Page 16 of Lights Out (Love in the Paddock #1)

But something tells me my cardiology is fine, and this reaction is purely driven by being in the same airspace as Caleb.

“Caleb,” I say, extending my hand to him. “Thank you for coming today. I’m looking forward to our conversation.”

I shake his hand firmly, trying to ignore how my pulse leaps from the sensation of feeling his strong, calloused, oh-so-masculine hand gripping mine.

“You’re welcome,” he says, staring at me through the fringe of his long inky-black eyelashes.

Before I can say another word, I have all the jock-sniffers of the network behind me, and Caleb does the friendly thing and shakes hands with all of them.

Catherine and Bethany are introduced to everyone, and Bethany immediately falls into conversation with the media relations VP for The Downforce Network.

Polite chitchat ensues for about ten minutes, and I watch as Caleb engages with everyone who speaks with him. It’s impressive, really. Caleb is a race car driver first. One of the best in the world, a driver who has one of the very elusive twenty seats available in Formula 1.

But watching him schmooze with the bigwigs of The Downforce Network? He’s good.

Really, really good.

Caleb actively listens and remains engaged in each conversation he has. He’s well-spoken and obviously knows what is expected of him when he’s with this kind of crowd. I know it’s no different than how he acts at team sponsor dinners, and he’s natural at it.

Finally, after about fifteen minutes, I wait for a break in conversation. When it happens, I’m ready.

“Caleb, may I have a word? There are a few things I’d like to ask you about before we step out into the garden for our interview.”

“Of course,” he says. I lead him away from the living room, back to the deserted hallway.

“Next time you need to do that faster,” he says, his eyes taking on a mischievous glint. “Because those conversations were ten minutes longer than I liked.”

I can’t help but smile at that. “Then, Mr. Collings, how are you going to sit down and have an extended interview with me?”

“Easy.”

He dips his head closer to my ear, so close that I can smell the sensual cologne he wears.

“I like talking to you.” His voice reverberates into my skin, and heat seeps through me from the sensation.

He quickly straightens before anyone can see us. “Now what do I need to know?”

For a moment, my brain can’t process anything other than what he just murmured in my ear. I can still smell him. Feel his words against my skin …

I use everything I have to reset myself.

“I made this a closed set,” I tell him. “The Downforce Network execs all wanted to watch, but I told them I’d cancel the interview before I’d allow that to happen.”

Caleb’s eyes widen in surprise. “Isla, why did you do that? I would have done it if that was a requirement.”

I shake my head. “No. I know you’re doing this for me, and there’s no reason for them to stand around and watch you like you’re a zoo exhibit.

If that was required of me, I didn’t want to be a part of it.

I know how much you hate this, Caleb. You haven’t done anything outside of what you have to for more than a year now.

I wasn’t about to make you any more uncomfortable than you already must be. ”

He stares down at me, his face uncomprehending. “Isla. You could have lost this assignment,” he says in a shocked voice.

I shrug. “I know. But it mattered to me.”

Caleb blinks. I wonder if this reaction is because he’s used to people trying to use him rather than look out for what’s best for him. “You know this will give you a reputation you might not like,” he says quietly.

“I know. But if that means being a reporter who stands up for what she thinks is right for an interview, I’ll be difficult.

I was reminded of my place on the totem pole.

But I also reminded them what I’m bringing to the table.

A fun conversation with Caleb Collings, so fans can get to know you a little more.

I made sure they understood I wasn’t going to ask about your past or any hard-hitting questions, too.

This is the interview we agreed to have, and I’m not going back on that. ”

Caleb now looks completely stunned. I wonder if he thinks I’m crazy for committing career suicide like I did. I mean, it’s not proven yet, but it could be if they hate the interview.

“Isla?” Derna calls out. “We’re ready in the garden.”

“Yes, we’ll be right there,” I say.

I’m about to lead Caleb out of the hallway when he pauses and puts a hand on my arm, bringing me to a stop. I suck in a breath as I try to ignore how another shiver has run through me from his touch.

“Isla,” he says, his voice very low, “you can ask me anything.”

My eyes widen in shock. “What?”

His eyes never leave mine, and his fingers are still on my arm. “I mean it. Nothing is off the table.”

I begin to tremble.

“Take advantage of it,” Caleb urges. “This will make you.”

I shake my head. “No, I won’t do it, Caleb. You are making this decision without thinking it through.”

“I act on instinct,” he says firmly. “I make decisions at more than two hundred miles an hour on a racetrack. I’m good at it.

And I’ve just made this one. Nothing is off-limits in this interview.

I want you to ask me the tough questions.

Ask them, Isla. Because I will give you the answers. And I’ll only give them to you.”