by KT Shears
‘No no,’ Anna said, ‘I’d love you to. But a racing superstar turning up at my work?’
‘Well, if you’re ashamed of me…’ Erik said, teasingly, and Anna slapped him slightly on the arm.
‘Of course not,’ she said. ‘Quite the opposite.’
Erik was happy to hear this and smiled at her.
‘Well then,’ he said. ‘I’ll pick you up. Don’t worry, I can be very friendly.’
‘I’m sure,’ Anna said, rolling her eyes and earning herself a smack on the bottom.
***
Anna watched the clock hands move slowly round. She was buzzing with a kind of nervous energy. Erik Jonasson was going to pick her up outside work. She had told him to text when he was outside and she would run down and get in the car; otherwise he would be ogled at by her colleagues, especially…
‘Oh my God.’ Eleanor’s voice drifted across to her and Anna looked up. Oh my God indeed. Erik was standing in the doorway.
‘Is that?’ Eleanor hissed, sticking her head over the partition between her and Anna’s desk.
Anna smiled, torn between embarrassment and pride.
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘That’s racing driver extraordinaire, Erik Jonasson.’
‘He is gorgeous¸’ Eleanor said, gawping at Erik as Anna beckoned him over.
He was gorgeous. Even though Anna had seen him less than 48 hours ago, her tummy flipped when she saw him. She thought they could be together for 40 years and her tummy would still flip when she saw him.
‘Erik, this is Eleanor,’ Anna said, as Erik reached them.
‘Eleanor,’ Erik held out his hand and Eleanor took it, speechless for once. ‘It’s nice to meet you.’
There was an awkward silence while Eleanor tried to form words.
‘Er, she gets a bit excited around celebrities,’ Anna said and Erik roared with laughter.
‘I’m hardly a celebrity,’ he said. ‘I just…what was it you said? Drive a car around in circles for too much money?’
Anna beamed. She loved his sense of humour and loved that he got hers and wasn’t offended by it.
‘I’m ready to go,’ she said, turning to Eleanor. ‘See you tomorrow, Eleanor.’
Eleanor could only wave.
***
Erik’s house was incredible. Anna knew it would be, but she still wasn’t prepared for its size and luxuriousness. She felt like she should take her shoes off and definitely not drink any red wine – it was a recipe for disaster. Erik brushed off her compliments, and not for the first time, Anna felt he was a bit uncomfortable with some of the excess that came with being a racing driver. He had no reason to be, she thought. He’d spoken to her the other day about the charity work he did with disadvantaged children, and they had discussed her writing an article to give the charity a bit more promotion. Plus the kids would love their picture in a magazine.
She’d brought a little overnight bag and it sat in the hallway, looking completely out of place. I look out of place too, Anna thought, sadly, and then thought of what Jules would say. Oh God, Jules. She’d have to ask Erik if he wanted to go for dinner to Jules’ and Dan’s. She felt miserable suddenly. Was she making a total fool of herself? Playing at being a race driver’s girlfriend?
Something must have shown on her face as Erik put his arm round her, looking concerned.
‘Are you ok?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ she said, forcing a smile. ‘I have something to ask you, but feel free to say no.’
Erik nodded.
‘My sister and her husband are desperate to meet you. They’ve invited us for dinner but I said I didn’t know what your plans were and…’
‘That sounds great,’ Erik said, and Anna blinked at him.
‘Really?’
Anna suddenly felt a lot better.
Erik smiled at her, nodding.
‘I’ve rearranged some stuff coming up in the next few weeks so we’ll have some more time together. We have a lot to explore, after all.’
Anna nodded. Yes they did, and she took his hand as he led her into his bedroom.
Chapter twenty-five
Being in his bedroom somehow felt more intimate to Erik. The sex in the hotel had been amazing, but now Anna was in his home, sitting on the end of his bed, looking nervous.
Erik crossed over to her, and started kissing her, pleased when she responded instantly. He could feel his body responding to and marvelled at the effect this woman seemed to have on him.
He stroked her face and her hair with one hand, and his other hand roamed over her body. He slipped it under Anna’s top and stroked the skin. She moaned and shifted slightly and Erik felt his penis throb. Anna moved her hands then, stroking his chest and nipples. He had to try to control himself – he wanted to throw her down on the bed right away and plunge himself inside her, but he knew he couldn’t last long with her tight body gripping him, so he wanted to draw this out.
He started to kiss further down her body, revelling in the scent of her soft skin, wanting to taste even more of her. He reached the waistband of her tight jeans and shot her a quick grin. Then he unfastened them and pulled them off in one quick movement, so she was just lying in her underwear. Anna gasped as his lips touched her thighs, grazing the skin. She arched her hips to push herself closer towards his mouth and Erik smiled.
‘Not yet,’ he said, teasingly, and Anna moaned with frustration.
Erik chuckled, and resumed his task. He swept his lips near to the thin strip of cotton between him and Anna’s clit, and then pulled back, peppering her thighs with kisses.
Eventually he couldn’t stand it any longer and ripped off her underwear. Anna jerked her head at the sound of the fabric tearing.
‘Sorry,’ Erik murmured. ‘I’ll buy you some more.’
He bent his head and breathed her scent in. It was intoxicating to him. He began swirling his tongue over Anna’s clit, his penis twitching with desperation as she moaned and twisted. When he sensed Anna was getting close, her breath coming in short and urgent bursts, he started sucking on her clit. He gently worked one finger into her entrance and Anna gasped.
‘I’m close,’ she said, panting hard.
Erik knew what would tip her over. He only had to be careful it didn’t tip him over, too. He withdrew his finger and plunged his tongue inside her. Anna screamed and her body jerked as she came, hard. Erik could feel her convulsing around him, and he pushed his tongue in as far as he could as Anna’s body continued to writhe and twist.
He felt her struggle to sit up and withdrew his head, grinning at her. She was out of breath but she straddled him, pushing him back on the bed.
‘Your turn,’ she said, and Erik had to use all his willpower not to come immediately as she took his penis in her mouth.
She ran her tongue up and down his shaft, and he groaned. He wanted this to go on for a while, but he could already feel his orgasm building and his penis throbbing more intensely. Anna seemed to sense his thoughts, though, and she slowed right down, her tongue slowly teasing the tip. Erik fought to regain some sort of control, but gasped as Anna took him inside her mouth. It was hopeless, he would just have to let his body do what it wanted to do.
He lay back, moaning in pleasure as Anna increased the speed and intensity.
‘I’m going to come down that pretty throat of yours,’ he murmured.
He was close now, so close. When Anna’s hand slid beneath his legs and gently took hold of his balls, that was it.
With a shout he came hard, ramming himself into her mouth. He felt himself come, felt Anna swallow every last drop of him. His penis throbbed from the intensity of it and he just lay there, as the waves of pleasure ran through his body.
Anna appeared beside him and laid her head on his chest. He stroked her hair.
‘That was amazing,’ she said, dreamily.
Erik nodded.
‘It certainly was,’ he said.
He thought for a second and then said, ‘You get holidays from your
work, right?’
He saw Anna look at him, a puzzled expression on her face.
‘Yes,’ she said, ‘I have quite a few days to take.’
‘I was wondering,’ Erik said, then paused. What if she said no? ‘I was wondering if you would perhaps like to come with me to Monaco in a couple of weeks.’
Anna stared at him and for a second Erik thought he had overstepped a line. Maybe she only saw what they had as sex and nothing else. He hoped not; the sex was incredible but he loved spending time with her.
‘I’m not sure I can afford it,’ she said, looking sad.
Erik laughed.
‘I’ll pay,’ he said, but Anna shook her head.
‘I don’t want you to pay for me,’ she said. ‘Is it expensive out there?’
Erik thought of the yachts.
‘A little bit,’ he admitted. ‘It would really be my pleasure – it’s only fair since I’m inviting you.’
He could see her consider.
‘And we can stay with friends of mine, I’m sure,’ he said, trying to seal the deal. ‘So it’ll only be flights and stuff. And we’re sponsored by an airline company so I get a big discount anyway.’ Not that he ever took it – he could afford to pay full price for a flight. Discounts should be for people who need them.
Anna nodded her head slowly, starting to grin.
‘Well, okay,’ she said, laughing. ‘This is crazy. I’ll arrange the time off tomorrow.’
Erik settled back, grinning too.
Chapter twenty-six
Anna stared as the car pulled up outside Erik’s friends’ home. It was like something from a movie and she shook her head. How had little old Anna Sawyer ended up here?
Erik appeared at her door and opened it, bowing as she got out.
‘You’re the perfect gentleman,’ she said, and he kissed her on the lips.
Anna heard the door behind them open and Erik stepped away, turning to greet his friends.
Anna watched as he did what she referred to as a ‘man hug’ with a man in his late 30s. He was attractive, with brown hair and eyes, and a well-defined body. This must be Jack, and the woman next to him must be Elena. She was stunning and looked like a real racing driver’s wife, not a hair out of place and oh, that hair. Sleek and dark brown with caramel highlights running through it. Her face was stunning too, full lips and eyes that sparkled.
Jack and Elena spotted Anna and came over, both grinning.
‘You must be Anna,’ Jack said, holding out his hand. Anna took it, feeling nervous.
‘I’m Jack, and this is my wife, Elena.’
To Anna’s surprise, Elena pushed past Jack and embraced Anna. After a second, Anna hugged her back.
‘I’m sorry,’ Elena laughed as she detached herself. ‘It’s just…we have been waiting for Erik to bring someone like you here for years.’
Anna shot a glance at Erik who was shaking his head, but looking at Elena fondly.
‘Come inside,’ Jack said, going to the back of the car and taking out Anna’s suitcase.
Elena led her inside and Anna stopped in the hallway. There was marble; so much marble. Elena saw the look on her face and laughed.
‘It’s incredibly ostentatious I know,’ she said, waving a hand around her dismissively. ‘We’ve only lived here about six months and it was like this when we bought it. Some Russian oligarch or something lived here before. It’s not our taste at all, but it’s hard to get any time to sit down and work out what we want to do with it when we’re both so busy.’
Anna wondered how busy a racing driver’s wife could get.
‘Jack races, doesn’t he?’ she said, as they climbed the stairs, Anna taking her suitcase from Jack. Erik and his friend headed through the house, probably to get a beer.
Elena nodded.
‘He used to race along with Erik,’ she said. ‘That’s how they know each other. But a couple of years ago, Jack switched to touring cars.’
She glanced at Anna and saw the look on her face.
‘Don’t worry,’ Elena said, laughing. ‘I’m not really sure what the difference is either. Touring cars look more like proper cars though, and there can be a bit more contact.’
‘Do you go to all the races?’ Anna asked, following Elena into a large bedroom with a four-poster bed.
Elena set the suitcase down.
‘I do,’ she said, ‘but it’s quite a commitment. It’s hard to juggle all that travelling with my own business.’
‘You have your own business?’ Anna was stunned. Erik hadn’t mentioned that.
Elena nodded, smiling at her surprise.
‘Yes, I run my own fashion company. I have a few great people working for me and that makes it all possible, but I’m forever on my laptop or phone. Everyone on Jack’s team laugh at me when I’m sitting watching the race with my laptop on my knee and phone glued to my ear.’
Anna was impressed. She couldn’t imagine having a career and travelling round the world during the season. She said as much to Elena.
Elena smiled at her, thoughtfully.
‘You’re a writer, though, aren’t you? You could work anywhere. In fact, travelling might even be good for you.’
Anna considered. She could work anywhere, that was true. But she would have to work for herself and lose the security of working for a company.
‘Believe me,’ Elena said. ‘You find a way to make things work. When I first met Jack, I didn’t want anything to do with him. I grew up in Monaco, you see, and I’d seen what some of those racing drivers got up to when their wives weren’t around.’
Elena smiled, wistfully.
‘But he was persistent, and eventually I agreed to go on a date. And now here we are.’
Anna smiled. She had worried she wouldn’t have anything in common with Elena, but she thought she would enjoy their time together.
‘Come on,’ Elena said. ‘Let’s go find out what the boys are doing.’
They found them in Jack’s huge gaming room playing…a racing game.
Anna laughed as Elena rolled her eyes at them.
‘You boys are ridiculous,’ she cried, looking from Jack to Erik, neither of whom had the good grace to look sheepish.
‘Hey,’ Erik said, holding up his hands and then grabbing the controller again. ‘I haven’t raced against this lunatic for a while.’
‘Well turn it off and come and be sociable,’ Elena said, arms crossed.
Anna grinned as the boys huffed and puffed, making a big show of getting up.
She thought she was going to have a good time in Monaco.
Chapter twenty-seven
Erik reached for the wine and poured Anna another glass.
‘So,’ Elena said, looking between the two of them. ‘How and when did you two get together?’
Erik considered. He thought back to that night in the hotel a few weeks ago. He stole a glance at Anna, who had gone a bit pink. She was remembering it too, clearly.
‘I suppose in Germany,’ he said, running his finger round the rim of his wine glass.
‘You suppose?’ Elena said, brow furrowing.
Jack roared with laughter.
‘You are so dense sometimes, El,’ he said, shaking his head and rubbing her on the back.
‘Hmm?’ Elena said, and then the penny dropped. ‘Oh…Oh!’
Erik laughed too, even harder when he saw Anna who had gone bright red.
‘Well Anna,’ Elena said, laughing too. ‘It’s about time Erik found someone like you. We had almost given up hope and thought he was going to end up living in our basement.’
Erik shook his head, chuckling.
‘I’ve been thinking about buying out here,’ he said. ‘I think I must be the only racing driver alive who doesn’t have a house out here.’
‘You should,’ Jack said. ‘I can put you in touch with some great property agents. Then we’d be neighbours.’
He reached across the table and high-fived Erik.
‘Great,’
Elena said, rolling her eyes theatrically. ‘Does that mean you’ll always be round at each other’s houses, playing those stupid racing games?’
Erik shook his head.
‘I’d only be here off season and sometimes between races,’ he said. ‘I need to stay near the team the rest of the time.’
He thought about Anna suddenly, and saw she looked a bit uncomfortable.
‘Are you coming to the race this weekend?’ he asked, changing the subject.
Elena nodded.
‘We’ll make the race,’ she said. ‘But I was going to whisk Anna away on Saturday for some shopping. Do you mind terribly if she misses qualifying?’
Erik pouted and Elena laughed.
‘It’s fine,’ he said. ‘Just bring her back safe and sound.’
He would have to have a word with Elena and give her his credit card. He knew Anna wouldn’t be able to afford anything here, and he didn’t want her to be embarrassed.
‘Will that poor girl Felicity Carter be there?’ Elena asked.
Erik nodded.
‘Probably,’ he said. ‘This is the only race she goes to every year. I suppose even Devlin can’t keep her away given that they live out here.’
Elena shook her head.
‘It’s such a shame,’ she said. ‘She’s a sweet girl and doesn’t deserve to be married to that idiot.’
Erik agreed. Felicity wasn’t his cup of tea but she was nice enough.
‘Why doesn’t he want her at races?’ Anna asked, sounding curious.
Erik shrugged.
‘He’s a playboy,’ he said. ‘Devlin Carter likes women and drinking, preferably both at the same time. Having his wife there would cramp his style.’
‘That’s awful,’ Anna said, shaking her head.
‘I agree,’ Elena said. ‘I wish the poor girl would have the gumption to get up and leave him. I see her around sometimes and she always looks so lonely.’
Erik thought of Devlin. He was never lonely. The table was silent for a few seconds.
Jack and Elena exchanged a glance over the table. Erik looked at them, enquiringly.
‘We have a bit of news,’ Jack said, grinning.
‘Oh?’ Erik said, looking from Jack’s grinning face to Elena’s beaming one.
