Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 73568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
“So, where will you be staying while you’re here?” Harley asks, her tone conversational as she leans back in her chair. “Obviously, Crown Velocity will put you up when we travel to Bahrain, but there’s a lot for you to do and see while you’re here over the next few weeks.”
“I’m at a hotel in London for now,” I admit. “I didn’t get a good chance to look at Airbnbs in the area and that’s probably my best bet, so I don’t have to commute every day.”
“London’s nice, but the drive is a pain in the ass.” Harley’s smile turns into something more genuine. “I was actually going to suggest you stay closer to the team here in Woking.”
“I’ll start looking today,” I assure her.
“Good, because you’re going to be busy, and I am putting you with the best possible ambassador for our team who can teach you all about this sport. Lex Hamilton.”
My heart skips a beat. Lex Hamilton? Number one driver for Crown Velocity, incredibly talented and—according to every tabloid I’ve ever read—way too naughty for his own good. He’s got a reputation as a bad boy off the track. A bit of a playboy, if we’re being honest, and why wouldn’t he be? In my humble opinion, he is only the most gorgeous of all the FI drivers and yes, I noticed. An occupational hazard.
“That… that sounds great,” I manage to say, though my nerves kick in at the idea of spending so much time with Lex. He’s definitely part of the cool kids’ club and well… I’ve never even been invited to peer inside the door. While I’m confident in most things, I’m an introvert, preferring small gatherings to large parties, and I don’t like meaningless conversation. However, I can act the extrovert when needed, although it can be draining. What I hope to do is bring forth what my dad referred to as the Evans spunkiness so I can stack up next to the greatness that is Lex Hamilton.
I remind myself that I’m a badass bitch because I’m sitting here with permission, and I’ve got the lady balls to see this through. I won’t let Lex Hamilton and all his hotness unnerve me.
“You’ll have full, unfettered access to Lex,” Harley continues, and I can’t tell if that’s supposed to be a blessing or a curse. “Day and night, on and off the track. He’s agreed to it. We want you to see every aspect of a race car driver’s life.”
I nod, feeling the pressure of keeping my cover even tighter now. “I appreciate the opportunity. It’ll really help with the article.”
“Good.” Harley’s eyes narrow slightly, as if she’s weighing me up. “I assume you know about his reputation?”
“Yes,” I say hesitantly, not wanting to commit to a stance. “I’ve done my research into FI, including all the drivers.”
“He’s on his best behavior now, or so he promises,” Harley says with a raised brow. “But if you run into any problems, I want you to come straight to me. Understood?”
“Understood,” I say, trying not to sound as nervous as I feel.
“Perfect.” Harley throws her legs off her desk and stands with a beaming smile, signaling that the conversation is over. “I will set aside a day for you to shadow me, and I think Spencer is going to block time for you.” That’s even better than I expected. An in with the team’s owner is a real coup because I intend to write a future story about a dashing and sexy team owner and Spencer Montgomery is totally that. “Rosalind will give you a brief tour of the facility, and then I’ll have her take you to Lex.”
We shake hands and I follow her back to the waiting room, where Rosalind is already standing, ready to take over. Her face is unreadable, but I can sense the efficiency and no-nonsense attitude in her posture.
“If you don’t mind showing Ms. Evans around, Ros. Then hand her off to Lex.”
“Of course, Harley,” Rosalind says, her clipped accent making me feel like I’m in a proper British film. She turns and I get an actual warm smile, and I’m wondering if that’s for Harley’s benefit who seems to be rolling out the red carpet for me. “Right this way.”
I wave goodbye to Harley and fall into step behind Rosalind.
As we walk through the corridors of Crown Velocity’s headquarters, I’m struck by how futuristic it all feels. Everything gleams—chrome, glass and state-of-the-art technology. I’m taken deep into the design facility as Rosalind efficiently explains things, although she doesn’t do it in a way that makes me feel like I’m impinging on her time. She seems quite proud to be part of the team, and it comes through in a way that softens her demeanor. Engineers buzz around in their pristine white overalls, and I see a few of them working on what must be the heart of the operation: the cars.