Rush: Part One & Two (The Pitstop Series Book 3)

Present…

I scan all of the clothes I’ve brought, hoping something will stand out and make my choice easy. I’m nervous, really nervous. This is my first proper date since I’ve broken up with Luke. My fingers trail over the same three dresses, but I can’t decide on any. Eventually, I give up and sit down on my bed, the towel from my shower still clinging to my chest.

Someone knocks on the door, and I look through the peephole. I open the door despite being barely dressed, but his eyes only focus on my face.

“Hi,” he says with a sad smile, and I cock an eyebrow.

“What do you want, Gabriel?” I finally bring myself to ask, and he starts to shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other. His hands are behind his back, only confusing me more.

“Oh yeah, sorry,” he replies nervously, his eyes drifting to the floor. “I got you something.” He brings his hands to the front and gives me a small package. “It’s for you to wear on your date,” he states, and both of my eyebrows lift in surprise. “I know, it’s very unlike me to do something like this.” Gabriel lets out a sad laugh, and I open the top to reveal a claw hair clip in the shape of a butterfly. I gasp loudly, catching his attention. “If you don’t like it, I can return it,” he promises, but I shake my head.

“It’s stunning, but I don’t understand why you bought me a gift,” I reply. Gabriel only shrugs.

“I saw it and thought of you. Maybe it’ll complete your outfit,” he suggests, but I’m still confused.

“It might, once I figure out what I’m going to wear,” I tell him with a small laugh, and his eyes focus on mine once more.

“If you want, I can help you choose something,” he offers, and I can’t hold back my following words.

“Okay, what is going on with you? Why do you want to help me choose an outfit for a date with another guy?” He looks uncomfortable now, and I almost regret asking. Yet, I also know I have every right to question his strange behavior.

“To be completely honest, chérie, I just miss you as my friend.” I lean against the door for support and study the man in front of me. With all of my strength, I try to understand him. Gabriel asked me not to go out with Eduardo, said he has feelings for me, but at the same time, doesn’t think he deserves me. As much as I try to convince him otherwise, he’s not ready to listen.

“Well, I do have three options I can’t choose amongst,” I reply, and, finally, a sincere smile appears on his face.

Gabriel helps me pick out my green maxi dress combined with black heels and a matching purse. I add the hair clip, and he gives me an approving grin when I’ve finished my subtle makeup. His eyes then shift back to the floor, and I let out a long sigh.

“Now, what will I wear tomorrow?” I walk back over to my clothes while he watches my every move.

“I’m not sure what you mean, chérie,” he answers sweetly, and I wish for the millionth time we weren’t in this situation. Gabriel is a great guy, and I want to be with him. Why does everything have to be so complicated?Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“For our ‘friend date’. It’s been a while since it was just the two of us,” I explain, and Gabriel jumps up from the bed, excitement evident on his face.

“That would be great. I’ll arrange it!” We both smile at each other, and he leaves my hotel room soon after. I can’t tell if this is going to be good for us or a complete disaster. I guess I’ll have to find out the hard way.

The date is lovely. Eduardo takes me to the track, where he set up a table. I smile brightly when I take in the rest of the scenery. The lighting is dim but still bright enough so we can have a clear view of everything. There are two plates filled with food, and candles stand between them. It’s cheesy and very cliché, but also thoughtful and romantic. Eduardo pulls out a chair for me, making me roll my eyes while a grin plays on my lips.

The dinner goes by faster than I would like, but I’m enjoying myself a lot. Eduardo has a great sense of humor, is mature, likes to make me laugh, I can tell that much, and he is charming. He shares stories about his childhood, and I listen closely. Eventually, he offers me wine, but as soon as I tell him I don’t drink, he puts the entire bottle on the ground, out of our way.

“You don’t drink either?” I ask, and he leans back in his chair, running his hand through his wavy hair.

“I do, but I don’t feel like it tonight. I’d much rather focus on you.” Smooth, really smooth, Marquez.

We continue our conversation, and he tells me about his experiences in Formula One. I share stories about growing up with Adrian and about my life in Monaco. It’s easy to share a connection with someone who has lived a similar lifestyle in another European country. We then talk about the most random things, and I laugh harder than I have in a while.

Eduardo and I drive back to my hotel four hours after he first picked me up. The drive is silent, but his hand feels comforting in both of mine. There might not be a tingle, an ache, or anything that Gabriel ignites inside of me, but it’s pleasant. I enjoy holding Eduardo’s hand and feeling the butterflies in my stomach.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” His head moves to the side, and he looks at me.

“Yes, it’s only free practice,” he assures me and gently squeezes my hand as he repositions it. I nod, and his eyes drift back to the road. His thumb caresses the back of my left hand in a steady motion, and I smile.

Eduardo gets in the elevator with me and walks me back to my hotel room. The butterflies continue to fly around in my stomach, and I feel a sense of victory because of it. We stop in front of my door, and I face Eduardo with a big grin on my face.

“Do you think I can kiss you without getting a black eye from your brother?” I laugh at his question.

“Yes. My brother will only attack at my command.” Eduardo nods and smiles at me. His lips melt onto mine a second later. This is, without a doubt, the best kiss I’ve ever had. It’s not rushed or sloppy, just sweet. When he steps back, I leave my eyes closed for a moment to enjoy the effects of the kiss for a bit longer.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I eventually say, and we exchange one last smile before he leaves.