And the black-and-silver shirts representing Collings Motors.
I’m in the paddock for the Miami Grand Prix. AGAIN.
And it’s all thanks to Caleb Collings.
As Caleb comes to mind, my brain goes back to sorting out the breakfast conundrum.
Conundrum. Do people even use that word anymore? Am I weird that it popped right up in my head?
I bat that thought aside before I’m tumbling down a conundrum rabbit hole. I need to focus on the big question of the morning.
What is Caleb’s motivation for asking me to meet him for breakfast?
He hates the media—except for me. Caleb said he wanted to help me, and maybe this breakfast is going to be like a planning session. He can tell me what he’s willing to share on camera. What I’m allowed to film. When I can go down to the garage and sit in the cockpit of his race car.
I furrow my brow. It’s extremely out of his way to do this for me. Not to mention out of character.
Maybe it’s still a protective course of action after Arthur’s shitty behavior?
Or did Caleb mean what he said—he respects me and knows he can help me out?
Whatever it is, there’s one thing I can safely eliminate. Caleb is definitely NOT interested in me.
I’m the MEDIA. Ninety-nine percent of the time, he considers us his enemy.
So he’s recognizing me as someone different in the media and rewarding me for that.
Yes. Now that makes sense.
Besides, let’s pretend that Caleb is actually interested in me—GAH, I feel stupid for even THINKING this. But if he were interested, I would never act on it.
I want to build my reputation as an F1 content creator. As a reporter.
Not someone chasing F1 drivers.
Besides, I don’t even KNOW Caleb. Yes, I liked the man I spent time with yesterday, but I don’tknowhim. I can’t know him.
Ever.
So if I have solved this puzzle, why do I feel this wave of disappointment roll through my stomach?
I’M BEING STUPID.
How can I be disappointed? HOW? HOW?
I’m not interested in men right now. I’m focused on building my career.
And what guys do I meet anyway? The guys at Total Access Total Sports.
MEH.
But in addition to being a hot F1 driver, Caleb is a man who stands up for others. He respects women.
And he’s quick. The man could even banter, which I thought was an art that existed only on TV and in books.
Did I mention hot?
“Isla!”