Page 20 of Formula Fling

Tension coiled in her chest as she replayed the day’s events. The world of Formula International wasn’t just about fast cars and glamorous races—it was a finely tuned symphony of engineering, strategy, and razor-sharp precision. Alex had led her through the labyrinth of technical jargon, patiently explaining the subtle art of understeer and oversteer as if it were second nature. She watched him now, seated across the table from her, effortlessly charming the engineers while keeping one eye on her.

She had expected arrogance, a cool detachment that came with being one of the best drivers in the world. But what she found was a man deeply involved, passionate and far more thoughtful than the headlines ever painted him. The engineers discussed aerodynamic adjustments, the importance of drag and how they’d fine-tune the car for the next race. And he listened—really listened—before giving his own input.

She could almost see the wheels turning in his mind, calculating every possible outcome. She shifted in her seat, her breath hitching when his eyes flicked up to meet hers, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He was a puzzle—a man who lived life in the fast lane, yet never seemed out of control. Except for when he looked at her.

I bite my lip, leaning back in my chair to glance at the clock. I need to go to bed.

But damn if the information I’ve been gathering isn’t improving this story. I don’t recall feeling an excitement like this when I’d dutifully research the past for my historical novels. I found it exciting—and hopefully my readers did too—but there’s something about this racing world that brings a level of exhilaration I haven’t felt before when finishing a paragraph.

Part of me can’t help but marvel at how much Lex’s world is affecting my writing. Each new term, each bit of insight into the engineering side of things, is shaping my book in ways I hadn’t even considered. And I’m not sure it’s even just the information but rather observing Lex’s role within the organization. How respected he is by everyone at Crown Velocity. It’s his steely confidence at such a young age that multiplies his attraction level by a thousand, and when he focuses that attention on me, it’s quite disconcerting. I’m able to transfer that feeling right into my heroine and hopefully those feelings will be palpable to my readers.

Pushing my chair back, I stand and stretch, glancing at the suitcase by the closet door. I’ll check out of this hotel early tomorrow. I managed to find a lovely Airbnb in Woking, only four miles from Crown Velocity. While most offerings were small apartments, this one is a cozy three-bedroom house on Goldsworth Park Lake. It’s slightly more expensive than the apartments, but I couldn’t resist the tiny path that leads to a beautiful body of tranquil water where I can sit and think about my stories. Besides, I reasoned, I’m saving money by leaving the hotel in London, which is twice what I’ll be paying for the Airbnb, not to mention saving on drive time.

All in all, quite the find.

I put the suitcase on my bed and start removing my clothes from the dresser drawers, refolding them into neat piles.I’m halfway finished when my phone rings, startling me that someone would be calling this late.

I glance at my phone on the nightstand and am surprised to see Lex’s name on the screen. Exhaling a long breath, I remember earlier today when he invited me out to the pub with him and Ronan tonight. He also texted me, noting that the pub wasn’t that far from my hotel, but I declined. I just didn’t have the energy, and to be honest, Ronan’s presence was a big deterrent. He gives off a bad vibe, and it’s not just his arrogance—it’s something deeper, something that rubs me the wrong way. But I didn’t tell Lex that. He already knows I don’t like Ronan and even admitted he can be an asshole. I simply said I had to work on my book and that I’d see him tomorrow at Crown HQ.

For a moment, I consider letting my voicemail pick up but then I remember how drunk Lex was at the club, and a surge of responsibility sweeps through me. I don’t want him to get in trouble, so without further hesitation, I answer. “Hello?”

“Posey!” Lex’s voice is loud, playful, and there’s a distinct hum of noise in the background—clinking glasses, laughter, chatter. He’s obviously still at the pub, and while he’s not slurring, I can tell he’s had a few drinks.

“Everything okay?” I ask, even though I can hear in his voice that he’s fine—just tipsy.

“You should come out, hang with us.” His voice drops to a mock whisper. “I promise not to start any fights.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s late and I’m tired.”

“Come on,” he insists, dragging the words out playfully. “Don’t make me tell Harley you’re not being a team player.”

I think he’s teasing, but I can’t be totally sure. I’ll admit that I like him the more I get to know him, but I don’t know him all that well and I don’t know if I can fully trust him to keep my secret. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.” His tone is teasing, but I know he’s serious about wanting me to come out. He’s not above the threat of turning me in to Harley.

I sigh, glancing at the half-packed suitcase. “Lex, I really—”

“Posey,” he cuts me off, his voice suddenly softer. “Just come. For a little bit. I’m not asking you to stay all night. It’s a block from your hotel. I’ll walk there to get you if you want.”

Something in his tone grabs me, a mix of charm and sincerity. The gallant offer to come get me.

Against my better judgment, I roll my eyes. “Fine. But only for a little bit.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes,” he says.

“Just text me the address. I can find it myself.” We’re in a busy and populated area of London, purportedly quite safe according to the research I did before booking my hotel. The streets are lined with restaurants and pubs, so I don’t have any hesitation in going out at this hour by myself.

Besides… I don’t want to read anything into Lex’s offer. It’s best not to indulge in such things.

“That’s my girl,” Lex murmurs and those words… that tone… it gives me goose bumps.

♦

The pub iscrowded and noisy when I walk in, and I instantly regret my decision. The lights are dim, casting shadows among the dark wooden booths. The smell of spilled beer and the sound of laughter fills the air. I spot Lex and Ronan almost immediately, sitting at the bar, surrounded by a group of women who look like they’ve just stepped off a runway. They’re dressed in miniskirts or low-cut jeans that bare their bellies. They’re everything I’m not and I fight the urge to flee when Lex’s head turns my way.

He’s the first to notice me, his face lighting up with what looks like pure joy as he waves. “There she is!” he bellows, and suddenly, all eyes are on me.

I swallow hard, feeling completely out of place. The women glance in my direction, their eyes sweeping over my jeans and plain sweater before quickly dismissing me. Ronan’s gaze isn’t so much dismissive as it is chilly, a sneer tugging at the corner of his lips.

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