Guess Again

When it came to free practice and qualifying, Morgan wasn't there. A million scenarios raced through Max's mind before Christian came over.

"Morgan's hanging out with her cousin for the next two days," Christian said to Max, "but she'll be here for the race."

"Huh," Max said, crossing his arms.

When race day came, Morgan sauntered into the paddock with effortless swagger. She was wearing a silk black jumpsuit, without a blazer this time. There was a gold belt around her waist and massive gold sunglasses on her face. And by her side was a Monaco-favorite, Carter Schwin.

Carter Schwin, despite being painfully American, as one magazine called him, had become a favorite of the city-state. His white-blonde hair shone in the sun, along with his teeth. He was tall, handsome and charismatic, a perfect businessman, who knew what he wanted.

As soon as Carter and Morgan entered the paddock, rumors started flying. First of all, Carter was wearing the opposite of Morgan, a nice navy suit with a white button down and sneakers. Second of all, nobody had connected that they were cousins.

"Mr. Schwin, good to have you in the paddock," Christian greeted Carter as Morgan placed her sunglasses on top of her head. "Miss Earling, good to see you back."

"Ah, you know I'd never miss Monaco," Carter replied easily. "Plus, Morgan needed someone to go with."

"Wish it was that simple," Morgan said with a smirk. Max walked over, earplugs around his neck.

"Morgan, glad you could make it," Max said, giving her a smile.

"Well, just remember I'm only here for you," Morgan replied, spreading her arms wide and grinning. "This is my cousin, Carter Schwin."

"Your cousin is Carter Schwin?" Christian asked, in mild disbelief.

"Yep, we're the two geniuses of the family," Carter said, flashing a cocky smile.

"Geniuses?" Max asked, giving Morgan a look.

"That's an overstatement, Carter," Morgan said, rolling her eyes. Max noticed how she seemed more at ease, her arms were loose and at her side, she smiled easily. Plus, that outfit was giving her queenly powers, the way it hugged her slim frame and accentuated every feature.

"Race starts soon," Christian said to Max, who reluctantly tore his gaze from Morgan.

"Sounds good," Max said, turning away.

Carter gave a polite nod to the two men and walked with Morgan to the hospitality suite.

"Thanks for coming with me," Morgan said, sighing as she sat down. Carter laughed and waved to a group that was passing.

"Of course, Morgan, I'd do anything for you," Carter said, leaning back and running a hand through his thick blonde hair.

"Thanks for everything this week, actually," Morgan said with a laugh, looking at her cousin.

"Of course, Morgan, vengeance in business is important," Carter said, grinning broadly, "but what I want to know is when you're going to notice the way Max Verstappen looks at you."

Morgan, who had been watching the people across the track, slowly turned to look at her cousin, who had just put a piece of gum into his mouth.

"What?" Morgan asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"I said, 'when are you going to notice the way Max Verstappen looks at you,'" Carter finished, giving a raised eyebrow to Morgan.

"He-no-he couldn't think of me in that way," Morgan said, flustered. Carter gave a look that showed Morgan he thought otherwise.