Becks had told him about how she’d tried to get Bri to date when she’d first moved to the city, but Bri would have none of it. Then all of a sudden, she’d agreed to go out with Adam, and it was like she grabbed hold of that new relationship like a lifeline, and refused to let go. Becks was worried that Bri was not settling per say, but that she was so determined to move on with her life that she didn’t much care who it was that she moved on with. While Becks liked Adam a lot and thought he was a great guy, she wasn’t convinced he was the right man for Bri, which made her a perfect accomplice to Cole’s plan.
Confident in his new ally, Cole continued popping into Bri’s path. He knew her, knew that he had to move slowly and very cautiously or he’d scare her off. She needed time to get used to him being around again. He couldn’t just barge in and declare his undying love for her; she’d never believe him. He needed to show her, prove it to her bit by bit, until she realized it for herself. So, he was patient but methodical, slowly becoming a fixture in her life again.
After doing this for about a month, he decided it was time for a grander gesture. Bri’s initial irritation with him had waned into something like grudging acceptance, and sometimes even slight happiness at his arrival. Seeing this shift in her had sent Cole’s heart soaring, and for the first time since he woke up in that hospital without her, he let himself give into the hope that had been hiding deep within his heart. He might just be able to pull this off after all.
So, when he got a call from the Top Gear producers in England inviting him to be their guest driver, he knew it was the perfect opportunity. He knew she wouldn’t be able to resist.
Knowing Bri was working, he headed over to Joe’s that night after he was done filming at the studio. Walking in, he immediately spotted her delivering an order to a table in the corner. He stopped to watch her for a moment, noticing how her natural dancer’s grace was still obvious even while carrying a tray full of drinks. She slid effortlessly between tables and customers, almost seeming to glide across the floor. He didn’t miss the multiple pairs of eyes that followed her as she moved through the room, and was glad that she still was oblivious of the attention she drew. It was nice to see that some things never changed.
Sliding into an empty table, he waited until she finally noticed him. A surprised smile flitted quickly across her face before she smothered it. Not receiving his customary eye roll, he couldn’t resist shooting her a smirk, which of course elicited said eye roll. Laughing he leaned back and waited until she came over to take his order.
“So, what do you want?” she demanded, setting a glass of water down in front of him. Despite the curtness of her voice, she was trying hard to repress a smile as she eyed him over her notepad. He didn’t bother trying to hide his.
“I want you to come to England with me.” He eyed her challengingly.
“What?” she gaped.
“I want you to come to England with me,” he repeated deliberately.
She crossed her arms and glared at him. “And why on earth would I do that?”
“Because,” he played with the rim of his glass, “I’m going to London to be on Top Gear in a couple weeks, and I want you to come with me.” He looked up at her, daring her to refuse.
“You’re going to London to be on Top Gear, and you want me to come with you?”
“Yes,” he smiled up at her and leaned back in his chair. He knew he had her and didn’t bother hiding it.
“But… I can’t go to England with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because I have a job, two jobs, and school,” she stated as though he were stupid. “And a boyfriend,” she added, like she’d just remembered. “ I have a boyfriend. I’m pretty sure Adam would have some serious objections to me jetting off to another country with some guy.”
“First of all, I’m not some guy.” He raised an eyebrow, daring her to deny it. She just huffed and looked away. He’d count that as a win. “Second of all, this would be the chance of a lifetime, and you’d be insane not to take it. Even Adam will see that. If he says he doesn’t mind, will you come?”
“No.” Her words were adamant, but he saw the excitement building in her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere with you. You’re out of your mind.”
“What if I can get you a turn on the track?” He looked up at her through his lashes, pressing every advantage he could. “A chance to do some actual racing. Come on, we can see who puts up a better time.”
Cursing under her breath, she looked away. She wanted to go, she really wanted to go. He could see it, but she was fighting it.
“You’ll have your own room, and I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Think of this as the ultimate friend trip. Just a couple of buddies racing cars and being awesome.” He grinned up at her. “How can you say no to that?”
Two weeks later, after getting Adam to convince Bri she had to go, which wasn’t nearly as hard as it should have been- the dumb sod- Cole stopped by to pick up Bri for the airport. She climbed in after stowing her bag in the trunk, and turned to him, a wary glare on her face.
“Best behavior, Cole. I swear on all that is holy, I will leave you stranded in London if you dare try anything this weekend.”
He held up his hands. “I promise. I won’t even flirt. Well, not much,” he amended with a wink and earned himself an elbow in the ribs. He couldn’t help it; he loved to get her all riled up, in more ways than one.
“I still don’t know why I’m doing this,” she muttered to herself.
“That’s easy,” he leaned back and got comfortable in his seat. “No one in their right mind would turn down Top Gear. And,” he threw her his cocky smirk, “I’m pretty irresistible when I want to be.”
Rolling her eyes, she turned to the window, but not before he saw the hint of a smile trying to peek out. Oh, he could still get to her all right.
The Top Gear racetrack in London was everything Cole had dreamed it would be, even if the reasonably priced car wasn’t nearly as fast as his old Ducati. The Stig was very helpful and much chattier than Cole would have thought, what with the helmet and all. Unsurprisingly, the Stig took a particular liking to Bri, and the two of them were practically inseparable. She had him so charmed that by the time Cole was done with his laps, the Stig was practically begging her to take a couple of laps herself.
Any animosity she felt, or pretended to feel, had been long forgotten, and she beamed at him as she put on the helmet and climbed in behind the wheel. Cole swore he’d never seen a more beautiful sight. She was a little hesitant her first time around, but quickly gained confidence and was soon flying through the turns and straight a ways like a tenured pro. He had never been more proud, or quite frankly, turned on in his life.
Finally having to call it a day, Bri jumped out of the car, laughing and full of adrenaline. She pulled off her helmet, and ran over to him. He reveled in the joy on her face as she threw her arms around him and held him so tight he could feel her rapidly beating heart against his chest. Instinct had his arms around her so quickly he hadn’t realized he’d even moved, and he held on to her like his life depended on it.
A deep breath of relief flooded through him at the feel of her in his arms, and something long dead inside his heart stuttered back to life. It had been far too long since he’d held her like this, since she’d let him hold her at all. Her body still fit his like she was made for him, and his body and heart cried out for her. He felt her responding as a small shiver traveled down her spine. Time seemed to stop, and nothing else existed but the two of them in that moment. No history or pain or betrayal, no anger or mistrust. Just Cole and Bri, in a moment of pure joy and abandon.
But like all good things, that moment ended too quickly. He felt her stiffen as she realized what she’d just done. She pulled away from him, wide-eyed in embarrassment and surprise.
He cleared his throat, his mind and heart reeling, and stepped back before he gave into the urge to pull her back to him and never let her go again. She dro
pped her eyes, her cheeks a tempting shade of pink.
“Have fun?” he asked, desperately needing to dispel the tension between them. The weight of what could have been settled heavily on his shoulders.
“Yes,” she smiled back up at him, her face alight with excitement again. “That was the most amazing thing ever. I’ll never forget it. Thank you for bringing me.”
“Anytime,” he smiled.
“No, really,” she replied softly, taking his hand and stepping closer.
His heart stopped beating for a moment as she gazed up into his eyes. He had to clench his other hand in order to stop it from reaching up to tuck her blowing locks behind her ear.
“Thank you.” She looked at him intently. “This was truly a dream come true. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“There isn’t anyone else I’d rather be here with.” He gazed down into those amber eyes, and watched as something flickered through them. It was a look he was all too familiar with. Longing, desire, love, and regret, all mingling together. It was a look he’d seen in the mirror daily.
They were so close, just a few inches apart, and he desperately wanted to close that distance. But he’d promised to be on his best behavior. Not wanting to let her down, he reigned in all of his urges and stepped away from her.
Blinking as though coming out of a trance, Bri stepped back as well, those inches becoming feet that tore at his soul.
One of the assistants came over and led them back to the dressing room so Cole could get ready for his upcoming interview. He left Bri in a small but comfortable waiting room, and he headed to hair and makeup.
Half an hour later, all prettied up, he walked back to the waiting room and found the Stig, sans helmet this time, sitting with Bri. They’d obviously been talking for a while, and she was laughing at something he said. She turned and caught sight of Cole, leaning against the doorframe watching her. Their eyes met and held, and her laughter died away. Cole vaguely saw the Stig glance back and forth between them, a knowing smile crossing his face. The Stig stood and excused himself, giving Cole’s shoulder a congratulatory pat as he passed.
Shaking herself out of her daze, Bri stood. She was about to say something, but stopped when a production assistant came by to say it was time to head out to the floor.
Holding out a hand to her, Cole tilted his head. “You ready?”
“I get to come?” she asked, looking a bit shy and nervous.
“You can come stand out on the floor with the rest of the audience. It’ll help me knowing you’re out there.” He smiled at her. “I’m feeling a bit nervous all of a sudden.”
“You, nervous?” she smiled back at him. “Never.” She took his hand, and let him lead her out to the old airplane hanger they used as the studio. The assistant moved him into position, and he waited to be introduced.
“Our Star in our Reasonably Priced Car this week is apparently something of an American sports hero…”
Jeremy Clarkson, one of the hosts, began his introduction, and Cole turned to Bri, whose hand he’d refused to let go of. He tried not to read too much into the fact that she hadn’t pulled her hand away yet either.
“Wish me luck,” he grinned at her.
“Like you need it,” she smiled back.
“You’re right. You’re all the luck I need.” Impulsively, he bent down and kissed her cheek, then finally releasing her hand, walked out to meet Jeremy.
Shaking Clarkson’s hand, Cole waved to the crowd.
“Welcome,” Clarkson at waved him to have a seat.
“Thank you,” Cole replied sincerely. “It’s good to be here.”
“Yes, I imagine it is. After the numerous letters you wrote to petition our producers, I’m sure you’re quite pleased to finally be here. How many letters was it?” the tall, middle aged, curly haired Brit mocked.
“Well,” Cole laughed back. “I didn’t keep track, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it numbered in the thousands.”
“Yes well, thank heavens I didn’t have to read all of them. What a hellish tedium that must’ve been. Though cheers to you for torturing our producers,” he grinned.
“Anything to help,” he grinned.
“So,” Clarkson leaned forward. “I understand you’ve brought your lady friend with you today.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call her my lady friend. She’s a friend and she’s a lady, but that’s as much as I’m allowed to claim.”
“I see,” Clarkson eyed him. “Well, that’s probably for the best, because I’ve heard that our tame racing driver has taken quite a shining to your lady friend.” He looked around at the audience, who were murmuring boisterously. “Oh yes, I’m afraid he’s quite smitten. I believe the Stig spent more time with her than he did with you today.”
“Unfortunately, I think you’re right,” Cole laughed. He leaned forward conspiratorially. “And what’s worse, I’m a little nervous about my odds on this one.”
Clarkson laughed. “Is your lady friend here now?”
“Yes,” he sat up pointing over at Bri. “She’s right over there.”
Clarkson found her in the crowd, the camera following, and Bri blushed. “Oh yes, I see the problem. It’s no wonder the Stig was so enraptured. She really is quite lovely, isn’t she? Yes, I’m afraid you’re rather outmatched.”
“More than you know, Jeremy,” he replied sardonically, causing Bri, and the audience, to laugh.
The rest of the interview went fabulously, Cole and Clarkson trading jokes and good-natured insults. He was in a daze of unreality. He’d grown up watching this show, dreaming of being in that very seat; and here he was, a dream come true. He basked in the ambiance of it all, soaking up every little nuance and filling his memory. All the while he was keenly aware of Bri’s eyes on him, the sound of her laughter, and her beaming smile.
He watched his lap with Clarkson, and waited anxiously to find out where he ranked among the board of other celebrities who had given the track a go. To his great surprise, he found himself in the top fourth of the board, much better than he had hoped for.
“Well Cole, it’s been an absolute pleasure having you here today,” Clarkson turned back to him. “And now if the audience would like to follow us outside to the lawn, Cole and the Stig will duke it out for the heart of the beautiful lady friend.” He paused while Cole and the audience laughed. “Cole Marra, ladies and gentlemen.”
Cole stood and shook Clarkson’s hand, and then headed back toward Bri, who was smiling at him from the sidelines. They followed the production assistant back to the waiting room.
“So, how’d I do?” he asked her as they walked.
“You were fabulous.” She smiled up at him, and it was so much like old times that his heart clenched. “But I’m pretty sure I beat your time.”
“What?” he laughed. The assistant left them once they reached the waiting room, and they were completely alone. “There’s no way you were faster than me,” he turned to her with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh, I definitely was.” She stepped into him challengingly. “I totally blew you out of the water.”
Her taunting smile faded as she gazed up into his eyes, and Cole felt his pulse pick up. Afraid to break the spell that had fallen over them, he remained still, watching her. They were so close he could feel her breath brushing his face. Her eyes dropped to his lips, and she licked hers nervously. His eyes tracked the sweep of her tongue, and he swallowed thickly. In what seemed like slow motion, Bri tipped her lips up and leaned closer.
Cole had a moment of euphoric exaltation, before he remembered the promise he’d made her. He’d promised to be on his best behavior, and he knew that if he let Bri kiss him, she’d be angry with herself for it, as well as with him. He couldn’t betray her trust, not now when he was finally winning it back. So, gathering strength from a well he hadn’t known was there, he reached up and caught her face. Slowly, he lowered his lips to her forehead. He placed a lingering but chaste kiss there and reluctantly pulled back.<
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Confusion clouded her eyes for a moment, until realization sank in, as he’d known it would. Shock, embarrassment, and disappointment raced across her face, as she dropped her eyes and stepped back.
Idiot, idiot, idiot! His brain and body screamed at him. She wanted him. Why had he stopped her?
But deep down he knew. That kiss would’ve been more impetuous than heartfelt. She’d been caught up in the moment, drunk on the excitement and adrenaline of the day. She would have regretted it, almost immediately, and resented him for it. So, while it about killed him to deny her, he knew that it was the right thing to do. She wasn’t ready for this step yet, and he didn’t want her to kiss him until she was ready to kiss him. Because once she did, he was claiming her forever. That time wasn’t now, but today had proven that one day she would be ready. And while he would wait for her, he was bound and determined to make sure that day came sooner rather than later.
“Um,” she cleared her throat and put a few more feet of distance between them. She glanced up at him, and her face was a mix of confused rejection and grudging gratitude. “I, um… I’m…”
“I think we’re all done here, if you’re ready to go,” he managed to rasp out, saving her from having to break the sudden, awkward tension.
“Yeah, I’m ready,” she smiled at him. She grabbed her purse and followed him into the hall. Her cheeks were flushed and that confusion hadn’t left her eyes. Cole smiled to himself. She was definitely thinking about it.
“We can stop and say goodbye to the Stig, if you want?” He tossed her a teasing smile. “I’m sure he’s hoping for a goodbye kiss.”
“Shut up,” she swatted his arm, and just like that, everything was back to normal.
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