She looks as surprised as I feel about revealing my secret. And fuck, vulnerability scares me, but I can trust Maya. I need to trust her. For once in my life, I don’t view leaning on someone else as a negative.
“I’m proud of you. That’s a huge step.” She grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. A buzz similar to sticking my finger in an electrical socket courses up my arm.
I nod, not wanting to break the moment by hashing out my parental issues. “I’ve missed being around you.”
“I have too. It’s not the easiest thing—avoiding you when all my fans are dying to hear and see more of you.” She shoots me a wink. “I had to fill the time with other interviews.”
My breath hitches at the easygoing smile on her face, finally getting the grin I’ve waited weeks for. She fills me with hope. It’s a new feeling, wanting someone to believe in me while desiring to prove myself worthy of her.
“We should give the subscribers what they want. I watch your videos.” My cheeks heat up at my admission. I chug wine before I continue, needing extra help tonight. “I may be partial, but I think I’m better clickbait than Jax or Liam.”
Her giggle fills the room. It’s the best thing I’ve heard all week, even better than winning second place.
And it hits me.
Shit.
25
Maya
We are doing this. Noah and me.
I never imagined he would come around. Days turned into weeks since the Baku disaster, and he didn’t make a move, except for the time in Italy.
Noah hires a car to take us to a party, the lights of the city passing us by. Noah grips my hand on his lap, occasionally giving it a squeeze, checking that I’m still here.
“I don’t want my brother to know. At least not yet.” I look at him head-on, no shoes stealing my attention this time.
The temperature in the car drops a couple degrees. It may sound dramatic, but I swear it happens.
“Why?” His edgy voice makes me frown.
My eyes plead with his. “It’s new. I don’t want to distract him from the Championship since you’re both teammates and he won’t like it. He tends to be overprotective of me.”
Noah doesn’t talk for a full minute. I shift in my seat, waiting for him to say anything. His frown makes me wish I could take back my words.
“I’m not happy about it because I don’t want to treat you like a dirty secret. I’m happy to be with you…but if that’s what you want, I’ll respect it.” He shrugs.
“If it works out, I’ll tell him after the Championship, once everything is finalized for him.”
His blue eyes stay pinned to mine. “It’s going to work out, so we’ll tell him when you’re ready.” His clipped voice has a finality to it.
“Thank you.” I move close to him and wrap my arms around his waist, a new gesture that feels right. He gives the top of my head a quick kiss before he returns my hug.
“Now, time for kissing and making up. I hear that’s the best part.” He mumbles the words into my hair.
My laugh makes his own chest rumble.
I can now confidently say kissing and making up might be my favorite part too.
I’ve watched extravagant weddings on television, even a few crazy sweet sixteen parties where a kid cries over getting the wrong colored convertible. All those parties one-up each other with new levels of craziness. If I combined every single overdone party known to man, that would sum up what Noah and I walk into for the Singapore celebration. Do all local events look like this—filled with indulgence, celebrities, and glam bordering on obscene? It’s a party Gatsby would envy. But I love every second of it, soaking up the activities, including a side stage where people perform.
People say this is one of the best parties of the entire Championship. None of the galas so far hold a candle to it. We stand on the rooftop of the most famous building in the city overlooking the whole island, the supertrees glowing while buildings around us light up.
“Amazing, isn’t it? Plus, now I have a date, which makes it ten times better.” Noah’s hand grips my waist. His sexy smirk makes my heart pick up and my thighs clench. I sigh at the grin he saves especially for me. He wears a navy-blue tux today with black lapels and a crisp white shirt. I love the look on him, especially when my eyes gaze upon the bow tie. He looks dreamy.
He gives me a peck on the lips. My body stills as I search around nervously for my brother.
“I’ll keep an eye out for him. Don’t worry.” His gruff voice vibrates against my chest. Lying to my brother makes me sick with worry, making it difficult to fully enjoy attending the event with Noah.