“What is going on with you? You look all flushed.” He says, making me blush that much harder.
“I was just thinking about.. things..” I say, and Luke quickly catches on, giving me a sneaky smile.
“I’ve been thinking about things all day, mostly involving you. Come with me to my hotel today?” He looks at me, a pleading expression on his face.
“I would like that, but I have a lot of work to do, Luke, and if I come with you, I won’t be able to finish.”
Part of my job is to provide input for our article, which will discuss the predictions for the upcoming race.
“Oh, I would definitely make sure that you finish.” He winks at me, and I roll my eyes at him—such a guy sometimes.
“What if I promise to keep my hands to myself? No funny business, at least not until you’re done working.” He says with the most adorable face.
How can I say no to that?
???
We’re heading up to his hotel room, and so far, he’s been on his best behaviour. Only doing what I’ve labelled as safe touching—no kissing with tongue, just hand-holding and light touches on my lower back.
When we get to his room, Luke shows me to an office space where I can work while he takes a shower.
Even though part of my mind is thinking about Luke, naked in a steaming hot shower, I do my best to focus on my to-do list.
The faster I complete my work, the sooner I can spend time with him. Writing our report is extra easy when it features the man a few meters away.
Pride swells in my chest when I go over the qualifying lap times and see that Luke dominated the grid today.
He is truly remarkable, given how he has bounced back from the initial setbacks.
I finish working just as Luke pops his head inside the office, letting me know dinner is ready.
We sit down and eat with Robert, who tells us all about his recent adventures in Japanese food shops and markets. He mentions that he likes to buy local produce and vary his cooking while they’re traveling.
“Feeding this man could be a lot worse. Imagine if he only wanted ramen noodles and pastries for dinner.” Robert says before continuing.
“I’ve heard some scary stories about athletes who don’t take care of their nutrition, and I can’t imagine having to cook for someone who only wants to eat the same things repeatedly or fuel their body with junk.” Robert appears to genuinely enjoy his job.
“Yeah, you got the best of the best,” Luke says, making all of us laugh.
“Have you told her about your sweet tooth?” Robert asks him.
“I have,” Luke says and I smile, remembering our date back in Baku, and Luke telling me that he enjoys baking.
Who would have thought that our silly game of questionswould eventually lead to me sitting here with Luke and his personal chef, sharing stories and having lovely dinners.
When we’re done eating and cleaning up, Robert leaves us for the night.
“Time for dessert,” Luke says, and I head toward the freezer.
“What’s for dessert? Did Robert leave ice cream or something?” I search around the freezer looking for something sweet when Luke comes up behind me.
“I was thinking I could have you.” He nuzzles me behind my ear.
“I thought we were behaving ourselves, mister Hastings.” I tease him back.
“I only promised to be a gentleman until you finished working.” I turn in his arms, wrapping my hands around his neck and shoulders.
“What did you have in mind?”
