Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

Posey

T here’s a soft knock 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’s doing 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 things professional 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 is different. 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.

We take an express elevator to one of the sky lobbies where the party is already in full swing. The walls are floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Manama skyline beyond which stretches to the Arabian Gulf, its dark waters shimmering with reflections of the lights from the towers.

It’s hard to reconcile the conservative nature of this Islamic country with this ultramodern event. I had learned that while alcohol is prohibited to Muslims, in some circumstances it is allowed in specific licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and clubs, primarily for tourists and expatriates. Maeve explained to me that this allowance was balanced with the country’s Islamic laws, which encourage moderation and have strict punishments for drunken behavior. As such, I plan to only have one drink tonight.

The lights are low, illumination provided by neon orbs, and techno music pulses softly in the background so as not to disrupt conversation. It has a dance club vibe to it and everyone is dressed in designer clothes and sparkling jewels. Sleek, polished floors reflect the light, and large, abstract sculptures made of chrome and glass stand strategically throughout the room, adding to the cutting-edge atmosphere.

“There’s the crown prince,” Lex says, pointing to a man in the traditional long flowing robe known as a thobe , complete with the ghutra headscarf. I did my research on Bahrain, as it will make a beautiful, culturally vibrant addition to my novel and I want to paint a vivid picture.

Lex and I walk around and he shakes hands with people, introducing me to everyone simply as “my friend, Posey Evans.” The room is filled with drivers, team principals, sponsors and enough media to make it feel like we’re at the Oscars. The hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses fill the air, and I’m a little breathless as I take it all in. There are tables adorned with glowing centerpieces—clear glass vases stuffed with illuminated crystals, their soft blue and gold hues providing ambient light. Plush, angular couches and chairs are scattered around the edges of the room, inviting guests to lounge in style.

Everything is ultramodern with the pulse of glamour, which is so anti-Posey that I want to giggle over how strange it is for me to be here.

“Come on,” Lex says, steering me toward the bar. “Let’s get you a drink.”

“You’re not going to have one?” I ask. I know he’s been abstaining, but I figured he’d partake of at least one cocktail.

He grins at me and shakes his head. “Don’t you remember… I’ve turned over a new leaf since Posey Evans came into my life.”

I blush to the roots of my hair, not from the words, but rather from the actual happiness I hear in his tone. I can hear just how real this is for him and if my heart wasn’t already dangerously on the precipice of being lost to him forever, it’s hanging by a thread now.

Then Lex does the unthinkable. He takes my hand in his and winds through the crowd in search of a bar. I glance around, afraid of the messaging, and curious eyes follow our movements. I have the urge to pull away and yet, I love the feel of him against me too much to do so.

A familiar voice calls out and I turn to see Carlos Moreno heading our way. His warm smile instantly puts me at ease and I tug my hand from Lex’s.

“Posey!” Carlos exclaims, pulling me into a friendly hug. “It’s good to see you again. How’s the article coming along?”

“Good,” I say as we pull apart, but I can’t think of anything else to say about it since I haven’t even attempted to write anything yet.

But that’s good enough for Carlos. He turns to Lex, the men clasping hands.

“Ready for the race?” Lex asks.

Carlos shrugs casually, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. “As ready as I’ll ever be. But let’s be honest, it’s not about being ready—it’s about being lucky, right?”

Lex scoffs, but there’s affection in his tone. “You’ve never needed luck, mate. Just try not to run me off the track.”

Carlos chuckles. “No promises.”

Before the banter can continue, another driver approaches, and I recognize the tall, striking man with sun-kissed blond hair and sharp blue eyes.

Aussie Reid Hemsworth—he was one of my documentary crushes—who drives for Matterhorn FI Racing based out of Zurich. He’s dressed in a tailored suit that fits him perfectly, and the laid-back smile he flashes like he just got done with a surfing competition is enough to make anyone swoon.

Lex introduces us and apparently word has gotten around. He nods at me with sparkling eyes. “The beautiful reporter I heard is shadowing you.” He takes my hand, giving a firm, yet gentlemanly shake. “Pleasure to meet you, Posey.”

I immediately like him in real life as opposed to what I saw on TV. He seems like the type of guy you’d sit down and have a few beers with while discussing climate change or endangered species.

Reid turns to Lex and pokes at him. “Now I see why you’ve been hiding her.”

Lex chuckles, shaking his head. “Merely keeping her safe from the likes of you, Hemsworth.”

Reid laughs, the sound deep and infectious. “Oh, come on, mate. I’m harmless.”

“Harmless, my ass,” a deep voice with a distinct German accent says.

I turn to see a broad-shouldered man who’s a bit older than Lex, Carlos and Reid, with dark hair and piercing gray eyes. He’s dressed in a sleek black suit, his expression serious but with a hint of amusement in his eyes as he shakes Reid’s and Carlos’s hands.

“Stefan Wagner,” Lex says to me, motioning toward the German driver, although I recognized him too. “Racing for Rosso Corso GTX. And he’s a menace on the track.”

Stefan turns to me. “Don’t listen to him. I’m only a menace to people who can’t keep up.”

“Hi, I’m Posey,” I say.

“She’s writing an article about Crown Velocity,” Carlos explains, and I cringe internally every time that lie is repeated. I cannot wait for this race to be over so Lex can help me come clean to Harley.

“Ah,” he says with a sly smile toward Lex. “No wonder I haven’t read about you in the headlines lately.”

“Funny guy,” Lex mutters. “You won’t be laughing Sunday when the only thing you’re able to see are the ERS lights on the back of my car.”

Stefan laughs and I do have to marvel how these guys can be so fiercely competitive on the track and yet jest as old friends off it.

Reid chuckles, clearly enjoying the smack talk. “You two have been at each other’s throats since the first practice lap last year.”

Lex grins. “What can I say? Some rivalries never die.”

“Just make sure you both keep it clean on Sunday,” Carlos adds with a grin. “I don’t want to be dodging debris like last season.”

I watch the back-and-forth with amusement. The camaraderie among these men is obvious, even when they’re teasing. It’s clear they respect one another, but the competitive fire runs deep.

“So, who’s your money on?” Stefan asks, turning to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I don’t hesitate, for nothing more than my loyalty to him. “I’d be a fool not to bet on Lex, wouldn’t I?”

Stefan rolls his eyes playfully. “You’re clearly delusional.”

I laugh and Reid leans in, lowering his voice. “Just between us, if you’re looking for a sure bet… I wouldn’t count me out.”

Lex snorts. “In your dreams, mate.”

“Hey, I’m just saying,” Reid says with a grin. “Don’t be surprised if you see my name at the top of the leaderboard.”

For the first time tonight, I feel at ease, enjoying this event more with every passing moment.

Lex claps the men on the back. “If you’ll excuse us, I promised the lady a drink.”

They all nod their farewells and wishes to see me again, and it sounds so heartfelt that I think maybe I could be a part of this world.

Lex turns to me as we walk through the crowd, his voice low and full of affection. “Having fun?”

“Surprisingly, yes. You’ve got quite the group of friends here.”

Lex shrugs, his arm brushing mine. “They’re all right, I guess. But none of them look as good as you do tonight.”

My cheeks warm at the compliment and I’m about to respond in kind since he looks devastatingly gorgeous when Spencer Montgomery appears. He leans in, gives me a peck on the cheek in greeting and puts a hand on Lex’s shoulder. “If you don’t mind, I’ve got some potential sponsors that I want you to meet.” He looks at me apologetically. “I’ll have him back before you know it.”

“No worries at all,” I assure them and nod at the bar. “I’ll just grab myself a drink and people watch.”

Lex looks a little undecided and I can tell he’s worried about leaving me alone, not that I can’t handle myself, but he knows this entire event is out of my comfort zone. I give him a confident smile. “Go wow the sponsors.”

He nods and promises, “I won’t be long and I’ll meet you back here.”

I watch as they melt into the crowd and then I slip into an opening at the bar. Three tenders work efficiently and I wait until one of them acknowledges me with a chin lift.

I glance around and take in the über-rich, the upper echelons of sport racing society. The room is filled with people I’ve only ever seen on TV or in magazines, and I once again spot the crown prince standing near the center of the room, surrounded by an entourage.

I’m about to pull out my phone and text Maeve to see where she is when I feel someone step beside me. I glance up, expecting to see Lex, but instead, it’s Ronan.

There’s no helping my body’s visceral reaction and for as much as I have liked the other drivers, the fact is, his presence immediately puts me on edge. The way he leans in close makes my skin crawl.

“Looking good, Posey,” he says, his voice low and slick. “Lex sure knows how to pick ’em.”

I’m shocked he would make such a statement because as far as I know, Lex hasn’t told anyone about our relationship. But I could be wrong, so I just play it casual.

I force a smile, trying to keep things polite without encouraging interaction. “Thank you.”

He leans in a little closer, and bile rises. “I’ve got to say… it’s a shame he’s keeping you all to himself.”

Before I can respond, he brushes a fingertip down my bare arm, and I jerk away, my heart pounding. I try to laugh it off, but there’s nothing funny about the way he’s looking at me.

“You all right?” he asks, his tone almost mocking. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Fighting against a slight surge of panic, I stammer, “I’m fine. I… I just need to find Lex.”

“He’s busy,” he replies smoothly. “Trying to dazzle new sponsors. But I’m glad to keep you company.”

The words alone would seem innocuous but he says them with such a lecherous leer, I know exactly what type of company he means. Rage boils within and the fear recedes as I remember I’m in a public place and he can’t do a damn thing to me other than try for intimidation.

I decide to throw it back on him. “How could you do that to your friend?” I demand.

Ronan’s chin pulls inward as his eyebrows rise. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you clearly know there’s something going on between me and Lex, and yet here you are, hitting on me.”

His mouth sags for a moment, clearly shocked that I’d go on the attack. But then Ronan proves just how scary he truly is. “I think you’re a little full of yourself, Posey. You’re definitely not my type and I still don’t understand what Lex sees in you.”

“Good,” I sneer. “Then how about you stay away from me because if you don’t, I’ll tell Lex what you’re doing.”

Ronan laughs, an irritatingly confident sneer on his face. “He’ll never believe you.”

That gives me pause because he might be right. He’s known Ronan since they were kids, all of these drivers having literally grown up in the sport together. He’s known me for a few weeks, and well… I came into his life under a big lie. Perhaps he’d think I was being untruthful to stir the pot, although I hope he knows me better than that.

Regardless, I again resolve to keep this to myself to avoid drama. I’ll just have to figure out how to handle Ronan on my own.

That starts with not giving him the attention he’s clearly seeking. I could walk away but I don’t want him to have that power over me. I don’t want to be intimidated.

“I’d like you to leave.”

He cocks an eyebrow, opens his mouth to cut me off but I hold my hand up, palm out.

“And before you think about denying my request, I’d have you consider the fact that while I might choose not to tell Lex about this, I don’t have a problem going to Harley. As team principal, it would be her duty to take action against such an allegation.”

A flash of rage turns Ronan’s handsome face ugly, but he composes himself quickly. I can see his resignation but he doesn’t leave without dropping a bomb on me. “Enjoy your time with Lex because it won’t last. You’re a shiny toy to him right now but he’s not built for monogamy. He’ll drop you as soon as he’s bored, so don’t be surprised when it happens.”

His words hit hard, speaking to every insecurity I have. I force a hard stare back at him but inside, I want to crumble at the tiny possibility that he could be right. Ronan leaves, looking smug.

I exhale long and quiet, my neck muscles quivering from the stress of that encounter.

“What would you like?”

I startle at the voice and turn to face the server standing on the other side of the bar. “Um… a glass of white wine is fine.”

He nods and grabs a chilled bottle under the counter, pouring a three-quarter-full glass for me. I accept it gratefully, sliding a twenty across the slick surface. He smiles but shakes his head. “Open bar and there aren’t any gratuities.”

“Um… okay,” I say, shoving the money back into my clutch. “Thank you.”

I barely get my first sip, which turns into somewhat of a gulp, before Lex is back at my side. Relief floods through me, and I hope I’m completely composed.

“You okay?” he asks, leaning his elbow on the bar and asking the bartender for a club soda with lime. He turns back to look at me.

“Yeah… totally. How’d it go with the sponsors?”

Lex’s lips quirk and he shakes his head. “I think they want to see how the race finishes before they commit to giving money to Crown Velocity.”

“No pressure on you, huh?” I muse.

Laughing, Lex lifts a shoulder. “All part of the game.” He studies me as I take another sip of the wine, feeling its fortifying effects. “I never anticipated this problem.”

“What problem is that?” I ask.

“You looking so damn good in that dress I’d want to go find a dark, secluded corner and get you naked.”

I choke on my wine, tears springing to my eyes as Lex gently pats me on the back. When I’m able to focus on him again, he’s laughing. “God, I wish I could kiss you right now. Just a tiny one, but I know we can’t.”

Those crazy butterflies awaken again, going extra wonky in my belly, a few fluttering around my heart.

Who knew that the once cocky, arrogant, party-boy Lex Hamilton could be so genuinely open with his feelings?

Who knew a guy like him would look at me the way he is right now?

Certainly not this romance author.