After that, she smiled and left.
Well, that was sus.
Feeling restless, Nico decided to take a walk. She hadn’t gone far before she ran into Ceci Rivers, technical director for Blue Jet Lightning.
Ceci had been one of the first people to call and congratulate Nico when word of her racing Formula 1 had gone public. She’d also slammed Rocco on social media for that coffee run tweet.
Ceci wasn’t a close friend, but their paths had crossed here and there, and they’d done some events together promoting women in motorsports. Nico had always liked and admired the woman. If anyone knew what it was like to be a lone woman in a man’s world, it was Ceci Rivers.
They chatted for a while until Ceci, looking at something over Nico’s shoulder, let out a low whistle.
Nico turned around to see handsome Leo Clarke a few feet away and about to pass them.
“Well, well, well,” Ceci murmured. “If it isn’t Sir Clarke Kent—theGQking.”
He was still in his racing suit. Nico had watched him earlier flying around the track rapid fire and earning the fastest time yet today. You would never know it from looking at him. He looked Antarctica cool, not one bead of sweat on him.
Nico’s brow wrinkled. “Did you saysir?”
“Rumor is, he’s going to be knighted by the king.”
“Really?”
Ceci ran her black nails through her mass of copper curls and called out in that throaty voice, “Good morrow, Sir Clarke! Looking for a lady who’s pulling the princess vibe?”
Nico chuckled as Clarke stopped suddenly and gave them a blank stare. His cheeks crimsoned and his lips parted as though he might respond. But then he quickly shut them, turned his head, and walked off.
Nico shook her head, laughing.
Ceci grinned. “Hey, that man is so bougie. Someone needs to bring him down to earth.”
Rocco crossed his arms, gazing out at the track.
I thought things would be different after that photoshoot.
He wasn’t exactly sure how they’d be different, but something would be different. He thought at least there’d be less friction between them after he’d jumped up on that hood. He just wished he’d stopped there. He wished he hadn’t done that thing with her hair.
He didn’t want her thinking he was interested in her—like that.
I’m not.
I just wish I could stop having those dreams.
Now he was getting out of that chair and putting those nipples in his mouth. Running his finger along that collarbone while she looked athim with those dark eyes. And even worse … he was putting his hand between her thighs and …
Fuck, she was wet.
He shook his body like a dog shaking off water.
He knew coming here today, he just needed to keep things cool and professional. But he’d thought cool and professional could still look—what? Friendly? But no. From the moment he’d first seen her in the paddock, she’d had that frozen look like a deer gets when it’s caught in a car’s headlights. That look that said to himDon’t come anywhere near me and definitely don’t even think about doing that again with my hair. That told him everything he needed to know. Professional and cool meant more emphasis on the cool.
Just go about your business. Remember why you’re here.
He felt a hand on his back. Casey and the crew were pleased with his performance. There were bro-hugs and high fives all around.
So far so good, thought Rocco. Of course, this was only preseason testing. Still, the signs were good. Next weekend would be the first round. With a car this fast, during qualifying next weekend, he expected to come in first or second. He’d actually held back a little today, guaranteeing he’d come in behind Clarke’s time. There was already enough buzz about the rookie team’s car. Better the buzz not be too good.
Barring some unforeseen disaster, next weekend he’d be starting in the first row, at worst, the second. And in that case, it was a virtual lock he’d be up on that podium.
