“Oh yes.” I lick my lips. “I do feel exhausted, though.”
She gives a knowing nod, eyes slightly heavy. “It’ll take a few days. If you struggle let me know, I may be able to get the team doctor to prescribe you something.”
I give her a smile just as the waiter returns with our coffee.
“Can you be a doll and clear the table please?” Nora swirls her finger over the empty cups. He side-eyes her and forces a smile onto his face. “Thank you.” She winks at him then wraps her fingers around her drink and drags the cup towards her.
I follow the waiter over my shoulder and hear him grumble something under his breath. “Think you got under his skin.”
Nora replies with a shrug. “Oh well.” She takes a mouthful of her coffee and hums in appreciation.
Bringing my own cup to my lips, I swallow down a mouthful of the hot coffee. Within seconds it touches the depths of my grouchy soul.
“So,” Nora presses, her eyes bouncing between mine.
“So,” I echo. Nerves tickle the base of my neck, my heart stammers in my chest.
“Are you ready to shadow Royce Lexington?”
“No.” My voice is a squeak as I tap my index finger against the glass of my coffee cup.
She laughs softly. “He is a good guy.”
“I don’t doubt that.” I drop my eyes and look at the creamy coffee
“Just very stubborn”
I scoff.
“Was this your idea?” Nora asks and I inhale heavily.
“No.” I shake my head softly, one of my hands pulling back and tucking a loose curl behind my ear. “It was my agent. I hit a bit of a lull, took a hiatus, and then wanted to write a sports romance book. I had an idea and once I told my agent, my best friend, Edel, suggested an F1 romance. I was a little hesitant as I didn’t really know much about the sport. All I know is cars go vroom around a track.”
That has Nora laughing loudly.
“Silly, right?” I feel the burn under my skin.
“Not one bit.”
I roll my lips. “She suggested that it would be good if I could shadow a driver, and well, after a few conversations, I landed here.”
“You’ve got the best driver, in my opinion.” She winks and takes a sip of her coffee.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Her lips purse. “But I’ll be honest…” She trails off for a moment, and I feel the pressure build up at my temples. “He isn’t going to be easy. He’ll refuse to play ball more than he’ll agree. He is arrogant and pig headed at times; he will stress you no end and make you contemplate your decision on the daily.” Her eyes close softly, her nostrils flare slightly as she inhales deeply.
“I take it you’re speaking from experience.” My lips twist.
“Maybe.” She glances at me over her coffee, and I can see the smile that is creeping.
“You must enjoy your job, though.”
She sighs, her shoulders dropping as her cup lands on the table. “I love it.”
“Not many people can say that,” I admit, swirling my coffee cup and watching the frothy liquid.
“I suspect you’re one of the few that loves your job, too.”
