Chapter 88

By the time Brinley and Austin left dinner for the racetrack, the rain had already stopped.

He drove her to a city-center course,where beginners usually honed their skills.

A new white car sat waiting in the corner of the pit lane. It wasn't built for speed or flair-just the kind of ride meant for learners.

"Want to give it a try?" Austin asked, tossing a helmet toward her.

Brinley caught it, and the chill of the surface against her fingertips made her heart skip, though she couldn't explain why.

She strolled up to the car, tugged the door open, and slid into the driver's seat, exaggerating her clumsy attempts to adjust it.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Austin lingering in the pit, his eyes fixed on her.

When she turned the key, the engine roared to life.Its low rumble was much softer than the race cars she had practiced with, perfectly suited for a beginner's car.

"Austin." Brinley rolled down her window, her voice exaggerated with excitement. "Up for a race?"

Austin gave her a look, half amused. "What's on the line?"

Brinley leaned into the act, her tone childlike."Whoever loses has to buy the other dinner for a whole month."

She kept her act up, making sure she looked every bit the clueless beginner.

Austin laughed under his breath and strolled toward a black race car. "Fine. But let's sweeten the deal."

Sliding into the driver's seat, he lowered his window and met her eyes, his voice calm. "If I win, I want you to open your heart to me."

Brinley's heart pounded wildly, her fingers curling tightly around the wheel.

The glow of the streetlamp highlighted the contours of Austin's face, and as he stared at her, she realized he wasn't teasinng at all.

The wind carried the damp scent of rain across the track, tugging lightly at the strands of hair on Brinley's forehead.

She remembered his attentive care over the past few days, how he always remembered her preferences and the quiet worry he showed when she was hurt.

All the little details she had ignored now slotted together like pieces of a puzzle.

"Just you wait-I'll win!" Brinley declared, rolling up her window.

The white car rumbled as it rolled onto the track.

She kept her speed deliberately cautious, even hesitating on gear shifts to keep up the novice act.

In the rearview mirror, she noticed the black car trailing her at a careful half-car length-Austin matching her movements as if refusing to overtake.

As she crossed the finish line, Brinley hit the brakes,bringing the car to a smooth stop.

She removed her helmet, pulse still racing, and glanced at the black car that had crossed the line just ahead of her.

On that last corner, instinct had almost taken over.She'd nearly slipped into her usual sharp cornering,but managed to hold back at the last second. Austin's car pulled up beside her. He stepped out,the wind tossing strands of hair across his forehead, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

He walked up to her window, leaning down until he could see her. "I won."

The timer confirmed it. He'd beaten her by three seconds.

Brinley found herself staring at his face, so close to hers,the light glinting in his eyes.

"Austin." She hesitated, then continued, "Did you..."

She wanted to ask if he'd seen through her act, if he had been holding back on purpose. But instead, the question that had been lodged in her chest slipped out. "Why are you treating me this well?"

It was the same question, surfacing again.

Austin watched her pout and couldn't help but chuckle.

He reached forward and pinched her cheek lightly,his touchimpossibly tender.

His voice lowered, gentle yet firmn. "I'll give you the answer when you really fall for me."

The evening breeze fluttered the edges of their clothes. Brinley stared at him, completely speechless.

The honesty in his eyes didn't seem like an act, yet she still couldn't bring herself to fall for him.

On the drive back, silence stretched between them.

Brinley rested her head against the window, watching the blur of streets outside as an unfamiliar warmth filled her chest.

Maybe...letting herself fall for him wouldn't be such a terrible thing.

The thought had barely formed before she quickly suppressed it.

No,she couldn't afford distractions, not with the race ahead.

And yet, when her eyes drifted sideways to Austin,intent on the road,her heartbeat faltered.

It was already nine o'clock when they reached Hillcrest Villa, the darkness settling around it like a heavy cloak.

A late-night snack awaited them, prepared by the butler.

Austin took a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet and poured a glass for Brinley "Take it easy," he said lightly. "You can't hold your liquor well. Don't end up flat on the table like last time."

"That was one time!" Brinley shot back, snatching up the glass and taking a bold sip.

The cool wine slid down her throat, rich with a faint fruitiness, smoother than any red she'd had before.Without thinking, she tipped back another half glass.

Austin didn't stop her. Instead,he served her food at an easy pace, eyes lingering on her as her cheeks bloomed with color. The sight quietly amused him.

She'd had a few more drinks. The whole room swam before her eyes, and the glass wobbled dangerously in her hand.

She propped her chin on the table, staring straight at him like a lazy, satisfied cat.

"Austin." Brinley's voice came out low and husky."Why?"