It was onher.
AurélieDuboisstood out like a lighthouse in the mayhem. Her long blonde hair, which had been in braids earlier, now hung in loose waves down her back that bounced every time she moved her head. She wore a simple light pink tank top and dark jeans, nothing eye-catching, yet she commanded attention with effortless confidence.
I told myself I wasn't watching her. That it was coincidence my eyes kept drifting in her direction. But it wasn't. She was impossible to ignore.
Jesus, she was gorgeous. Always had been, but seeing her now, in the world I'd dominated for years, was different. She belonged here. That much was clear. And yet, she sat alone at the bar, her gaze distant as she nursed a drink while I admired her from afar, just like I had for years.
“Stop the pining and go talk to her,” Marco said, appearing beside me with a fresh pint in hand. His smirk was infuriatinglyknowing.
“I'm not pining,” I muttered, forcing my attention to him. Pining was a generous word for the years-long obsession I'd had over her. She had no idea just how much attention I'd been paying to her. How many times I'd stalked her socials.
Marco snorted, sipping his beer. “You've been staring at her all night. It's embarrassing, mate. You'reCallumfucking Fraser. You've stared down four world titles, but one blonde has you undone? Tragic. Now stop being such a pussy and go talk to the damn woman.” He said it as if he didn't have a championship title of his own.
“She's not just anyone,” I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them, not even acknowledging his insult.
Marco raised an eyebrow. “Exactly. She's your colleague now. And if you keep gawking like a schoolboy, everyone's going to notice.”
He was right. I knocked back the rest of my drink—burning, blurring, sharpening. The swagger that carried me on the track returned as I made my way toward her, Marco's chuckle following me like a shadow.
Aurélie'shead tilted slightly as I approached, her golden-green eyes flicking to mine with a calm curiosity. “Callum Fraser,” she greeted, her accent wrapping around my name like a challenge. The first words she'd ever spoken to me, and the fact that it was my name made it all the sweeter.
“AurélieDubois,” I replied, sliding onto the stool beside her. “Fancy seeing you here.”
She arched a delicate eyebrow. “We are colleagues now, no?”
I grinned, signaling the bartender for another round. “Fair enough. But you seem more like the ‘stay in and avoid the scene' type.”
She ran a finger around the rim of her glass. “And you seem like the ‘live for the scene' type. Am I wrong?”
“Not entirely,” I admitted, leaning casually against the bar as I faced her. “But even I need a break from time to time.”
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, sharp and assessing. “So, is this your break or just another opportunity to find your next conquest?”
I laughed, the sound louder than I intended. “Is that what you think of me?”
She tilted her head, her long hair tumbling over her shoulder with the movement and brushing the bar. “I think your reputation speaks for itself.”
Ducking my head to lean closer, I was pleased to see that her eyes had a substantial amount of green in them. “And what does it say?” My voice dropped a few octaves. I didn't miss the fact that she swallowed before responding again.
“That you're charming. Smooth. And very accustomed to getting what you want.”
“Am I that predictable?” I asked, lifting a strand of her hair and tucking it behind her ear—too familiar, too soon, but I couldn't help myself.
“Painfully,” she said, but her smile betrayed her amusement. She straightened, breaking the small amount of contact between us.
“Well, I can't help how radiant you're looking tonight.”
“Just tonight?”
I chuckled softly. “Caught me there. You look radiant every time I see you.”
Her laugh was quiet, but it didn't reach her eyes. “Flattery won't get you far with me.”
“I'll keep that in mind. For the record, I'm not here to charm you.”Lies.The bartender slid a drink in front of me, and I took a sip, savoring the moment. When I turned back to her, my curiosity outweighed my usual bravado. “I'm here to get to know you. So, how's your first week inF1?”
She took a sip of her own drink, glancing around the crowded bar before answering. “Overwhelming. Incredible. Terrifying.” Her honesty caught me off guard. “But mostly? It feels like I've been waiting my whole life for this.”
I nodded. “Well, you've certainly made an impression.”
