Page 93 of Dream Chaser

I released a shaky breath into Alejandro’s neck.

Asher had become the World Champion for the first time, and I got to see it in person.

***

That evening, laughter filled the private dining hall reserved for our group. A banner with Asher’s face and Campeón del Mundo in red and black hung on the wall, courtesy of Kaia and Alejandro.

Although the attentive waitstaff kept bringing food to our table, I was a drink or two away from being tipsy. Excitement and a sleepless night spent worrying about the race and doing a great job had finally caught up with me.

Across from me, Asher kissed Kaia’s cheek. She leaned her head on his shoulder, a serene smile on her lips. When her eyes landed on me, I winked at her, and her grin widened. I doubted anything topped watching the love of your life achieve his dream.

I drained the last of my wine and reached for la tortilla.

“Espera,” Alejandro said. Wait. He took the plate from me and loaded it with la tortilla, croquetas, and Iberian ham.

“You’ve hardly eaten all day,” he said, handing it back.

“Neither have you.”

“I’m not the one with low iron. More wine?”

I shook my head. “Thank you. I’d rather not get drunk, and I will if I have another glass.”

“Tranquila, Nova, estamos en familia,” Asher said.

Alejandro chuckled. “He said relax, you’re with the family.”

After months of working together, it did feel that way, especially with Alejandro.

As I shoved a piece of croqueta into my mouth, voices quieted. A tall, dark-haired man with the most piercing blue eyes I’d ever seen walked into the room, greeting the staff with nods and polite smiles. Asher rose at the sight of him, then they hugged like old friends would.

“I apologize for intruding,” Asher’s guest said. “Just wanted to congratulate you. The race was incredible.”

“Thank you. Everyone, this is Rys. My friend and the owner of this hotel,” Asher said.

Rys greeted Asher’s crew members, then shook Alejandro’s hand. “Ale. Good to see you.”

“You too. I don’t think you’ve met Nova.” Warm, his green eyes locked on mine. “My marketing manager and right hand at the agency. The fact that Asher’s Instagram feed includes his face is entirely because of her.”

Asher grimaced. Rys clasped my hand in his, his curious gaze trawling over my face. “You did a great job. Did you take the photos that Asher posted to his stories today?”

“Some of them were mine. Thank you.”

“She’s a fantastic photographer,” Alejandro said. “I’m lucky to have her with me.”

My face warmed. Rys pulled out his phone, clearing his throat. “I don’t want to overstep, but is there any chance I could get a picture with the champion?”

I laughed, taking his cell. “Of course.”

He stood in front of the banner with Asher, his arm draped over his shoulders.

“A group picture?” I asked after taking several photos. “Not for social media, just to remember today.”

“Yes, please.” Kaia rose and crossed to Asher. “Come on, everyone. We’ll ask the waiter to take one photo after, Nova, so you can be in it too.”

I aimed my camera at the smiling group. The shutter clicked several times, and with each picture, the grins widened.

“Your turn,” Kaia said. “Come on, stand next to Ale.”