Chapter 5
TAYLOR
Friday finally rolls around and to say I’m nervous is the understatement of the century.
I don’t think I’ve ever been this anxious before a date.
I spilled coffee all over myself in the monthly staff meeting, and it was even more embarrassing because the owner, Bastian Blackstone, was in attendance.
Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind, but it doesn’t show a good impression of me, the head of the LA office.
I’m already nervous enough as it is. I applied for this job as a joke.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be the head of the LA office.
Apparently, Kerrie and Bastian saw something in me, but earlier today, I bet he was regretting his decision.
When I arrive home from the office, I run a bath and jump back into this week’s book club book, Pen Pal by J.T.
Geissinger. I got so sucked into the story.
FYI, I did not see that twist coming, it was chef’s kiss amazing.
Due to me finishing the book, I was running late but, somehow, I managed to be ready on time.
Linc and I have been messaging all week and from the text banter, I think I can see something developing between us.
He’s funny, crass at times, but he’s also caring and friendly.
But I already knew that after seeing him with his grandma at book club.
As it turns out, we both live in Malibu, not too far from one another.
There’s a knock at my door, and those nerves I had managed to calm down take flight once again.
Walking over to the door, I open it, and when I see what Linc is wearing, I burst out laughing.
We’re both in jeans, black tops, mine a spaghetti strap blouse and his, a tee that hugs his muscular arms and showcases his pecs.
On his feet are Chucks, black, just like mine.
“Do you have cameras in here or is this,” I flick my finger between us, “just a stroke of luck?”
“Considering jeans and a tee are my staple, I have to ask if you’re spying on me?”
“You wish I was spying,” I cheekily throw back at him. “But when I’m not in the office, I’m a jeans and a tee kind of gal.”
“Seems like we have something in common then.”
“Seems so. Let me grab my jacket, and we can go.”
“It’s seventy-five degrees outside. It’s not going to get any colder, you won’t need a jacket.”
Nodding, I toss my jacket aside, grab my purse, and walk back to the door. As I lock it, I say, “I’m not used to weather like this. In Denver, you always take a jacket with you.”
“Why did you move to LA?”
“Work,” I tell him, as we head to his car. “I applied on a whim and somehow managed to get the position.” We stop when we reach a flashy-looking sports car. “Fancy,” I coo, taking in the machine in front of me.
“Thanks, it’s a McLaren GT.”
“That means nothing to me. Is it a Toyota?”
He fakes being hurt, clutching at his chest. “You wound me, Tay.”
“Sorry, cars are not really my thing, but I’m guessing they’re yours since the other night at book club you were in an SUV.”
He laughs, a deep belly chuckle. “You could say that. I, umm, own a racing team.”
“You own a racing team?”
“Yep. Have you heard of Schofield Racing?” I nod. “Well, I’m Lincoln Schofield.”
Processing his words, it finally hits me. He’s the Schofield in Schofield Racing. “Holy shit,” I hiss, “that’s amazing.” Then my eyes widen. “Didn’t one of your drivers recently have a really bad accident?”
“Yeah, that was Marshall Kerr. He fractured his hip. It was a tough, slow-going recovery because his head was up his ass, but he finally pulled it out, and once again, I saw the gung-ho driver I hired. It’s great having him back in the driver’s seat.”
“That’s good, I can’t wait to watch him race.”
“Thought you weren’t into cars?” he asks, opening my door for me.
“I’m not, but I couldn’t imagine not being able to do what I love and to see someone overcome so much, it will be thrilling to see.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if fuel ran through his veins in lieu of blood.”
“Why do I feel the same is true for you too?”
He shrugs in reply, and I climb into my seat. Like a gentleman, he closes my door, and I watch him walk around the hood. Those nerves from earlier are gone and excitement has taken up residence within my body. I can’t wait for my date and to see where the night leads.