As handsome as he is, I’m here to be professional and do my job.
Lusting after a hotshot driver with a big ego isn’t part of that plan, no matter how beautiful his eyes are.
“Why do I get the feeling that you didn’t really appreciate the roses? Are you more of a tulip girl? Maybe sunflowers?” He asks, and a smirk spreads across his sinful mouth.
That smile usually wins over all the ladies, I’m sure, and I won’t lie and say that his good looks and almost sweet gestures don’t affect me, but I’m not here to be Luke Hastings’ five-minute entertainment.
“Look, Luke, I appreciate the roses, which I hope are a form of apology for rushing into us, but honestly, it wasn’t necessary, and I’m here to do my job, so please let me do just that, and maybe I’ll see you around for an interview later in the season.”
For someone like Luke, charming theladies is just part of the everyday routine. I don’t intend to be on the receiving end of charming smiles and flirting when I know I could get burned badly.
Besides, I’m here for my internship in this paddock, not to fraternize with any drivers. If I want to be taken seriously in this industry, I need to make a name for myself.
With this in mind, I straighten in my chair and decide that I will succeed, even if the challenges involve handsome men with sinful smiles.
He seems to enjoy a challenge, always seeking excitement in the chaos.
However, I’m focused on chasing my dream, not playing games or getting distracted. He’s someone I’ll have to turn down politely so he can move on, because my priority is clear.
I won’t let anything derail me from what truly matters.
Chapter 5
LUKE
I can’t believe this, or maybe I can, because it’s happening.
A girl is turning me down.
Even before I’ve made a move.
Jessica Edwards is turning me down, as plain and simple as that.
I watch her sitting there, confident in her chair, and wonder if the feelings stirring inside me are one-sided. It seems that way based on how she’s dismissing me.
But on the other hand, she appears to be affected by me, too.
The slight blush on her cheeks, how she tries to sit up straight in her chair, clearly trying not to be underestimated by me. The way she attempts to hold eye contact, but it becomes too much, and she looks away before fidgeting with her pen and notebook.
That must indicate some nerves, right? I can be flimsy if I get nervous, not usually around women, but more if someone asks an interview question out of line.
Part of me is disappointed that she quickly shuts me out, but another part wants to push harder.
A good fight brings the best reward.
And I feel that Jessica would be an amazing reward. So, I try a different approach.
I want her fire back, and if that means I have to bring out the douche sometimes for her to break out of her shell, so be it. I put on my signature smile and glance lazily down at her.
“If you plan on taking any notes in that book, I would turn it the correct way, princess.” I grab her notebook and turn it the right way toward her, but not before I brush my fingers over hers.
She quickly pulls her arms back, looking like she’s just been shocked by my touch, which makes me smile even wider.
She’s not as unaffected as she wants me to believe.
“If that was all, I have work to do.” She stands up with her chin raised and spins around before walking away, leaving me with a sexy view of her backside and those damn heels.
I chuckle and turn around before someone notices me staring at the new reporter like a creep, then head back to our garage, getting ready for qualifying with a smile.
