Reserved the pitstop ser.., p.17
Reserved (The Pitstop Series Book 6), page 17
“What about Mr. Fender? He’s expecting me to do whatever he wants without a single complaint next weekend,” I respond, my anger for my former boss coming to the top.
“I realize how uncomfortable it might be for the two of you to see each other daily now, but that’s where the last part of the deal comes in.” Mrs. Lu walks back around her desk to sink into her chair beside Ms. Martin’s and hands me a new contract. “Griffin Sports has a location in Monaco, and I’d like to offer you a position there. Moving costs would be covered, however, your living arrangements would come half out of your pockets, half out of ours.”
Monaco? Are they serious?
My question is answered when I skim over the contract. My bosses are dead serious. But I can’t just leave everything behind and move to Monaco! My family is here, but that reason shouldn’t interfere with my decision. I need to make it based on all the other factors like money, living costs, and what I want.
If I’ll be able to see my new friends more, too, well, then that’s a bonus.
“I know this is all very overwhelming, which is why I want you to take today to look this offer over and come back to me with an answer tomorrow.” Mrs. Lu smiles.
I have a hundred more questions, but Mrs. Lu stands up, cutting me off before I can even decide on one to ask.
“Now, Ms. Martin and I have a meeting, and you have a big decision to make,” she states while stepping out of the room, leaving me speechless and overwhelmed.
There is only one thing to do in a situation like this.
Mama, Papa, Nova, and Aileen sit at the dining room table, watching me closely as I take a deep breath. I hand Papa a copy of the contract since he’s the best at understanding them and let out a shaky laugh. Nova rests her arm around Aileen’s waist while both of them exchange a worried look. I’ve never asked them to come together all at once to discuss something, and the unfamiliarity of this situation clearly has them suspicious.
“Okay, you can all stop looking at me like I’m not the Nevaeh you know. I’m still me, just struggling with a huge life decision I need your opinion on,” I say and move my hands to sign the words at the same time, resting my forearms on the back of the chair in front of me.
Papa’s eyes have already gone wide from reading the offer, so he isn’t surprised when I explain it to the rest of my family. Nova sits upright, surprise written all over her face. Aileen smiles from excitement, but the one who doesn’t have to say anything to express her feelings is Mama.
Anger and sadness battle on her face.
“You can’t just leave to live in Monaco all by yourself!” she exclaims, capturing Papa’s attention. He places a hand on her shoulder, which Mama pushes off as she stands up. “You’re not doing it, I forbid you from taking this offer!” she goes on, storming out of the dining room and slamming her bedroom door moments later.
“That was definitely not the reaction I was hoping for,” I say, my heart sinking slowly.
“She’s only upset because she’s not ready for her little girl to move out,” Papa replies and signs the words as he takes a step toward me. He excuses himself from Aileen before turning entirely my way to look into my eyes. “Give me the facts,” he demands, handing the piece of paper back to me while a hint of a smile plays on his face.
“I have money saved up that could last me half a year in a small apartment in Monaco, I’d earn great money, a little more than I would here, and I would finally get the independence I’ve dreamed of for a long time,” I start, listing only positives to see his reaction. Papa remains quiet, waiting for what is holding me back. “I’m scared,” I admit, tears shooting into my eyes. “I’ve never lived by myself, and I didn’t expect that when the opportunity presented itself, it’d be in another country,” I explain and groan when my voice cracks.
Papa grabs me by the shoulders and lowers his head just enough to be on the same eye level as me.
“Do you want to take this offer?” he asks, and my eyes shift from one of his to the other. There has been one clear answer to this question since Mrs. Lu handed me the contract, but I’ve been too afraid to admit it to myself.
“More than I’ve wanted anything in a very long time.” My father lets go of me and steps back, a proud grin covering his face.
“Then don’t let fear take it away from you. You’re a warrior, Nevaeh, one who never hides from anything. Are you going to back down from your dream life?” A small laugh escapes me while I wipe my tears and feel a weight lift off my shoulders.
I’m sure my anxiety is going to be as happy as a kid in a candy store because of all of the worrying I’m going to be doing on top of all of the change and new situations I’ll have to expose myself to. But this feels right. This feels like everything I’m meant to be doing at this point in my life.
“You should probably book a flight and go visit Monaco to check out apartments and familiarize yourself with the country before you move there. It makes it easier,” my father says as a tear drops down my cheeks.
He wipes it away and gives me a comforting smile.
Nova, Aileen? What do you think? I sign although I’ve made up my mind already.
“I think you’re going to have the time of your life without me,” my sister complains but then hugs me and tells me how proud she is.
Aileen does the same before all of them leave, including Papa. I think about talking to Mama, but usually, it’s best to leave her until she’s ready, which is mostly after Papa has spoken to her. He has this way of calming her, it’s always fascinated me. Whenever I’m angry, nothing and no one can calm me except myself.
After booking a flight and hotel, I stare at my screen. There’s only one person I want to call right now, one person I want to share this with. The man who has me all sorts of confused.
The rule stands. I can’t date a driver, especially not now when I have to write personal articles about them. It’s one of the conditions at the top of the contract Mrs. Lu gave me. But it says nothing about being friends with them, and, right now, I need a friend. One that I know will be happy for me.
The phone rings, and I fix my appearance eight times. For some reason, I video-called him because of an inexplicable desire to see his face. Maybe not inexplicable. After all, he’s the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen.
A few rings later, his face appears on my screen, making a happy feeling spread through my chest.
“Hi, beautiful. To what do I owe this honor?” he asks, smirking, and I feel heat rush into my cheeks in response.
“I was wondering if you had time this week to show me around my new home,” I say, but Adrian furrows his brows. “Well, I just thought since Monaco is your home country, you could show me the best spots.” Adrian’s eyes go wide before he looks away from the phone only to smile and look back at his screen.
“Are you kidding me? That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time!” An excited laugh leaves him. He lowers the phone and yells, “Val! Nevaeh is moving to Monaco!” She appears on my screen as both of them beam at me. I return their smiles, so grateful for the friendship they’ve given me.
“We’re going to have so much fun! Oh, and we will help you move, of course!” Val chimes in, and I feel tears flood my eyes.
This is slowly becoming the best day of my life.
“Actually, Val, I need your help apartment-hunting.”
An excited squeal leaves her, and we end up planning everything for my short trip to Monaco. I’m only staying for a few days, but Val is making sure I won’t be alone for a second of it.
“By the way, you are not staying at a hotel. Gabriel and I would love to have you stay with us.” I try to decline politely because I feel bad about intruding, but she won’t have it. “I will pick you up tomorrow,” Val simply says before disappearing so I can’t argue with her anymore.
Adrian is smiling when I look at his face again.
“What?” I ask, tilting my head to the side while a blush settles on my cheek.
I wish I knew why it keeps coming back when he looks at me. I’ve never blushed this much in my entire life.
“I was talking to James yesterday, about you more specifically, and I said to him ‘Man, I really wish Nevaeh would live here.’ Did you hear that, mon paradis?” he asks, and I narrow my eyes.
“Did you just call me heaven in French? Is that what you’ve been calling me every time I didn’t understand you?” I ask.
“Isn’t that your name?” he challenges, and I shake my head, hating and adoring how it makes me feel when he calls me mon paradis.
“Stop calling me that,” I say, and Adrian chuckles.
“No. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
And with that, he hangs up before I can respond.
He spoke to James Landon about me, wishing I’d move to Monaco.
Interesting.
A smile so bright it hurts dances onto my face, and I almost sigh. Every single time I think my love life gets less complicated, Adrian pulls me right back in.
Chapter 30
Adrian
Nevaeh is moving to Monaco, and I’m fucking giddy.
I haven’t been able to get her out of my stupid head, especially since I’ve had her pressed against me. I’ve fucked my own hand more times than I should have thinking about Nevaeh grinding against me, but I was trying to make my dick tired so that when I see her today, it doesn’t jump to attention.
I can’t go back to high school where my cock got hard because a pretty girl smiled at me, no matter how beautiful Nevaeh looks when she smiles.
Then again, it’s been a long time since I’ve had sex, and as Nevaeh appears in the pick-up area of the airport, I swear on my life, I’ve never seen a woman look so sweet and sexy at the same time. Her hair is wavy and all over the place, the summer dress she’s wearing hugs her curves in a sinful way, and the look of concentration on her face is breathtaking.
She’s breathtaking.
My dick seems to agree because holy fucking hell, it’s never this easily woken up.
I lean against a nearby pillar, holding the sign I made her over my crotch area, just in case. It reads “Ms. Nevaeh Fuchs.” The hood of my sweatshirt rests on the cap on my head to make sure no one around us will recognize me. I’ve also made sure to be at the very far back, out of everyone’s sight.
Everyone but Nevaeh’s.
Her eyes catch me faster than I expected her to, almost like my very presence calls to her and she would be able to spot me anywhere. Butterflies—fucking butterflies, can you believe it?—appear in my stomach as she starts smiling and running toward me. I straighten out my back, getting ready to catch her. My heart hammers in my chest as she finally flings her arms around my neck. She sighs into my throat, so I hold on tighter, running a comforting hand down her back.
“Shitty flight?” I ask, and she lets out a humorless laugh. Her scent, something sweet and fresh, fills my nose as I place my cheek against her temple. She always smells so good, it’s frustrating.
She’s irresistible in every single way imaginable.
“Shitty day,” she replies while I continue to rub her back. My hands eventually drop to her lower back so I can bring her body flush against mine.
“Did you eat something yet?” I ask, holding on as tightly as I can. She grabs my shirt like she doesn’t want to let go either.
“If airplane lunch counts as food, yes.” Her voice is full of emotion, and when I step back to cup her face and search for an answer, her eyes fill with tears. They spill down her cheeks, so I wipe them away with care. More follow, but I’m patient and wipe those away, too.
“What happened?” My question makes her shift in my hands, but she doesn’t step away. “You don’t have to tell me, but I will listen if you would like to share,” I offer.
Nevaeh takes a deep breath, her hands moving onto my abdomen. Her gaze glues itself to my chest.
“My mother called me selfish for wanting to move here. She took the entire trip to the airport to tell me what a horrible daughter I am because she isn’t ready for me to move out, but I’m leaving her anyway. I know she’s guilt-tripping me, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” she explains, her tears slowing.
When she looks up at me, the pain in her eyes makes a stabbing sensation appear in my chest.
“You’re twenty-one. You have every right to do with your life as you please. She doesn’t have the right to tell you when you’re allowed to move out. You have your own money, dreams, and career. This is your life. Not hers. You’re allowed to live it any way you want to live it,” I say, my grip on her face tightening slightly, only enough to make sure she’s really understanding me. Her eyes flutter shut at my touch, and I fight every instinct telling me to lean down and kiss her.
This is definitely not the right moment.
“I still feel horrible,” she admits, opening her eyes again.
“I know, but I have a solution for you,” I say, grabbing her chin between my thumb and index finger. Her eyes are full of hope. “Spend the day with me. I’m incredible. I’ll cheer you up in no time.” She bursts into laughter, never breaking eye contact with me, and my heart almost flies out of my chest and straight into hers.
Have you ever had someone laugh and look straight at you? When pure joy filters through their eyes and they direct it all at you? When the whole world disappears and all that’s left are you and the person you’re with? Because that’s exactly what Nevaeh is doing right now, and it’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever witnessed.
“I can’t think of anything better than spending my day with you,” she says, so I wrap her up in another hug, pressing my lips to her forehead without thinking.
“I’m going to take you to get some proper food,” I say to stop myself from overthinking what I just did. I lean back, tugging a strand of hair behind her ear. “Does that sound good?” I ask, and she beams up at me.
Her happiness matters to me, but I’ve decided it’s just because we’re friends. That’s all it is.
“You need to stop being so damn close to perfect, Romana,” she warns, but the smiles remain on our faces.
My hands drop from her neck to her shoulders, squeezing a little because I really can’t help myself. I love touching her. It’s like a guilty pleasure I can’t get enough of, that I don’t want to get enough of.
“I have more than enough flaws, Fuchs,” I assure her, watching her grin at the way I pronounce her last name perfectly. “You know, I looked up your last name and found out it means ‘fox’ in English. I read that foxes are quite playful,” I state, and she cocks a brow.
Her hands drop from my body, but I wrap my fingers around her wrists to lift them. I inspect her nails for a moment.
“They can also retract their claws and extend them at will. That sounds like something you do, too,” I tease with a smirk. Nevaeh returns it, but as I take a step closer, and bring my mouth toward hers, her breathing hitches. “I’m your prey, aren’t I?” I ask, making her let out a shaky laugh.
She clears her throat, looking away from me as she fights another laugh.
“If you were, my claws would have already left marks on your back,” she says with a wink, stepping back and breaking the contact between us.
I shake my head, letting it fall backward to look at the ceiling. I question whoever is up there why they brought Nevaeh Fuchs into my life if I’m not allowed to let her mark me as much as she would like.
“You’re a tease, mon ange, and I told you how I feel about getting teased,” I reply, grabbing her luggage and making my way to the parking lot.
If we don’t put some distance between us, I might throw all of my rules out of the fucking window.
All this is between us is a flirty exchange, something I used to have with lots of other women, but there is something so special about Nevaeh for me, it doesn’t feel the same. It feels like it means more, like I’m flirting with someone I want more than one night with, and that’s fucking terrifying.
She just… she brightens up my life.
She makes me feel so much, all at once, and I don’t ever want to let go of that.
“Why ‘angel’ out of all the things to call me?” she asks as we sit down in my Velocità Rossa.
I chose the Velocità Rossa 93 Web recently when I was looking for a new car. My grandfather has a whole collection, but I didn’t take any of them with me when I moved out and into Gabriel’s old apartment.
So, I went and bought myself this one instead. It’s a matte black with a single orange stripe running over the hood of it.
Nevaeh’s fingers trail over the smooth interior, tracing the door handle while she studies the car with an expression of awe. Over the last few months of us spending a lot of time together, I’ve come to realize just how expressive her face is. Whether she likes it or not, her features give everything away. If something displeases her, she wrinkles her nose. If something excites her, she grins with her whole face. If something fascinates her, her eyes sparkle with awe and curiosity.
If she’s happy, her features start shining brighter than any star in the sky.
“Oof, I’m afraid that’s my secret to keep,” I reply, smiling at her one last time before putting the car into Drive.
Her head falls back against the headrest as she watches me maneuver out of the parking garage, so I do it a little more smoothly, more effortlessly.
We might be just friends, but I still want to impress her.
“You’re boring,” she complains when I don’t give her an answer that satisfies her.
She’s as beautiful as I imagine angels to be, so I call her “mon ange.”
She feels like heaven to me, so I call her “mon paradis.”
We drive for a while as she stares out of her window, taking in the road that leads to her new home country. Once we’re in Monaco, she sits up a little straighter, studying everything. The buildings I’ve been around my entire life. The luxurious sight of it is simultaneously antique. Monaco is expensive, without a doubt, and it doesn’t just look that way through all the rich people driving Lamborghinis, Velocità Rossas, Maseratis, and every other luxury brand you can think of.
