We discuss his championship lead and whether he believes he will maintain his position at the top this weekend.
Peter speaks with arrogance, and I almost roll my eyes at some of his comments about the weekend in Baku. He presents himself as the one who was in the lead the entire weekend, when everyone knows that Luke was the top driver the whole time and only lost because of a failed strategy.
Peter doesn’t talk about the race weekend in Bahrain; he’s probably been told to keep quiet about the whole thing. He struggled all weekend and ended up in P12. After the race, he exploded on a reporter who asked a tough question, and the media had a field day covering the story of the “Bad boy driver losing his temper once again.”
The media loves the dramatic stories of drivers losing their composure in front of the camera, so Peter certainly provides the media with enough fuel for the following week.
“Could I get your—” Peter is interrupted by the man who holds the key to all my feelings. I feel my heart pounding in my chest as Luke steps into our interview zone, looking as gorgeous as ever.
“I believe it’s time for my interview, Miss Edwards,” he says, and my heart skips a beat at the sight of his gorgeous smile again.
All the feelings I’ve pushed down come rushing back as soon as my eyes land on his. Peter huffs and narrows his eyes at Luke, but disappears into the paddock.
“I didn’t know we had planned an interview, Mr. Hastings.” I tease him back using the same formal name he used for me, and for a moment, I think maybe we will be fine.
Maybe everything will be okay after all.
He motions to the side for more privacy, and we step out.
“Like hell an asshole like him will get your number before I do,” Luke says, and I chuckle.
I missed him more than Irealized.
“Look, Jessica, I know you probably don’t want to see me again, and I’m sorry my temper got the best of me back in Baku. It was a rough day, but I should’ve never taken it out on you. I went looking for you so many times last weekend, but you were never here.”
My heart warms, and I stop him before he can keep apologizing when I know I’m also in the wrong.
I take one of his hands with both of mine and look up into his eyes.
“I’m the one who should apologize. I stumbled on the first hurdle, and I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. I feel so overwhelmed by everything around you and your life that I can’t always see where I’ll fit into all of this, or even if that’s something you would want,” I tell him, revealing my worries, and he squeezes my fingers.
“How about I pick you up when I’m done with the media and my meeting with my agent, then we’ll go somewhere and talk?” I nod, and he slowly leans in and kisses my cheek, lingering a little before stepping back.
“See you later, princess,” and he’s gone.
???
An hour later, I’m in Luke’s car, and we’re heading to his hotel to get something to eat and talk. He parks in the underground garage and helps me out of the car.
“How come your car was in Azerbaijan two weeks ago and now it’s here in Japan?” I ask him, and he keeps a hold of my hand while we start walking toward the elevator.
“It’s transported together with the Formula cars and everything we need each race weekend,” he tells me matter-of-factly.
“Some perks you have going on, hotshot,” I wink at him, as he shakes his head at me. He presses the button to the elevator, and his thumb strokes my hand the entire ride up.
When the elevator doors open, we step inside what I assume is the penthouse suite. It opens into a living room with a giant couch and a sitting area facing a flat-screen TV. The kitchen area extends to the right, and an elderly man with a kind smile greets us.
“You must be Jessica!” he says to me with a genuine smile, his eyes crinkling warmly at the corners. I walk over to him, feeling a little nervous but reassured by his friendly presence.
“Hi, yes, I’m Jessica. Nice to meet you,” I say.
“I’m Robert, the personal chef of the golden boy overthere,” he replies, his voice soothing and approachable.
“I’m glad to meet you, Jessica. Luke has been pretty moody the last few weeks, and I have a feeling the sudden mood change is all because of you.” He gestures to Luke with a gentle smile.
“If you’re all done pretending, I’m not here. I want to show Jessica something.” Luke jokes softly, a teasing glint in his eyes as he gently takes my hand again.
He guides me toward a set of elegant double doors, their polished wood gleaming subtly in the soft light.
