Chapter 36
JESSICA
Waking up in Luke’s arms feels like home, and when I turn around to find him still asleep, I stay there gazing up at him. He looks so relaxed, and I can’t help but gently run my fingers down his cheek.
I sigh and cuddle closer to him, feeling his arms tighten around me.
“Morning, princess,” he murmurs at the top of my head as I snuggle into his chest.
“Morning, baby,” I reply.
During our reunion, I realize I haven’t even told Luke about my job offer, so I sit up abruptly in bed.
“I can’t believe I forgot to tell you, Luke. But when I was talking with Anne, she offered me a job with the Star News team after I finish my internship.” His smile is blinding as he sits up, pulls me into his arms again, and gives me a tight hug.
“Congratulations, baby girl, you’ve earned it. The work you’ve been doing is amazing, and they’re lucky to have you,” he tells me sincerely before kissing me.
“You haven’t been slacking in the work department yourself, championship leader,” I toss back at him, and he smiles.
“We make a pretty good team, I would say.” I couldn’t agree more.
◆◆◆
We meet up with Lily, and she couldn’t be more excited to see us holding hands as we walk up to her.
“Oh my God! Finally! I’ve been feeling so torn between the two of you, but now I can finally relax again and have my brother back. No offense, Luke, but I was all about team Jessica on this one,” she tells her brother, who just shrugs his shoulders and says.
“Can’t blame you, sis.”
We go out for lunch, and Lily tells us about her latest college project, which involves following an athlete from a chosen sport and writing a paper about how they handle the pressure of competition.
Lily says she hasn’t decided if she wants to go for an athlete in an individual sport or a team sport.
“You could ask a driver? If you can be far away from school while doing your research,” I suggest, and Luke groans beside me.
“Please, no drivers, Lily. They’re up to no good, and I’d have to worry about him going after my sister. I think you should write your story on a female athlete.” He says, and we both roll our eyes at the overprotective brother.
We continue brainstorming ideas and athletes for her paper while finishing our food.
“I was talking to mom and dad, and they said they wanted to come to Silverstone,” Lily says, and Luke lights up at the mention of his parents. Silverstone is three weeks away. Next weekend is in Hungary, before we have a weekend off, we head to England.
“That would be perfect. I’ll call them later today.” Lily is leaving tomorrow to go back to college.
We drag Luke along for some shopping, making him pay for whatever Lily chooses as her “souvenirs” from the trip. Luke shakes his head at his sister, but seeing the bond between them makes my heart swell.
I’ve always believed that the relationship a man has with his family reveals a lot about his character. Luke is a perfect example of this. He adores his sister and would do anything to protect her.
When we say our goodbyes, I do my best to keep my eyes from watering. My emotions have been riding high and low over the past few weeks, so I’m feeling especially emotional saying goodbye to Lily.
“Promise me you’ll call, like every week, with updates about all the fun places you’re going to see,” Lily tells me, and I promise her I’ll do that as I give her one last hug before Luke takes my spot.
He hugs his sister, warning her to stay out of trouble. Lily rolls her eyes at that, saying she doesn’t want to make promises she can’t keep, which makes Luke groan and me chuckle.
◆◆◆
We’re lying in bed in Luke’s hotel room in Budapest. He’s drawing circles on my hip as my fingers explore his chest. I’ll never get tired of his body.
“I’ve been thinking,” I say, and Luke looks into my eyes. He waits for me to continue.
“About making us public. It’s not like we need to send out a press release, but I’m happy with us being public,” I tell him, and he immediately sits up, dragging me into his lap, kissing me.
We’ve been less careful around each other in the paddock, and I believe the Star News team is onto us, but everyone has just given me a small reassuring smile whenever Luke would drop by our spot.
“Nothing would make me happier, Jessica. I know it can become turbulent, but we will handle it.” His total confidence in us has makes me feel more secure as well.
I’m working on my own insecurities, reminding myself that having a relationship this good should be cherished, not hidden. He makes me happy, and I want to do this, not only for Luke but for myself as well.
“Yeah, we will.” I kiss his cheek and run my hand down his stomach, getting lost in my man again.