Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 73568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73568 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
“Of course not,” the influencer says with a light laugh. “I want this to be a fun and engaging conversation for everyone.”
“Brilliant.” Maeve beams, clapping her hands lightly. “Do you have any other questions or need anything before we get started? Water, coffee?”
“I’m all set, thank you,” the influencer replies, glancing over her notes one last time.
“Great! We’ll be rolling in just a minute then.” Maeve turns toward Lex and Ronan and gives them a very pointed look. “And you two… behave.”
“Always,” Lex says with a wink.
Maeve returns to me as the influencer takes her seat opposite Lex and Ronan. I lean in toward her and whisper, “You’re very good at your job, balancing friendliness with professionalism.”
She waves her hand as if the compliment isn’t needed. “That’s the easy part. Keeping the boys on track, focused and out of trouble during these interviews is the harder part.”
Laughing, I turn my attention back to the interview as it begins. It’s low budget in that there’s a young guy holding a camera and one floor light, but I don’t think much is needed to make a nice piece for social media.
The woman stares into the camera. “I’m Zara Blake, and today I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with two of Formula International’s hottest talents—Lex Hamilton and Ronan Barnes from Crown Velocity Racing. How are you gents doing today?” Zara begins with her crisp English accent.
“Doing great,” Lex says, glancing at Ronan. “Thanks for having us.” He then flashes a smile that probably melts hearts and panties across the globe.
They dive into the standard questions—preseason preparations, thoughts on the upcoming races, and reflections on last season’s performances. Lex and Ronan handle each question with the polished responses you’d expect from seasoned experts, but I remember these are still very young men. The confidence they have in front of a camera and being interviewed off the cuff speaks to the fact they’re far more mature than regular Joes their age.
After a few minutes, Zara shifts gears, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “All right, let’s get to the juicy stuff that all the fans want to know. Well, at least all the female fans, and as you know that number is growing rapidly in FI. You both have quite the reputations off the track as well. Any special ladies in your lives right now, or are you still enjoying the single life?”
Ronan is quick to respond, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Well, Zara, I can’t speak for Lex here, but I’m definitely enjoying the single life. Keeps things fresh, you know?”
Zara laughs, clearly entertained. “Oh, I’m sure. And what about you, Lex? Anyone special catching your eye these days?”
Lex hesitates for just a fraction of a second, his gaze flickering ever so briefly in my direction before he answers. “I’ve been learning a lot about the different kinds of relationships out there lately,” he says thoughtfully. “I think there’s something to be said for finding someone who really gets you, shares your passions, and challenges you to be better.”
Zara raises her eyebrows, intrigued by his unexpected response. “That sounds like a man who’s maybe thinking about settling down?”
Lex chuckles, shaking his head slightly. “I wouldn’t go that far just yet. Racing is my focus right now. But I’m starting to appreciate that there’s more to life than just the next race or the next party.”
I feel a warm flush spread across my cheeks, realizing that his words mirror some of the conversations we’ve had recently. It’s surprising and oddly touching to hear him express these thoughts so openly, especially in such a public setting.
Ronan gives Lex a sideways glance, his smile tight, but he maintains his composure. “Don’t let him fool you, Zara. Lex here loves the thrill of the chase both on and off the track.”
Lex laughs, but there’s an emotion swirling in his eyes that suggests he’s not entirely on the same page as Ronan. “Maybe so, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down and enjoy the ride too.”
Zara smiles, clearly enjoying the banter. “Well, sounds like there’s more to you guys than meets the eye. Speaking of passions off the track, what do you both like to do in your downtime?”
The interview continues, covering lighter topics like hobbies, favorite travel destinations, and even some amusing anecdotes from past seasons. Lex remains engaged throughout, offering insights that reveal a more complex and grounded personality than his bad boy image suggests. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact he’s been in hot water with Harley. Lex admitted to me that his job was in jeopardy if he stepped out of line again.
As the interview wraps, Zara thanks them both and the cameras cut off. The crew begins to dismantle the setup, and Lex and Ronan rise from their chairs, posing for selfies with Zara.