don’t know why, but it makes me happy.
You want it? Done. Anything for you, Ace x
I smile and go to reply, but three dots come up again.
I want date night before Singapore. How about Saturday?
Just as I type yes, another message pings through.
I have an event in New York for Tag Heuer. Of course, most of the drivers will be there, barring the odd few who never go. But I was wondering, would you like to come with me? Nora and Rue are welcome too.
Another message comes through.
I really want you there on my arm, Ace.
I go all giddy inside, cheeks aching from my huge smile as I reply saying yes.
“Who’s got you smiling like that?” Rue appears from the bathroom, steam forming behind her as she has her towel wrapped around her.
I eye her, lips twisting.
“Spill.” She jumps on the bed in front of me. “Now.”
I cover my face for a moment, my cheeks burning beneath them.
“It’s not common knowledge… but I was going to tell you and Nora tonight.”
“Can you tell me now?” Rue wiggles her brows up and down.
“I need to tell Nora at the same time.” I smile, and she gives me an understanding nod.
“Okay, that’s cool.” She smiles. “But I like that you’re happy.”
I blink at her. “I have always been happy.”
“I know, but… this is a different kind of happy. You have the colour back in your face.”
My shoulders that were sitting high slowly relax as her words sink in. She rummages through the wardrobe then turns to look at me
“Where are we going?” she asks just as the front door closes.
“Oh my God. What a day,” she wails and just as I go to stand, Nora appears in the doorway, running for Rue and greeting her before slumping down on the bed next to me.
“I have some news….” Nora’s eyes widen and Rue spins, clapping her hands with excitement. “But before I spill, I need to know where we’re eating because I am starving and I have no idea what to wear.” I sigh.
“Nobu?” Nora looks between me and Rue. “I’ll call down and get a table.”
“Will we get in?” I eye her.
“Well, if the influencer with over one hundred thousand followers and head of PR for Saint Onyx can’t get a table, then we are screwed.” She crinkles her nose as she puts her phone to her ear and walks out the room.
“Ever been Nobu?” I ask Rue and she shakes her head. “It’s good.” My stomach grumbles in agreement.
Nora is back within minutes and smiles. “Table booked.”
“Perfect.” I shuffle on the bed then pat the space next to me. “Now, come sit down.”
Nora and Rue bound over like two excited puppies, sitting, waiting all wide eyed for me to drop the news.
“Now, this is to be kept under wraps… Like, lock your lips kind of shit as I have asked for it to be kept quiet.”
They side eye each other and then hover their fingers over their hearts and cross. I roll my eyes.
“Bit dramatic.” Smirking, I drop my head for a moment.
“Come on.” Nora bounces on the bed and we laugh.
“Okay, so, I have started dating someone.” I can see the knowing look in Nora’s eyes. She already knows. Of course she does.
“Spill.” Rue leans a little forward, hanging on my every word.
“Creed.” I rush the words out and Rue’s eyes widen, Nora smirks at me.
“As in Creed the guy you stayed with in Monaco?”
“Also, as in Creed, your ex-boyfriend's dad,” Nora chimes.
“Yes, that Creed.” I lick my lips.
“What is Royce going to say?” Nora is straight in there with the burning question.
“I have no idea, hence why Creed and I are keeping it under wraps for the moment. We need to find the right time. Of course, it doesn’t help that Royce asked me back out again and I turned him down.”
“Wait, what?” Rue shrieks.
“My bad, I thought I told you?” I sigh, flopping back into the pillows of my bed.
“No, I would have remembered.” She scowls and I wince.
“Sorry,” I whisper and she waves me off.
“It’s fine. So, I’m assuming you said no.”
“Yeah, he dumped me to focus on his career. He thinks everything would have changed now I am at Saint Onyx, but I told him it wouldn’t. Told him that he will find his girl, but she’s not me.” I shrug.
“That’s fair.” Rue nods and Nora just sits and listens.
“You did the right thing,” she agrees.
“Yeah, still doesn’t make it easier especially now I am dating his dad.”
“Messy.” Rue covers her eyes.
“Just a little.” I roll my lips and Nora keeps quiet.
“You don’t approve, do you?” I can read it all over her face. She can’t hide her thoughts.
“I just think it’s a little soon… Plus, the backlash of you and Royce… it’s still quite fresh.”
I shake my head. “It’s been nearly three months.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“Three months isn’t a long time, sweetie.
” Nora tilts her head, her hand reaching forward and resting on my knee.
“I’m not saying I don’t approve, not at all.
I want you to be happy and if Creed makes you happy, then I am team Creed.
I just want you to be careful and to be considerate of Royce’s feelings, too. ” Her voice drags off and I nod.
“I get it,” I finally say, my chest feeling heavy. “And the fact that we both want to find our feet first and then sit him down to talk to him. We both need to know that this is for the long run and not just a fling.”
She gives a knowing nod, placing her hand over mine and gives it a squeeze.
“But that doesn’t mean I’m not buzzing that you’re banging his dad.”
“Nora!” I squeal as Rue giggles and Nora’s laugh fills the room.
“Now come on, we need to get ready. I am starving and I don’t know about you, but I need a glass of wine!”