Page 53 of Formula Fling

CHAPTER 18

Posey

There’s a softknock at my door, and I take one last glance in the mirror. My heart pounds, and I inhale a deep, calming breath. I’ve been nervous all day for this event, but now that it’s here, it feels like my anxiety is on overdrive.

Lex said he wants to try to have something more with me, and although we haven’t defined it, it’s clear that will involve me being part of his thrilling, terrifying and confusing world. Like tonight… a glamorous affair put on by the crown prince of Bahrain who is a huge supporter of motorsports. The track they’ll be racing on for the Bahrain Global Prix was built under his patronage.

I’m attending a party given by a crown freaking prince and I have never felt more out of my depth than I do now.

I know Lex is standing on the other side of the door, probably looking drop-dead gorgeous in some designer suit, and all I want to do is jump in bed and hide under the covers. I can’t do this. I don’t have the sophistication or the right look to be in this world. What’s worse, Lex is a man who makes everything look effortless, from racing to wearing clothes to rubbing elbows with royalty, and I can’t help but feel a little insecure as I smooth the fabric of the dress he sent me.

Yes, he sent me a dress and it’s the most beautiful piece of clothing I’ve ever had the privilege of wearing. It’s a floor-length, deep emerald-green gown that complements my dark brown hair and brings out the warmth of my complexion. I would have never chosen a jewel tone like this, but Lex knows what he’sdoing because even I admit it makes me practically glow. The dress is made of satin, flowing smoothly over my curves without being overly tight, although the plunging V neckline makes me a little self-conscious as I’ve never been one to wear sexy clothing. I don’t know how he knew my size for the dress or for the silver strappy heels, but everything fits perfectly and God help me, it’s a turn-on that he did this.

But I swallow my fears and decide to embrace the evening. I went dramatic with my makeup, including smoky eyes, a bold red lip and lots of mascara to plump my already thick lashes. I thought I might wear my hair up but I have no clue how to do such things, so I put soft waves in it with my hot iron and the overall effect is pleasing to me.

I hope it is to Lex.

He knocks again and I jolt, tamping down a wave of nausea. I’m doing this no matter how scared I am.

When I finally open the door, the look on his face is worth all the crazy nerves. His eyes widen, and for a moment, he just stares as he takes me in. His gaze sweeps up and down my body, scanning every detail—the dress, my hair, the makeup.

“Wow,” he finally says, his voice a little rough. “You look… incredible.”

I smile, my cheeks warming. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

And I’m not lying. Lex stands there in a tailored charcoal suit that hugs his broad shoulders perfectly. The black tie against the crisp white shirt makes him look both powerful and sleek. His hair, as ever, is messy and he didn’t shave the scruff off his face—it only makes him more handsome.

He steps inside, and I can’t help but feel a little self-conscious as his eyes glitter with appreciation. Lex moves closer, his hand finding my waist, and leans down to brush a kiss across my lips. It’s soft, quick—almost restrained. We agreed to keep thingsprofessional tonight, no PDA, no hinting at our relationship until we can talk to Harley after the race. But the way he looks at me now, I can tell it’s going to be a struggle for us both.

“You ready?” he asks, his voice a little lower than usual, a hint of excitement in his eyes.

“No,” I say with brutal honesty.

He squeezes my hip. “I’ll be by your side the entire time. I promise you’ll have fun.”

I nod, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. “Okay,” I practically squeak.

“You’ll be fine,” he says, giving me another squeeze before taking my hand. “I’ve got you.”

As we step into the elevator, I try to focus on something else and my mind immediately revisits the craziness of yesterday and today as we got settled in the capital city of Manama at the Four Seasons Hotel. Not everyone from Crown Velocity is staying here, but the upper echelons of the team rate the swanky rooms. I’m so grateful Harley put me up here too.

It’s been a whirlwind since we arrived in Bahrain. Lex and the team got to work almost immediately. While I was trying to keep a low profile, Lex was dragged into a string of PR events—photo ops, fan meet and greets, sponsor meetings and media interviews.

Harley had me tag along with her for a few hours as she checked in on the logistics crew setting up the portable garages and paddock, building a Crown Velocity headquarters right here in the middle of the desert. The engineers have been busy tweaking the cars, making sure everything is in perfect shape for the race.

The sheer efforts to coordinate all of this is mind-boggling and it makes me respect this industry all the more. There are hard days ahead as they close in on the event, but tonight isdifferent. Tonight it’s about the glitz and glamour of Formula International, the part that’s always felt surreal to me.

We step out of the elevator and into the sleek black car waiting outside. It’s a short ride to the Bahrain World Trade Center where the party is being held, and Lex’s hand stays on mine the entire way, a silent reassurance that I’m not alone in this. Plus it’s the last opportunity for him to touch me until later.

When we pull up to the buildings, my jaw drops at the sleek, towering structures. The twin sail-shaped towers rise high into the evening sky, their modern glass facades gleaming under the soft glow of the city lights. Connecting the two buildings are three massive wind turbines, a striking architectural feature that feels futuristic and bold.

The entire area is lit causing the towers to glow, and our car pulls up behind other limos at the end of a red carpet. I see camera flashes and hear reporters shouting questions, while fans stand behind barricades screaming at the drivers, celebrities and royals walking into the buildings.

“Oh wow.” I breathe out and resist the urge to rub at the tightness in my chest.

“You got this,” Lex says as our car inches forward and a valet moves to open our door. Lex gives me a swift, dazzling kiss and to my surprise holds my hand as we exit the vehicle.

He gives it a last squeeze before dropping it and buttoning his coat. Lex waves at the crowd, flashes his killer smile at the cameras and I try to not be blinded by all the lights. But then there’s his steadying hand on my back and he guides me up the carpet and into the lobby.

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