Page 9 of Downforce

“So much that he couldn’t be bothered to make an appearance?” Taylor frowns.

“That’s not his fault,” she counters before explaining how much Travis values his brand and what an honor it would be to work with his company.

Taylor’s face softens a miniscule amount, but he takes another step in the direction of his awaiting vehicle.

“I’m sure it isn’t. Look, it’s been a pleasure, but⁠—”

“He wanted to be here,” she interrupts. “I know you have to go, but please know that Travis not being here tonight is not a testament of his lack of commitment to your company or this deal.”

“Right. He sends his assistant instead,” Taylor throws back. “I really must get going.”

“Your grandfather knew about commitment.” Annalise moves down the stairs, now getting in between Taylor and his car.

Wanting to hear the rest of this exchange, I move closer to the top of the staircase.

Taylor stops moving as well, standing erect as if his attention to this conversation has been renewed.

“I read an article about your grandfather that said during the third year of MaxWaters Suits’ operations, sales were so low he wasn’t certain how he was going to pay his employees the following month. But one night his son, your father, who was still a little boy at the time, begged him to come home early to see his school performance.

“The article said despite the immense pressure he was under, not knowing how he was going to pay his staff and terrified he’d have to close down the company that’d been his dream for years, he kept his promise to his son. He went to watch that performance. And a man who was the father of his son’s classmate admired the tie your grandfather wore. It was a handmade Taylor original.

“This left the man impressed enough that it sparked a conversation that eventually led to the financial investment that saved MaxWaters Suits.”

“You’ve done your research,” he says, sounding genuinely impressed.

“I don’t recite the story to flatter you, Mr. Taylor,” she continues. “I tell it because Travis was also moved when he heard that story about your family’s company. So much so, that he told me he wanted this partnership deal more than any deal he’s had before because you would understand the value of family.

“You see, Travis isn’t just my employer. He’s my brother and he’s not here tonight because his wife and son are sick with the flu. And given the compressed amount of time he’ll have with them once the season starts, he chose to spend his evening alternating between feeding his wife homemade chicken soup and using one of those sucker things to make sure his son could breathe and fall asleep more easily.”

My head jolts backwards at her last statement. Though I can’t see his face, from behind, Taylor’s head cocks sideways, leading me to believe he’s as confused as I am.

But he doesn’t brush her aside or insist she move out of his way.

“A nasal aspirator.”

“That’s it.” Her face lights up. “You should’ve seen the way Lucky fought Travis to keep that thing away from him. How are six month olds so strong? I couldn’t believe—” She stops herself.

“Excuse me.” She clears her throat. “That’s the truth, Mr. Taylor. Travis didn’t brush you off and send in his assistant to do the work he thinks is beneath him. He sent me because just like your grandfather, Travis values what’s important. Family. And once he signs the dotted line on your contract, he’ll be as committed to representing your brand with the utmost respect that he is to winning a second championship because now he has his own family watching him.”

That final declaration is what causes a searing sensation to ripple through my chest. As I glance down, I notice my hands balled into fists.

While I’m familiar with the feeling that’s come over me, I don’t like it. Thus, instead of acknowledging it, I calm the flame of my jealousy, using the memory of that accident to recall what happens when I allow it to get out of control.

My attention rises again to find Luca Taylor getting into his car and pulling off, leaving Annalise standing and watching.

A certain satisfaction rolls through me, until I notice the way her shoulders slump as she watches the car retreat into the night. There’s something about her forlorn stance that I find completely unsatisfying.

I think back to minutes ago, holding her in my embrace, spinning her around the dance floor while she tried to sell me on the attributes of her brother. I heard none of it above the voice inside of my head wishing she’d remove her mask so that I could get a better view of the myriad of freckles that outline her light brown cheeks.

A small ache in the pit of my stomach had opened on that wish.

Which pisses me off.

Annalise is the one woman I shouldn’t give a second glance to. My new teammate’s sister—a teammate who hates me as much as I abhor him.

A brother who she’s undeniably loyal to.

Yet, as my latest decision to sign with Amato Racing for this new season is proof, I’m a glutton for fucking punishment.