Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Posey

I stare at my laptop screen, the cursor blinking at me, almost in time with the dull ache behind my eyes. It’s nearly midnight, and I’ve been working for hours now, trying to weave in everything I’ve learned at Crown Velocity to lend authenticity to my story without getting too technical. I scroll back a few paragraphs and reread the latest section.

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 is crowded 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.

“Posey, come sit,” Lex says, motioning to the spot beside him. His smile is authentic and kind, and despite the tension in the air, I feel a bit of the pressure lift as I walk over and take the seat.

“Want a pint?” Lex asks, his words a little slower now. “I’ll buy you one.”

I shake my head. “No thanks, I’m good. But I’ll take water.”

“On it,” Lex says, standing on the footrest of his stool and leaning forward to get the attention of the bartender down the way.

One of the women snickers and inclines her head toward her friend, whispering something while looking me directly in the eye. Obviously, talking about me.

Ronan isn’t so subtle. He leans behind Lex, eyes me up and down before asking, “Is that like a journalist’s uniform? Jeans and a jumper. I don’t think I’ve seen you in anything else.”

His words are mocking, his meaning clear. I’m plain and boring and unworthy of hanging out with two FI drivers.

The words hurt, but more than that, they piss me off because they were mean-spirited and degrading. It was an absolute mistake to come here, thinking I would be welcomed and could hang out with these people. Besides that, my dad taught me to not let that type of negativity into my space. He often said, “Well, darlin’, life’s like a porcupine at a balloon party—if you don’t choose where to step, you’ll be surrounded by a whole lot of popping nonsense. So, it’s up to you to stick with the soft pillows, not the pointy quills!”

I stand abruptly, grabbing my bag, vaguely hearing Lex order me a glass of water. I tap him on the shoulder. “Don’t bother. I’m leaving.”

Lex looks confused, his brow furrowing as he watches me walk away. “Wait—what? Why? You just got here.”

I turn back to face him, see that he’s off his stool. My eyes cut to Ronan, then the women who all watch me with judgment. “Because the people you hang out with are assholes, and I’m tired. I’m not in the mood for this.”

There’s some satisfaction as the women’s mouths drop open but Ronan’s caustic smile stays in place. Doesn’t matter, though. I am truly done with the social aspect of these drivers. I write fiction and I can make up my own story of how they should behave.

I walk to the door, my heart racing as I push through the crowded pub and into the cold night air. I don’t get far before I hear footsteps behind me.

“Posey, wait!” Lex yells, jogging to catch up.

I stop, arms crossed as I turn to face him. “What?”

He draws up short of running me over, throwing his arms out to the side. “I didn’t hear what they said, but obviously it upset you. I’m sorry.” He seems sincere, but I don’t say anything. It prompts him to add, “You’re seeing the shitty side of racing. People can be… like that.”

I shake my head, some of my anger melting away. “You’re not like that, though.”

He smiles, and for a moment, he looks boyish and only twenty-four years old without a care in the world. “I would hope not. My mother would box my ears.” He throws a thumb over his shoulder, back toward the pub. “Ronan was raised by wolves though, so he clearly has no manners.”

“And the women?” I ask.

Lex has the grace to look a bit abashed, but he shrugs. “They sort of come with the territory.”

I wait for him to deny that they’re not part of his territory, but he doesn’t. Implying… that’s part of his lifestyle and I don’t know why that disappoints me so much, but it does. I mask the letdown with a polite smile. “It’s fine. You should go back to hang out with your friends. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He looks unsure, glancing toward the pub but when he turns back to me, he motions with his hand down the block. “I’ll walk you back.”

“There’s no need,” I say, looking around. While the streets aren’t by any means busy, there are a handful of people strolling.

“I insist,” he says.

I shrug and start the short journey to my hotel.

We walk in silence for a moment, the chill in the air biting at my skin. I left my coat in my room since it was a short walk.

“So,” he says, followed by an awkward beat as if he can’t quite figure out how to talk to me. “Did you find an Airbnb?”

“I did,” I admit. “Nice little house at Goldsworth Park Lake. It will be the perfect place for me to base out of for the next few weeks.”

“One or two bedroom?” he asks.

“Three, actually.”

“Perfect,” he says, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Then I can stay in one of the extra bedrooms and not have to drive back and forth.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Nice try, but you’re not crashing at my place.”

“Why not?” He’s persistent, that’s for sure. “I’ll pay half.”

“Why would you want to stay in a little Airbnb versus what I’m sure is a very posh place in London?”

Lex frowns, pondering the question before giving me a sheepish smile. “Too much temptation here.” Another pulse of disappointment hits my gut. I think of the beautiful women back there and know that I’d never be that type of temptation. “Ronan has a distinct way of getting me to push the limits.”

Hmmm… odd that he doesn’t mention the women. I can’t help but poke at him. “Aren’t you strong enough to say no to him?”

Lex snorts with derision. “I’m my own man. I can say no well enough. But also, the next weeks are going to be intense as we make final adjustments to the car and I have to admit, not having that commute will be nice.”

“Then get your own place,” I say as we walk along.

“But yours is already gotten. And it’s on a lake, and that sounds peaceful.”

I stop walking, my brain calculating. “Pay for it all, plus groceries.”

“Deal,” he says with a wink. “I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

I didn’t think he’d accept. I had thought—mistakenly, of course—he was teasing about the entire situation. But all I can think to ask is, “You’ll pick me up in the morning?”

“Yeah… no sense in both of us having to drive there.”

“But I’ve got a rental car.”

“Well, we’ll take it back. Why rent it when we’ll be living together and you’re basically supposed to be glued to me. That will save you money, right?”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. This might not be so bad after all. All-access pass and besides… I like hanging with Lex. “Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Perfect.” He grins, and we reach my hotel.

I have no illusions there will be a good-night kiss, or even a friendly hug. As I expect, Lex lifts a hand. “Cheers. See you in the morning.”

I wave in reply and watch him walk away, standing there marveling at how quickly things have changed. My heart races a little as I head up to my room, my thoughts a jumbled mess. I pull out my laptop, and with a few quick keystrokes, I write down the scene that just played out, pouring my emotions into the words.

Her heart beat faster as she watched him walk away, the lingering warmth of his smile still tugging at her thoughts. It was absurd, really—the way he managed to get under her skin without even trying. But there was something about him, something that made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was more to this than she was willing to admit.

I save the document and close my laptop. It takes me no more than fifteen minutes to finish packing, wash my face and brush my teeth. I crawl into bed exhausted, but my mind still spins from the night’s events.

I’m going to be living with Lex Hamilton for the next two weeks and it shouldn’t make me as giddy as it does.

I guess that’s the hopeless romantic in me.