Page 29 of Too Fast To Fall
“The all-natural pet food company? Their ads are everywhere.”
“I guess I’m out of the loop.”
“Well, they have deep pockets, and their founder is big into F1. She’s coming to Monaco. If you have the most high-profiledog on the grid, it could seal the deal.”
This was the side of his sport he so disliked—the parts that had nothing to do with actual racing. “You don’t think I’ll geta hard time for this? Everything gets twisted. Like when I arrived with Piper yesterday. I was trying to protect her, andsomeone’s got to turn it into a reason to make insinuations.”
“I know. It’s ridiculous. Personally, I think this helps to take off some pressure. You did great in qualifying today, butwhat if the race doesn’t go well? Or you struggle at the next race? Things like this are a great distraction for the media.It puts you in a positive light. Even the thing with Piper isn’t bad. Who would think badly of you if you got involved withyour dog nanny? Your ex-girlfriend is floating all over the track making a big deal about dating one of the other drivers.”
Emilio took a deep breath in through his nose. He didn’t even want to think about Victoria. Meanwhile, the question of involvementwith his dog nanny was going to stick with him for a while. The temptation was there, but that was a line he wouldn’t cross.He needed to keep his focus. “Piper’s only here through Monaco, then she goes back to the US.”
“Let’s take the good while we have it. This makes people happy. It’s making the fans fall in love with you all over again.I don’t see a downside.”
The world has lost its mind.“Okay. I’ll let her know.”
“Get some sleep tonight. Big day tomorrow.”
Emilio parted ways with Isabel, fetched Gus and Piper from his driver’s room, then the three of them hopped into the car toride back to the motorhome pen. “Today was so exciting.” Piper’s infectious smile bloomed on her face. “You must be so proud.So happy.”
“I’ll be proud if I can match that tomorrow. Or surpass it. You know how it is in this sport. Unless you win, there’s alwaysmore a driver can do.”
“Well, I’m still super proud of you.” Piper stroked Gus’s head. “It was inspiring to watch you clock those lap times. Gusand I were screaming in the paddock club. Well, I was screaming. He was barking and begging for treats.”
He cracked a smile. “I’m sorry I missed that.” Seriously. He would’ve paid money to witness the celebration. “Speaking ofyou and Gus, I spoke to Isabel.”
“And?”
“She said the social media account is a great idea. She said it makes the fans happy and anything that makes them happy alsomakes the sponsors happy, which makes the team happy.”
A little squeal came out of Piper.
“What was that?” he asked, half laughing.
“That is my gloating sound. I don’t want to be a jerk, but I was right.”
“You were. I can admit it when I was wrong. I was just trying to keep things from getting out of control. Things are goingwell. I’d like to stay on this trajectory.” This wasn’t exactly how he’d envisioned getting back on course with racing, butperhaps he needed to give up his preconceived ideas of how things should go. For a moment, he thought about telling her he’dbeen asked about her by a member of the media, but he decided against it. He wasn’t sure how she’d react. What if she wasexcited by that? Or even worse, embarrassed?
“I understand. Completely.” She patted Gus’s head. “Do you hear that, Gus? You brought Daddy good things.”
“Please don’t call me that.”
She shrugged and slid him a coy look. “I think it’s cute.”
He froze, looking at her, the temperature rising in his body. Isabel’s comment about getting involved with her echoed in hishead. As if he needed more swimming around in there.
They arrived back at the motorhome and Piper grabbed a book and curled up on the couch in the small seating area across fromthe kitchen while Emilio sat at the dining table and made notes about qualifying and went over reports from the team in preparationfor the race tomorrow. Piper was soon distracted by her phone, however, smiling and laughing, then tapping away at the screen.Finally, hehadto ask what was so amusing.
“What’s so funny?”
“It’s Gus’s account. The stuff people say is so cute. They love him so much. It’s the only time I’ve never seen any trollcomments.” She got up from her chair and came around to where he was sitting, leaning in closer to show him her phone. Sheflicked at the screen as she scrolled through the comments. Yes, people did indeed love Gus, but that wasn’t what was so bewitching.It was Piper’s upbeat presence. It soothed his ragged edges. She dragged him back to center, simply by being herself. Thetemptation was more than physical. He had this sense she could be good for him. But he couldn’t afford to get involved, despitewhat Isabel had said. Piper wasn’t here for long, and what if something happened between them and then it went south? He’dbe looking for another dog sitter. Back at square one.
“I should go for a walk. Clear my head before bed.” He got up and started for the door.
“We’ll come with you. Gus needs a pee break anyway.” She grabbed his leash and clipped it on his collar.
His reflex was to tell her no, but he couldn’t come up with a good reason. “Sure. Come on.”
Down the metal stairs they went and out into the soft grass and the warm night air. Gus started to gallop and Piper followedhim, then turned back to Emilio with her hair blowing gently in the breeze. “Is it okay if we just let Gus roam? I don’t knowthat I’m in the mood for a run.”
