Off the Track Series, Book 1
Amelia has a last name that opens doors. A last name she didn't ask for, but can never shake. A legacy. Legacy be damned, she wants to make it on her own. And she has. After years at EPSN, she lands the job of a lifetime...
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I can count the number of people I know in this city on one hand so with Carmen busy at work and my new job not starting for another few days it's safe to say I'm stuck with another night in my hotel room. At least the room service is amazing. I could sure go for another chocolate croissant.
As if the room phone can read my mind, it rings first. Strange, I almost never get calls from the hotel. This can't be good can it?
"Hello?"
"Hello Ms. hope you are having a pleasant stay. There is a young man here in the lobby inquiring if he might take you to dinner tonight?"
No fucking way. How did Charles learn my real name.. or what hotel I'm at? My heart flutters but I force myself to remain steady. You have a boyfriend Amelia. No other dates allowed.
"May I ask, is his name Charles by chance?" I'm confident most of the hotel staff in this entire country could pick Charles Leclerc out of a line up. Hell, he's likely the best looking man in this country.
The receptionist clears her throat before responding for what feels like an eternity "No Ms. I believe it's Ted."
Ted? Interesting. I can't help but feeling slightly disappointed, nevertheless this is a dinner date I cannot turn down.
"Please tell him I'd love to, I'll be down in five."
Dinner with Ted Kravitz? An actual dream come true. I'm shocked he sought me out but immediately take the chance to pick his brain.
Ted is kind and witty, a quick thinker on his feet. His grid walk has become iconic over the years, yes but he credits his success to his humor and hard work behind the scenes. Though we have had little interaction before it's safe to say after a few hours I love the guy. Amazingly, he's curious about my years at ESPN as well and the conversation flows. This is so, so much better than a night in.
"You'll be amazing dear. But I will advise you to spend the first few weeks building rapport with the teams and the drivers. Those are essential to make sure you get the first interview and the most candid," He chuckles over his glass of wine "Although I'm sure your last name with help with the Ferrari garage." I chose to laugh with him and let it roll off my shoulders, because the truth is that it will.
"Definitely. Do you have any advice on who is usually the easiest domino to go for first? I always assumed-" And that's when I notice him walking in the door. Just being in the same room as Charles again gets my heart rate up. In a blazer, jeans and tee he looks even better than last night. Last night... Ted cocks an eyebrow at me stopping mid sentence, forcing me to focus again "Er- that Toto was the hardest to let people in but he seems he carries a lot of influence in the paddock that can be essential for me, no?"
"Actually I'd focus on Max, and Toto to begin with if I was you." He replies but I barely hear him. All I'm thinking about is Charles. Who is now, undoubtedly walking over to our table.
I feel like screaming. I don't know if I'm thrilled or terrified. I can't lie to myself, I haven't even given him my real name. But the butterflies in my stomach are the loudest and I know without a shadow of a doubt I want more of him.
"Fancy running into you two here!" Charles exclaims, opening his hands to warmly embrace Ted who stands to greet him with a wide smile.
"Charles, you ready for next week?" Ted asks as Charles turns to greet me next swapping a hug for kiss on the hand. When his lips touch my hand, I feel alive. As if his touch is burned into me. At this point I'm barely functioning. I want him to take me here and now on the table in front of the whole place. And judging by the glimmer in his eye when it meets mine he knows it too.
"More than ready. We are very positive about the car this year." Charles keeps it vague, as all the drivers would. Nobody wants to reveal too much before the cars seen in the track.
"Hope so. Would love to see you on top this year." Ted knows just what Charles wants to hear.
"That's the goal. We will get there. Lovely to see you both. Hope you enjoy the meal."
"Best of luck to you" I offer, realizing I haven't said a word. And with that, he's gone.
It's hard to focus on the rest of the meal because there's only one real thing dominating my mind. I know this isn't healthy. Maybe I just need one more hookup to shake him from my mind. Yup, that's got to be the answer. Just as I'm contemplating showing up to his place later uninvited, Ted excuses himself for the toilet.
It's like I have no control over my legs. My head is screaming at me to stop. He doesn't even know my real name. I'm going to have to work with him! But no logic can slow me. The minute Ted is gone, I'm up and walking towards Charles again.
He's dining with a few other guys and when he notices me coming over he rises to meet me halfway. Thank God. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of all of them asking his plans later tonight, but I fear I'm certainly not above it.
"I like your boots," He greets me, pushing his hands into his pockets with a grin.
These are great boots. Instinctively I click my heels together "Thank you" Suddenly all I manage to squeak out.
"Can I see you later?" Finally, the words I want to hear. Can you ever!
"Yes," Where the hell has my voice gone now? "Where?" I don't even know if I'm capable of more than two word answers at the moment.
"Meet me at the Yacht Club slip at eleven." He isn't asking. It's not up for debate, he knows I'm there just as much as I do. Hook line and sinker, I'm far more his than I ever intended to be.
