Page 30 of Not So Fast
Regardless of her overthinking, as soon as she got back to her apartment—via an Uber because Jasmine was busy—she knew she had to tackle her next episode. This one would take more work than usual since she’d recorded soundbites and mini interviews with so many drivers. It would require her absolute best editing game. After sorting through clips and refining her outline, she decided the episode would be a two-parter, culminating with the big story that Xander appeared to be back in form. Were his troubles behind him? Surely her listeners were expecting her opinion on exactly that.
Just as she’d put the final polish on part one, she walked into her bedroom, where she kept her phone to minimize distractions while working. She expected mostly social notifications, but instead she was greeted by the one thing she never, ever expected.
A text from Xander.
Get home safely? (This is Xander, by the way.)
She slowly sank down to perch on the edge of her bed, drumming her fingers against the side of her phone. Her initial reaction? Shock. Second? She couldn’t lie—a bit of glee. Xander freaking Bishop was texting her. But why? Of course, her innate skepticism crept in. Was he fishing for intel? Wondering if she would keep their kissing secret? He had to know she was already working on her Monza episode.
Regardless of his intentions, it wasn’t like shewasn’tgoing to respond. Seriously. She had to at the very least figure out what he was up to.
Yes. Flight was lovely. You were right, although I’m wound too tight to enjoy any spa sensations.
Ha ha. Glad you liked it. I’ve traveled enough to know the ins and outs.
Mia snickered atins and outs, then she admonished herself. Why did her mind have to go there? Focus!
Back home in the Cotswolds? Or straight to Monaco?
England. How did you know I live in the Cotswolds?
She smiled at her phone and settled back against her pillows, wondering if she was in a dream or at the very least, a sleep-deprived stupor. In what world did she get to have a cordial back-and-forth with Xander?
Hello. F1 nerd alert.
LOL. Home is Texas for you, right?
Austin. As the person who booked my travel, you should know the answer to that question.
Didn’t want you to think I’m a stalker.
Never.
Austin is one of my favorite races.
Me too. For obvious reasons.
Three dots appeared, but they seemed to blink forever with nothing coming through. What was he thinking? What could possibly take so long to say? The questions were maddening.
I’m very sorry for what happened after the race. I pride myself on being a gentleman and I failed. I only hate that we had to say goodbye under those circumstances.
Mia’s heart sank. It even broke a little. Who hadn’t surprise-kissed someone? Well, Mia hadn’t. But only because her height put her at a disadvantage. And her brain got in the way. But had she thought about it? Of course she had. Dozens of times,including at least two or three times while she was hanging out with Xander in the park in Monza.
If it helps at all, I would also like to apologize. I’m very sorry.
Why?
I panicked.
Go on… Please.
Could she be so vulnerable with Xander? Part of her felt like she owed him the unvarnished truth. Thankfully, she was not only pretty good at saying what was on her mind, but this was also something that would be easier to say over text.
I never expected Xander Bishop to kiss me. I don’t know if I can draw a parallel for you. Maybe if King Charles showed up at your house and invited you to the pub? Even then, it probably wouldn’t faze you.
I’m a normal guy, Mia. Don’t put me on a pedestal.
It’s cute that you think you’re normal.
