“It is. This is my get-away from the racing world. Most people think I live in the city, or even abroad media…”
“Yeah, the likes of me. I had you down for a city boy.”
“You seem different.”
“How so?”
“You don’t seem to be intimidated by my fame or fortune.”
“I’m not, should I be? I think that’s why Frank picked me instead of someone like Felicity. She would try to use the fame and fortune for her own gain.”
“She’s not someone I’d want to spend a great deal of time with, whereas you… you intrigue me.”
“Oh,” I say, resting my hands on the table and trying to hold eye contact with the man that leaves me speechless and has sent my heart rate soaring. Get a fucking grip, woman. He’s just a man. A man I’m meant to stay professional around because that’s why I was picked to do this job. I’m sure Felicity wouldn’t have made it into the kitchen. She would’ve pounced on him the minute the front door was closed behind her.
A shake of his head has me wondering if he knows what I’m thinking, but he turns his attention away from me to concentrate on the job he’s doing.
“Here you go. I hope these, and the tea, are up to your standards.” He puts a plate of sandwiches down in the middle of the table and then two mugs of tea before taking the seat opposite me.
“Ellie, I had no idea who you were last week,” he says, getting straight to the point as I take a bite from my sandwich.
“I gathered that from your reaction this morning in the office. I won’t hold it against you and I’ll be professional from now on in.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Why?”
“Because I happened to like the woman who finally crumbled in my arms then.”
“Ryan…”
“I know, professional. But, come on, you can’t blame me for Friday night, or for…”
I take a drink of the tea. “This is actually good. You make a decent cuppa. And why can’t I blame you?” I ask, sounding braver than I feel; my stomach is doing somersaults.
“Well, you Ellie Cooper, are the whole package. You were the most naturally beautiful woman at the event and you didn’t even know it, and now, even in jeans and a t-shirt, you look incredible.”
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere with me.”
He smiles, and this time it isn’t that cocky grin. “That I firmly believe, for today. Although, I’ve not stopped thinking about you and our kiss since.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been too busy to think about it.” That’s a lie and I’m sure he sees it in my now reddened face. I remember everything about it and then some more.
“I highly doubt that, but for now, I’ll play your game.”
“I don’t play games. I’ve worked hard to get where I have with my career.”
“I believe you. We’ll eat and then we should talk shop, unless you’d care to repeat that kiss?”
I shake my head, avoiding eye contact with him, because with the deep ache of desire resurfacing inside, I don’t trust myself not to leap across the table and take the kiss my body is so desperate to taste.
His laughter takes me by surprise, and when I finally look at him, he’s eating. He can’t possibly know what I was thinking, or can he? The rest of lunch is quiet, but the air between us is filled with so many unspoken questions. And that’s where they need to stay.
“So, I know I’ve to come to Monaco next week, but what is there for me to do this week?”
“I’m sure I can find you plenty to keep you occupied… me.”
“Head. Gutter. It’s just, if I’m not needed, there are a few personal things I have to do.”
“Oh.” He leans forward and takes my hand. “Is everything okay?” There’s a hint of concern in his voice and in his eyes.
“Yes.”
“Your one-word answer isn’t convincing me.”
It’s not really convincing me, either. Bethany.
I take a deep breath and ready myself to answer him without giving too much away. “I have a friend who is having a really hard time and she’s pregnant. I just want to be able to check on her a few times before we leave.”
“Of course. You’ll have time, and as Frank assured you, if you need to get home urgently when we’re abroad, it will be arranged. I’m not a total prick.”
“According to Dylan you are.” I try to keep my face straight, but I can’t when I see his somewhat surprised expression on his face.
“Trust him. Now, tomorrow I’d like to introduce you to some of the charities I help with. I know this is the side Les wants to be seen. I’d happily keep everything I do for charity under wraps.”
“I’d like that,” I whisper as I stare at his hand still holding mine. I know I should pull from his hold, but I can’t. For some reason, I don’t want him to let me go. I lift my head and I’m met by his dazzling eyes and boyish grin. I inhale a sharp breath, suddenly feeling warm and lost to him.
“What is it you’d like?” he asks, his voice low, and I hear the double meaning behind it. But I’m now trying to think about what we were talking about. “Ellie…”
We stare at each other for a few moments. His eyes wander downward, lingering on my chest. His smile broadens, and I think back to what he said about my natural beauty. This is a man who appreciates a woman, but I expect he only keeps her around until he’s had his fill. I can’t be one of those women. That’s not me.
I wish I could say I don’t want him.
But I do.
All I want is to feel his strong arms around me, holding me tight. His lips on mine, devouring me as he did on Friday night. It’s not a path we should go down. Work life and personal life should be kept miles apart, but at the moment, I don’t see how I’m going to keep the two separate.
“Ellie.” My name is a whisper from his lips. In slow motion, he stands and walks around the table. Shivers lace my spine when I feel how close he’s standing behind me; closer than is necessary. He rests his hand on my shoulder. My eyes close involuntarily, and I pray he doesn’t do anything else because I’m not sure I have the willpower to stop this. I want him. But I shouldn’t.
Ryan Jackson is going to be a danger to my health. He should come with a warning.
Chapter 8
I can feel his breath against my skin. It’s cold and yet comforting. “Ryan, please. Whatever you’re thinking, don’t. I think it’s time for me to leave.”
The words leave my mouth, even if it’s not what my body wants to do. I won’t allow myself to be just another one of the many women I’m sure he’s managed to lure into his bed with his charm.
“I don’t want you to leave.” His hand is still on my shoulder and I’m conscious that my head is tilting toward it, leaving my neck exposed. “Please stay.”
The longing in his voice snaps me from my hazed state, reminding me that whatever he wants from me can’t happen. “No.”
His hand moves from my shoulder and I feel cool air around me. I turn in the chair to see him pacing the floor, running his hands through his hair. Is he angry or just frustrated? Am I the one giving mixed signals? I don’t think so, or at least I’m trying not to.
“Ellie, you would drive a man insane.” I stand and turn to his voice. He slowly takes a few steps toward me until his shoes touch mine. Don’t reach out and touch me. Please don’t, because I know I will crumble again. “Do you really think you can keep this up?”
“Keep what up?”
“Resisting me.” The look of desire in his eyes sends shivers down my spine and makes me dizzy. He’s so sure that something other than a shared kiss is going to happen between us. He cocks his head to the side, waiting for my response. “You know you want to,” he says, almost laughing at me, yet at the same time, having that boyish grin on display.
“Look, buddy, I’m sure I’ll be able to resist you. It will be hard, but… now, if you could take me back to the city or just call me a cab.”
“It doesn�
��t need to be hard.”
“I think you’ll find for what you have in mind, it most certainly does need to be hard. Now, I’ve played nice, had lunch, and it really is time for me to leave. I have things to do and people to see.”
I can’t believe I’ve just said that to him, but I’m the one smirking and feeling proud of myself for the way I’m handling him.
“You’ve laid down a challenge, Miss Cooper, and if you hadn’t already guessed I’m a man who loves and thrives on a challenge. Yes, I’ll take you home, but I do know you will be given a tour of my home soon, and it will finish in my bedroom with you in my bed.”
I shake my head in exasperation. I never thought to ask Frank how long I’ll need to work alongside Ryan, and when he expects the first article ready. After today, I could have a piece sitting on Frank’s desk by five p.m. tonight, ready to go to print for tomorrow’s paper. Although, the story I have in mind will not show Ryan Jackson in the most flattering light.
“Should I dare ask, what has you, smugly laughing?” His question catches me off-guard.
“You might not like it.”
“Try me.”
“I was just thinking that I could have my first article about you in tomorrow morning’s papers.”
“I’m sensing this could be a story I don’t like,” he says, putting our dishes away.
“Spot on.”
“Our relationship is going to be trying.”
“You mean our working relationship.”
“Whatever. Come on, I’ll drive you back into the city,” he says, taking my hand, again. And again I pull from his hold. What is wrong with him? Why is he so damn touchy, feely? He grabs his car keys before we exit, and then locks the front door. Again, he holds the door to the passenger side open for me before getting in the car himself.
“What music do you listen to when you’re in the car?” he asks me.
“I usually just listen to the radio.”
He studies me for a moment. “Really?” I nod. “I had you down for the type of girl who has her favourite band playing on repeat.”
I smile as he starts the engine, taking me away from his beautiful home. “I don’t really have a favourite.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Why?” I dare ask.
“Because I would ensure I had my first sexy slow dance in a nightclub next with you to your favourite track.” He emphasises sexy, and even though I shake my head at him, my desire levels for him are climbing. It’s a good thing I’m now safely in his car and heading back toward the city.
Boundaries.
Tomorrow.
This is something we will have to talk about tomorrow, boundaries. And I don’t think it will go down well with him.
He puts the radio on and I sit comfortably, thinking about, well, him. I really should do a bit more research about him tonight, although I’m not sure I’ll like everything I find. The silence between us isn’t unbearable, and the music playing on the radio is a welcome distraction. In between song breaks, I find myself asking questions about how he got into racing. I know the basics from online, but it’s better hearing from him directly. As much as he comes across as an arrogant git, he’s actually easy to talk and listen to. Which will make my job somewhat easier.
“Well, here we are,” he says, pulling into the newspaper staff’s underground parking. It’s still early afternoon and I know I should really go upstairs, but I just want to go home and enjoy some peace and quiet. Wrap my head around the fact that, next week, I’ll be in Monaco getting ready to take notes followed by a report on my first ever race.
“Yip, this is us,” I say as he parks the car. “What time should I be trackside tomorrow?”
“See, a few hours with me and you even have the lingo. But tomorrow we will work inside. If we say ten a.m. Is that okay with you?”
“Ten is fine with me. Thank you for lunch.”
“You’re welcome. Now, get out of here before I change my mind about this professional thing and decide to keep you against your will.” He laughs.
With a smirk I get out of the car, leaving him behind. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You will,” he shouts, before revving the engine and pulling away quickly, leaving me watching after him.
“I hope your Monday has been better than mine.” Dani’s voice echoes from the hallway as she enters the flat. I can hear her chucking her shoes across the floor and the sound of bags rustling; she’s been shopping.
“My day has been so-so,” I reply as she comes into our open plan living room and kitchen.
“Would your day include a sexy, single driver I’d love to spend my day with? I can think of many ways to make the day more interesting with him.”
“You can go to work instead of me tomorrow,” I say, watching from the sofa as she unloads the two shopping bags.
“If you could arrange flowers, I’d take you up on that, but you can’t arrange flowers for shit.” She’s right, I do like to think of myself as a creative type, but not when it comes to flowers. “So, you did spend today with him, then?”
“Yes,” I mutter.
“And…” She pauses, staring at me. “Are you going to keep me in suspense all night?”
“No. Yes, I spent much of the day with him and he took me to lunch. Have you already eaten?”
“Yes, I have, and don’t try and change the subject. Where did he take you? Do you want some wine?” She holds a bottle up.
“No wine for me. I need a clear head to deal with him tomorrow. And he took me home.”
“Fucking hell, Ellie. Well, I’m having a drink because I need it.” She pours a glass of wine and joins me on the sofa. “You went back to Ryan’s home. I want all the details and don’t leave anything out.”
“There’s nothing to tell. He made me sandwiches and tea and we spoke.”
“About?” She sits back with her glass in her hand.
“About me meeting with some of the charities tomorrow, and also my trip to Monaco next week.”
“Hold on… of course he’s racing next weekend, but why are you going?”
“Funny enough, because I’m the reporter assigned to this.”
“Ha bloody ha. Does Felicity know yet?”
“Yes.”
“Do tell.”
I tell Dani all about Felicity bursting into the meeting and Frank dismissing her. Dani loves hearing this, but what I’m not expecting is her jaw to drop when I tell her about Ryan putting his hand on the small of my back as we left the office together, much to Felicity’s disgust.
“So…” Dani finally takes a gulp of her wine. “You and Ryan are going to be the talk of the office now, you do know that? I wish I could’ve seen her face. It must’ve been a picture. You’ve told me a lot, but what you haven’t told me about is the sizzling chemistry between you.”
“There is nothing to tell.”
“I highly doubt that after Friday night. I wonder how long it will be before you and he end up in the sack together.”
I shake my head at her. “It won’t happen, not on my watch.”
“I’m sure at some point I’ll have to remind you, that you’ve said that,” she says with a laugh. I really hope she doesn’t, but I have a feeling deep down that she’s right.
Chapter 9
Stacey is behind the reception desk and full of smiles as I approach her. She’s too cheery for only a Tuesday morning. “Good morning, Miss Cooper. How are you today? I have an access all areas pass for you, curtesy of Mr Jackson.”
“Good morning, and thank you. I’m not sure where I’m meant to be this morning,” I say softly.
“Mr Jackson is in his office. Second floor, turn right, and follow the corridor until you reach the end. That’s where you’ll find him this morning. I’ve been instructed that, if there is anything you need at all, just to let me know and I’ll do my best to arrange.”
“Thank you,” I say, taking the pass before I make my way up the stairs. The walls on my left-h
and side are all glass, showing off numerous offices and control rooms that have a magnificent view of the race track below. The other wall on the corridor is lined with memorabilia; framed pictures of famous drivers and their cars. Ryan is in a lot of the pictures, holding aloft prize-winning cups.
Goosebumps spread across my neck, and when I look around, I realise it’s because I’m nearly at Ryan’s office. His name is on a plaque on the solid door. There’re no glass windows letting me see inside. I close my eyes momentarily, taking a calming breath to ready myself. I knock on the door and don’t wait for him to answer before opening and stepping inside.
“Good morning,” I say with more confidence than I feel when my eyes set upon him. If ever there was a vision I wanted to be greeted with, this is it. He’s sitting, totally relaxed, and has that whole bad-boy arura surrounding him. Black t-shirt that clings to the muscles on his arms and shoulders, and already, he’s taken me by surprise. He lifts his head and a slow, lazy smile greets me. “You seem very cheery this morning,” he says, pointing to the chair.
“Taking notes from the woman downstairs.”
“As you might imagine, I need several cups of coffee to deal with Stacey in the morning.”
“Are you not a morning person then?” I can’t help but tease as I put my bag on the floor beside me.
His eyes narrow yet his mouth twitches and I already regret my last question. “If I wake up with the right person in my bed, I’m always a morning person.”
Every damn muscle in my body clenches. There’s a deep burning sensation in my chest. I wish I hadn’t said that, because now I have a picture in my head of him waking up with someone else in his bed. Someone that isn’t me.
“Whatever thought has just entered your pretty little mind, loose it. There’s only one person I want to wake up beside and I’m sure I’ll get my own way soon enough. I can be pretty persuasive, as I’m sure you will find out.”
He really is relentless. “What are the plans for today?” I ask before I embarrass myself even more seeing as he is capable of reading my mind now.
Collision: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World) Page 6
