Page 47 of Betting on the Chase
"I am worried about him," Sebastian confessed. "He's been getting threats all season. But like the rest of us, racing is the most important thing to him. He won’t stop, no matter the danger.”
"The most important thing, huh?" I asked, snaking my arms around his neck. "I'll remember that in future." It was weird how Sebastian and Frankie had become closer since Sebastian left Remini. Where they’d once been at loggerheads, Frankie had been coming to Sebastian more for advice throughout the American Tour.
"Second, then. But racing was the most important thing to me until you stole my heart,mi cariño,” said Sebastian.
"You smooth talking Spaniard," I said. "So what was the let you were thinking of?"
"Well, when in Vegas,” said Sebastian with a grin. "Your family is here, as are all our friends. If I win..." he paused for dramatic effect, "I want to marry you."
My heart was beating so hard in my chest I thought I might faint. “Fine. But I have my own bet in mind."
“Fine?!" said Sebastian, his face incredulous. "I ask you to marry me and your only response is"Fine?”
I put one finger over his lips to cut him off. "If I win, I want to marry you. That's my bet."
"So if you win... marriage. And if I win…marriage," said Sebastian.
"Deal?" I asked, taking a step back from him and holding out a hand to shake.
"You idiot," said Sebastian. He pulled me back to him and kissed me for so long I thought I might faint from lack of oxygen. He finally let me come up for air. "I am looking at the future señor Garcia-Tyler,”
"Mr Tyler-Garcia, surely," I replied.
"If you win, I will let you choose," said Sebastian.
That was the thing about our bets. It didn't really matter what was at stake, we would both be trying our damn hardest to win.
We walked hand-in-hand out to the paddock again, only to be corralled by Albert Stevenson like he’d been waiting for us. “Our two favourite rivals! Have you got any words for the fans back home?”
“Only that I hope they’re enjoying the racing,” I said. I didn’t let go of Sebastian’s hand, we were way past that. “And that I hope to take home the season championship tonight.”
“So sweet, delusional,” replied Sebastian as he leaned in toward the microphone. “But we shall see if little Theo has the mettle.”
Albert grinned. “Viewership this season has been through the roof since you two became an official item, and media speculation on your future has been huge. Have you considered tying the knot? Might we all be invited to one big Moto 1 wedding?”
I adjusted my cap, totally unsure of how to respond. Did Albert have secret microphones stashed everywhere?
Thankfully, Sebastian was much more in control. “We will see, Albert, Right now, my main focus is on winning the race. Who knows what the off-season will bring? Maybe I’ll be too busy with an extension for my trophy cabinet.”
I ducked my head with laughter. I loved my silly, clever man.
And that was the thing. I wanted to win. Sebastian wanted to win just as much, but when it came down to it, we already had. We had money, fame, glory on the race track. Legions of adoring fans and a beautiful farmhouse to escape to when it all got too much.
But most of all, we had each other. And that was the biggest win in the world.
