‘Wow. You’ve given this some serious thought,’ he teased.
‘About what kind of relationship I might want eventually, sure. The reality is that any elite athlete, any highly successful person, makes sacrifices to get where they are. They have to be driven, with singular focus for years.Nothingis more important to them than that goal. Definitely not a girlfriend.’
‘You want to be first?’
Yes, it would be very nice to be placed first. Just once. Just for someone. ‘Give me someone ordinary. Someone average. With a heart that can be wholly mine.’
She paused, embarrassed. She’d just revealed too much personal truth. She couldn’t think how to lighten it again.
‘Still,’ he mused flippantly. ‘They’re good-looking.’
She chuckled, relieved. ‘You want an introduction?’
‘You offering?’
‘Never gonna happen.’
‘Because you want to keep me for yourself?’
‘You’re as arrogant as they are,’ she mocked.
‘Ouch.’ His shoulders shook.
But she just knew his confidence was innate—he had surety in his unbranded clothes and own skin—no super speed or stratospheric success necessary.
‘Then why not take me there?’ he asked.
‘Because I want to keep my job,’ she said firmly. ‘I’ve worked too hard to get to where I am to screw it up by bringing random people into the garage. Plus, I wouldn’t do it to the guys.’
‘You’re loyal.’
Damn right she was. Despite what her family thought. ‘I’m merely one small cog in a very large team machine, but if we each do our thing, we get results.’
‘Good for you,’ he murmured.
She softened, stupidly pleased at his support and too tired to stay sensible. She couldn’t even see his face clearly yet her body was acting as if he was the hottest man on the planet. Just his voice had her melting and while she would never let the personal get in the way of work, that wasn’t to say she wouldn’t play with someoneoutsideof the racing world…
‘I bet guys hit on you all the time,’ he muttered. Apparently, his thoughts were tracking along a similar line. ‘You’re their fantasy come to life.’
There seriously weren’t many but it was flattering that he seemed to think it. It had been forever since she’d experienced anything remotely intimate. Five years ago her boyfriend had taken her brother’s side and she’d been utterly alone since.
‘They just want free merch,’ she said, trying not to notice the length of his thigh pressing against hers. ‘I’ve been hit with the worst pickup lines.’
‘P1 puns?’ He suddenly laughed.
It was an irresistibly sexy laugh. Lily couldn’t help laughing with him. ‘Like you wouldn’t believe.’
‘Try me.’
‘Oh, they want to warm me up, rev my engine, explore my curves with their long, straight…’
‘Wow,’ he drawled. ‘I bet they assume you like itfastor that you prefer hard over soft—’
‘Without checking whether I’m slick—’
‘Because they just want to kiss your kerb or brush your walls?’
‘Diabolicallydreadful.’ She giggled. ‘And you’re holding out.Youknow some racing jargon. I’m thinking you’re a closet fan.’
