Julie's face lit up at the promise, and Ethan could see her already plotting ways to win against a professional racer.
Claire, who had been mostly quiet, simply gave Vanessa a nod.
It was her usual way of showing approval.
As they all stepped outside, Vanessa made her way toward her car, the sleek machine waiting for her in the driveway.
She opened the door but hesitated, glancing back at them.
For a brief moment, Ethan thought she was going to say something else.
Instead, she took a step back, walked right up to him, and before he could react, she leaned in and pressed a quick, smooth kiss against his cheek.
Ethan blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Vanessa grinned at his reaction, taking a step back. "See you around, Grey."
And with that, she turned and rushed back to her car, sliding in effortlessly before revving the engine.
The powerful roar echoed through the quiet morning as she pulled out of the driveway, taking off down the road in a blur.
