Page 87 of Sparks Fly
There was no way I was going to fall into him again.
Sure, it was going to be harder now because we work with each other – but it’s a blessing in disguise as well. He is my boss. Human Resources’ nightmare.
“How’s it going?”
“Fantastic, thank you.” I lift my nose, walking out of the garage but he is behind me, shoes hitting the floor heavily.
“Not going to ask how I am?”
The audacity of this man. Stopping in my tracks, I spin quickly to face him.
“No,” I say, crossing my arms across my chest. “I am not.”
His brows furrow.
“Goodbye.” I wave him off and run for the ladies room. I needed to stay away from him.
Pressing my back against the door, I inhale heavily, close my eyes, and exhale slowly.
I can do this. It’s just like the saying, ripping the band aid off. My first encounter is done. It will only get easier.
Walking towards the sink, I wash my hands and grab a paper towel, then dab my neck and face delicately. He got me all hot and bothered and that annoys me. Tossing the paper towel into the bin, I hold my head high and move into the garage. I would not let Creed Lexington consume me.
Race weekend isin full swing; we qualified in the top ten which was amazing for us. Kai qualified eighth, Royce fourth. He lowers himself into the car and I focus the camera on him, trying to catch the emotions that play across his face. His eyes are locked forward, his fingers resting on the steering wheel as the pit crew keep the tyres covered under the blankets.
Creed walks into the room, dominating it with his stride. I keep my eyes down before shutting off the camera and stepping back.
I watch as he crouches down at his son’s side and pats him on the helmet. Slipping his hand under the halo, he gives Royce’s hand a reassuring squeeze. I watch the sincerity on his face as he stares at his boy, and my heart constricts in my chest.
That one moment of weakness is when he catches me. Green eyes lock on mine and as much as I try to pull them away, I can’t. He closes the gap between us in four long strides, and I suck in a breath as he stands toe to toe.
“Good afternoon.” His lips twitch and I glance away.
“Afternoon.” My tone is clipped before I turn on my heel and walk into Kai’s garage, leaving Creed behind me.
I will not fall for his games.
Standingat the back of the garage, Nora and I watch the race and my heart is in my throat. Two DNFs have already happened, and it was a close third with Red Force. Kai has dropped back to eleventh and is spitting feathers over the radio that Griffin of Montcroix should have been given a penalty and to give his position back.
I side eye Nora and she shrugs. Catching Creed out the corner of my eye, his intense gaze burns into me.
The garage is buzzing with excitement as Royce holds fourth position. He is mixed with the big boys and unless we get a safety car, he isn’t going to move up.
With held breaths, we watch as Royce crosses the line and keeps his position and the whole garage erupts into cheer.
I stand for a moment and slither of sadness cuts through me as I watch them all run to where he will pull his car in. Beforethat would have been me, but now, I sink back into the darkness and lose myself in my work.
Logging off, I pack my laptop up and load it into my bag as I begin walking out of the paddock when I hear a whistle. Turning, I see Creed and Royce closing the gap between us. Swallowing down the lump, I force a smile onto my lips.
“Great racing today,” I chime and awkwardly touch his arm.
Royce looks down before teasing his eyes back to me. My cheeks turn pink.
“What a race, man.” The excitement is clear on his face, and I feel the infectious happiness seep into me.
“You drove really well.” I nod, trying my hardest not to look at his dad. The man who left me crumpled back in Monaco.
“He did, didn’t he?” Creed pats his son the back and he looks at him with adoring eyes.
