Chapter 124
Chapter 124:
“It’s not about that,” Brinley said, her back pressing against the desk’s cold edge, trapped. “It’s not worth it. The prize money is a drop in the bucket compared to your projects. A loss would be humiliating, and an injury? That would derail everything at Moore Group p>
Before she could finish, Austin gently tilted her chin up.
He leaned in, his face so close his breath grazed her forehead.
“You seem awfully worried about me racing. Why is that?” His low voice sent a shiver through her.
“You’re imagining things.” Brinley forced a calm facade. “I’m just being realistic p>
“Is that so?” Austin chuckled, releasing her chin. “Then why do you look so on edge p>
Instinctively, she stepped back, forgetting the desk behind her. Her lower back struck the edge, and she winced.
“Be careful,” Austin said, his hand swiftly finding her waist. The warmth of his palm seeped through her shirt, igniting a spark across her skin.
They were closer now, his chest nearly brushing her shoulder, his breath warm against her neck.
𝘑𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘯
Brinley’s heartbeat thundered, loud enough to betray her.
“What are you so nervous about?” Austin asked softly.
Brinley faltered, grasping for an excuse but finding none.
Just then, her foot caught on his shoe, and she stumbled forward.
Austin’s arm instinctively wrapped around her, and they tumbled to the floor with a muffled thud, landing in a heap.
Brinley found herself in his arms, her cheek pressed against his shirt, his familiar scent enveloping her.
His grip tightened briefly around her waist, as if reluctant to let go.
She tried to push herself up, but his hand gently pressed her shoulder.
“Hold still,” he said, his voice husky, still edged with the shock of their fall. His breathing was uneven, mirroring her own.
She was forced to stay in his lap, and the intimacy of their position sent heat rushing to her face.
“Brinley,” Austin murmured, his fingers brushing softly through her hair. “Are you hiding something from me p>
His eyes—deep and searching—seemed to pierce straight through her defenses. For a moment, she nearly blurted out, “I got the invitation too. I was a pro racer, and I want to participate in the exhibition race p>
But she clamped down on the words, unwilling to reveal the truth. Not yet, at least.
“Stop being silly. What would I even be keeping from you?” Brinley avoided his eyes, giving his shoulder a light push. “Let go of me. This is weird p>
Austin didn’t press.
He loosened his grip on her waist and steadied her as she stood. “Fine. We’ll leave it at that p>