Page 40 of Full Throttle

“I’d only need one of them,” Liêm offered.

Juliette took a step back. No mean feat, given the limited space. “Don’t touch my boots.”

Something hard struck her shoulder. She turned, only to find herself face-to-face with Dominic, who had seemingly materialized from the shadows. Sweat and something spicy clung to his clothes.

“Easy,” he murmured.

He steadied her, his fingers burning through the cloth, and she had the sudden, violent urge to shrug him off.

“Juliette!” a voice called.

Anthony was shouldering his way through the narrow space. He looked miraculously put-together for having just driven for forty-five minutes in extreme heat to claim first place in the race tomorrow; his blond hair was combed, and he’d showered and changed.

“Congratulations,” he said. “That was one hell of a drive.”

Juliette glanced at the stage. “Thanks.” The producer held up two fingers. Two minutes. “Well done on pole position. The car looks good.”

Anthony shrugged. “Depends on who’s driving it.” His eyes flicked to Dominic, but the movement was so quick that she wondered if she’d imagined it. “What are you doing after the race tomorrow?”

“Oh.” She paused. “I’m not sure.” Probably eating shawarma with Cap while they FaceTimed their parents, who were currently visiting a Shakespearean festival in a two-piece donkey costume. Not that she was about to admit that.

Anthony toyed with his signet ring. “You should come out for dinner.”

Wariness filled her. “Who else is coming?”

She could already see where this was going, and honestly, no thank you. She’d gotten involved with a Formula 1 driver before and look how that had turned out. It was amazing they hadn’t brained each other with a wrench yet. As if he could sense her thoughts, Dominic’s stance shifted. He wasn’t looking at her, but he was listening. Undoubtedly so he could mock her mercilessly for this later.

Sure enough, Anthony smiled. “I was thinking it would be just us.”

“Like a date?” Juliette asked, just to be sure.

He nodded. “I know a great seafood restaurant by the water. Live music, candlelight, a beautiful view of the sunset…”

Dominic’s voice was cool. “She’s allergic to shellfish. So unless you’re trying to kill her, I’d pick somewhere else.”

Silence fell, broken only by the polite clapping of the audience. Highlights from the qualifying session were playing on a screen. Juliette stared. Where the bloody hell had that come from? Was Dominic really so eager to pick a fight with Anthony that he’d pretend to care who she dated? Cap lowered his crossword book, his gaze flicking warily between the two men.

“Chaps. Perhaps we shouldn’t—”

“Shame about fifth place,” Anthony said. “Tough start to the season. I can only imagine how disappointed you must be.”

Dominic shrugged. “Anything can happen tomorrow.”

“I was sorry to hear about the car. Went up in flames during testing, didn’t it?”

Dom’s smile was easy. “A lot like your career by the end of this season then.”

“Shut up,” Liêm muttered, massaging his temples. “Both of you.” The music swelled, and he tensed. “That’s our cue.”

The stage lights were blinding, exploding in popcorn flashes, and Juliette smiled for the cameras as they took their seats. From the third row, Baz gave her a nod and mouthed, “Dirt. On your cheek.” She touched her face and found that he was right. Brilliant. A promising start to her media career.

“So, Capulet.” A female interviewer leaned forward. “Let’s start with you…”

And so the questions began. What was the car like this season? What kinks did they need to work out? How was the new engine performing? Juliette shifted in her chair. Eventually, fifty minutes of the hour-long interview had elapsed, and no one had asked her a question. She probably ought to feel offended, but all she felt was relief.

“Dominic.” The interviewer turned. “This next one’s for you. You’ve spent your entire career racing on your father’s team. How did it feel to be in an unfamiliar car today?”

Dominic draped an arm over his chair. “I’ve loved working with a new team. Ranya has been fantastic, and everyone at Toro Significa has been exceptionally welcoming.”