Page 20 of Sparks Fly
“No,” I rush out, “my friend does the PR for one of the Formula One drivers.” I roll my lips.
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.”
“Who?” She wiggles her brows and I half laugh, half choke on my inhale.
“Royce Lexington,” I whisper his name, an ache searing through my chest.
“Lucky lady… he ishot.” She sighs. “And recently single…” She winks, and I finally allow myself to look at her, a weak smile on my lips, my fingers locked together. The doors ping open and then it hits her.
“OH.”
I nod, ducking my head down and rushing out of the lift. She follows me as I unlock the door and push through and walk straight into the kitchen.
“So, he is the reason you came to Monaco.”
I nod, unable to speak all of a sudden. Maybe the rawness of the situation has stripped me of my voice.
“And your friend booked you a penthouse in Monaco… where a lot of the F1 racers live…”
“They’ve got a week off, then three races back-to-back coming up,” I squeeze out, my throat burning. “Nowhere near Monaco. Plus, Royce rarely comes over here.” I start pottering and putting my shopping away.
Rue sits at the breakfast bar, swinging herself side to side on the stool. “What was he like?” she asks and her question lodges itself between my shoulder blades, winding me.
“Pretty damn perfect.” I breathe out slowly as I spin to face her. “I wish I could say he was an ass, but he wasn’t. Never treated me disrespectfully or anything like that.”
“I’m sorry babe, always worse when they are actually decent.” and I nod, ignoring the way the tears prick behind my eyes.
“Yeah,” I nod,
“You’ve got me now, I won’t let you be lonely.” She smiles wide, her perfectly white teeth on show.
“I’m glad I wandered into your shop.”
“Me too.” She smiles.
“So… the rest of the drivers…”
“Totally hot.” I sigh, placing my hand on my chest before a soft laugh bubbles from me.
“Do you think you could introduce me to any?” She smirks, and I shake my head.
“Doubt it, to be honest. I am not sure I want to get back into that crowd, but who knows.”
“Totally get that, babe.”
“Shall we get some plans in?” I ask and excitement flashes across Rue’s eyes.
“One hundred percent,” she says a little louder as she fumbles for her diary and opens it on the current date.
Suddenly, I’m glad Nora pushed me to Monaco.
Chapter Five
Anaïs
Kissing Rue on the cheek,we say our goodbyes as she slips into a waiting taxi. I had such a good day, unexpected but still an amazing day. A soft smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I walk through the lobby, greeting Alexandre as I do.
