Chapter 160
Chapter 160:
By the time Brinley and Austin left dinner for the racetrack, the rain had already stopped.
He drove her to a city-center course where beginners usually honed their skills. A new white car waited in the corner of the pit lane. It wasn’t built for flair—just the kind of ride meant for learners.
“Want to give it a try?” Austin asked, tossing a helmet toward her.
Brinley caught it. The chill of its surface against her fingertips made her heart skip, though she couldn’t explain why.
She walked up to the car, pulled the door open, and slid into the driver’s seat, exaggerating her clumsy attempts to adjust it. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Austin lingering in the pit, his gaze fixed on her.
When she turned the key, the engine came to life. Its low rumble was far gentler than the race cars she had practiced with—perfectly suited for a beginner.
“Austin.” Brinley rolled down her window, layering her voice with exaggerated excitement. “Up for a race p>
Austin gave her a look, half amused. “What’s on the line p>
Brinley leaned into the act, her tone almost childlike. “Whoever loses has to buy the other dinner for a whole month p>
She kept it up, making sure she looked every bit the clueless beginner.
Austin let out a soft laugh and strolled toward a black race car. “Fine. But let’s sweeten the deal p>
𝘕𝗲𝗐 𝘄е𝘦k𝗹𝗒 с𝗵a𝗽𝘵𝘦r𝗌 𝘰𝗇
Sliding into the driver’s seat, he lowered his window and met her eyes, his voice calm. “If I win, I want you to open your heart to me p>
Brinley’s heart pounded wildly, her fingers tightening around the wheel. The glow of the streetlamp highlighted the contours of Austin’s face, and as he stared at her, she realized he wasn’t teasing at all.
The wind carried the damp scent of rain across the track, tugging lightly at the strands of hair on Brinley’s forehead.
She remembered his attentive care over the past few days—how he always remembered her preferences, and the quiet worry he showed whenever she was hurt.
All the little details she had brushed aside now clicked into place like pieces of a puzzle.
“Just you wait—I’ll win!” Brinley declared, rolling up her window.
The white car rumbled as it eased onto the track.
She kept her speed deliberately cautious, even hesitating on her gear shifts to maintain the novice act. In the rearview mirror, she noticed the black car trailing her at a careful half-car length—Austin matching her pace, as if refusing to overtake.
As she crossed the finish line, Brinley hit the brakes and brought the car to a smooth stop. She removed her helmet, her pulse still racing, and glanced at the black car that had crossed the line just ahead of her.
On that last corner, instinct had almost taken over. She’d nearly slipped into her usual sharp cornering, but managed to rein herself in at the final second.
Austin’s car pulled up beside her. He stepped out, the wind tossing strands of hair across his forehead, a faint smile lingering on his lips. He walked up to her window, leaning down until he could see her clearly.