Page 51 of Falling Fast
‘That’s a great idea! We’ve got to keep your new fans happy.’ Charlotte beams.
‘Um … Of course.’ I start fiddling with some papers on my desk because I have a horrible feeling my cheeks are burning. On the plus side, I haven’t even spoken to Leif about the need for secrecy yet and he’s already covering for us. This might be easier than I thought. ‘Why don’t you give me the address and I’ll pop by on my way home.’
‘Sounds good.’ He places his phone next to mine, airdropping the details across. ‘So I’ll see you later?’
‘Yes.’ I nod briskly. ‘Later.’
‘OK. I’d better get going.’ He smiles at Charlotte. ‘Say hi to Andre for me.’
‘I will.’ She takes his place in front of my desk as he walks out. ‘Honestly, you two.’
‘What do you mean?’ I hoist my eyebrows, ready to make an excuse for anything she might be about to accuse me of.
‘Both of you are such workaholics. I can’t believe he came in to discuss social media on his day off.’
I feel my cheeks flush all over again. I’ll have to stop wearing blusher to work because this is getting ridiculous. ‘I guess we both just love Formula 1.’
‘Corey loves Formula 1 and he’s only here half the time.’ She shrugs. ‘Then again, we’re only twenty-eight points behind Chiltern in the Constructors’ table now. I guess hard work really does pay off.’
MY STOMACH TWISTS WITH nerves as I approach Leif’s new house. It’s almost 8 p.m., two hours later than I intended to arrive because Vienna called me in for an impromptu progress meeting at five thirty, but I refuse to reschedule. I’m excited and anxious and I don’t know if tonight is a smart move or not, but I know that I have to see Leif. If nothing else, I need to set out some ground rules before things go any further.Ifthey go any further.
After twenty minutes of driving through countryside, Waze takes me through a pair of open gates, then along a tree-lined road that leads to a small lake and a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow. Beside it, the land slopes up towardsa house made of pale grey stone and wood. It has a living roof and blends seamlessly into the landscape, like a cross between a cave and a log cabin, with a wide terrace, accessed by some steps beside a basement-level triple garage. Above that is a balcony that runs the entire width of the house, with glass doors glittering in the evening sunshine. Somehow it manages to be rustic and modern and traditional and innovative at the same time.
I step out of my car and take a moment to compose myself. It’s easier than I expected because the atmosphere here is so peaceful. I can’t hear anything other than the sounds of nature – the rustle of leaves, the thrum of insects and the calls of at least six different types of bird.
I’m still taking in the view when Leif emerges through a steel door and comes down the steps to greet me, dressed in cargos and an Amiri T-shirt.
‘Your house is stunning,’ I tell him.
He smiles, like he’s pleased by my reaction. ‘I knew it was the one the moment I set eyes on it. Come on in.’
His hand twitches, like he’s about to reach out to me and then changes his mind. I totally understand. It’s been a week since our kiss and it’s clear we’re both feeling self-conscious.
I follow him into the house and look around. The front door opens into a large, open-plan kitchen-living area, with pale wooden floors, high beamed ceilings and giant windows overlooking the lake and meadow below.
‘No furniture yet.’ Leif sounds faintly apologetic.
‘It doesn’t matter.’ I twirl around in a patch of sunshine. ‘It’s perfect as it is.’
‘I’m glad you like it.’ He watches me from the kitchen. The counters are all a shade of duck-egg green and presumablycontain appliances underneath, but there’s no sign of them. Everything is smooth and sleek and shiny. ‘Can I get you anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?’
‘No, thanks.’ I smile over my shoulder at him. ‘I had a wrap just before I left.’
He looks anxious suddenly. ‘You know I only mentioned that video as a way to get you here, right?’
‘I had my suspicions.’
‘So we don’t really have to film anything, do we?’
‘We probably should.’ I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing at his horrified expression. ‘Charlotte might wonder otherwise.’
‘You could tell her I looked so grumpy you had to shelve it.’
‘That seems kind of harsh.’
‘Yet believable.’ He moves round the edge of the counter towards me. ‘Do you want to see the rest of the house? This isn’t the best part.’
‘There’s something better than this?’ I open my eyes wide incredulously.
