Despite her original aversion to the weekend plans, Rachel experienced a growing excitement as they made their way toward the small principality of Monaco. She leaned back in the sumptuous, soft leather seat while Luke navigated his powerful Bentley through the twisting corners of the famous Moyenne Corniche road toward Monaco, past the ancient village of Eze, stuck precariously against the high rock cliffs.
Two fun-filled days in glamorous Monaco awaited her, and, deep in thought, Rachel pinched her lower lip between her thumb and index finger. The anticipation was strangely liberating. Time to relax, enjoy life, maybe even flirt a little, and she smiled at the oddity of her rebellious deliberation. But this weekend marked the starting point of a new chapter in her life. A life where she would make time to socialize, a life where she could meet new friends. And men.
As they slowed and entered the principality, Tina leaned back and rolled her eyes at Rachel when Luke gave them a quick recital of the two-day event they were about to enjoy. Rachel smiled back at Tina, but her interest was piqued, and she listened to Luke with more attention.
“This is undoubtedly the most prestigious event on the Formula One racing calendar,” he continued. “It takes almost six weeks to build the race track through the narrow, twisting streets of Monaco.”
Luke parked at the Hôtel de Paris, and handing the keys to the valet, he continued, “And it is said that a driver would gladly give up any two other race wins to be crowned the winner here.”
“And tonight we will meet the drivers at the sponsors’ event,” Tina added, joining in Luke’s enthusiasm.
• • •
It was Saturday evening, the night before the group of brave drivers would risk their lives hurtling their machines along the twisting streets of the principality. The sponsors’ event, hosted in the glamorous setting of the Hôtel de Paris, offered a short list of exclusive guests the unrivaled opportunity to meet this group of drivers.
Rachel stood on the balcony of the Empire Ballroom, taking in the view of the yacht harbor below, packed with luxurious yachts. The sun went down in a fireball of red light, dipping behind the Cap Ferrat peninsula, just visible on the horizon. With a pleasant sigh, she turned and made her way back to the table where Tina and Luke were in deep conversation with a young man.
“Ah, Rachel.” Luke stood. “Let me introduce you to our star driver, Dominique Sanches.”
Rachel took in the lean shape of the young man standing in front of her. He appeared too young to be risking his life piloting a multi-million dollar racing car at high speeds through sweeping corners, but then she noticed the determined look in his eyes as he took her hand.
“You’re a brave man, Dominique, doing what you do.”
He smiled, and in his accented English replied, “Like I tell to Tina, in the race I cannot think about the danger. I must focus on the car, the track. If I think mistake, I make mistake … ”
Dominique continued his discussion on the team’s prospects for tomorrow’s race, explaining the many factors that could influence the results. It was a brief insight into a fascinating world, and as Rachel grasped the complexities of the many variables the young driver and his team had to consider, she began to understand what motivated this brave, intelligent young man.
“Now I must leave you, unfortunately,” Dominique said, glancing at the expensive watch on his wrist. “It’s time for me to get a good night’s rest before tomorrow.”
“How fascinating,” Rachel commented as Dominique made his way to the exit, still locked in deep discussion with Luke. Her eyes fell on the tall, handsome man entering the room. With an assertive stride he walked to the bar counter and gave the bartender his order. Dressed in a light blue button-down cotton shirt and a navy blue linen suit, he struck an arresting figure. His broad shoulders filled his jacket, and by the looks of his bronzed skin, Rachel suspected he enjoyed a significant amount of time outdoors. From his casual and relaxed demeanor it was clear that he was perfectly at ease in this company. A few people recognized him and nodded to him or stopped for a brief handshake. He conducted a fleeting conversation with one of the other corporate sponsors whom Luke had introduced earlier.
Then she frowned with a little stab of disappointment when a shapely goddess dressed in a low-cut, daring, red silk gown sidled up to the attractive stranger’s side. Judging by her body language, she was ready to devour him. With sudden irritation, Rachel folded her napkin neatly and placed it back on the table.
“I see you’ve noticed him,” Tina said, and Rachel dropped her gaze, a little embarrassed at being caught staring at the handsome stranger.
“Who are you talking about?” she challenged, unable to hide the defensive tone in her voice.
Tina’s eyes flicked to the bar. “The sexy hunk with the dark hair you’ve been ogling.”
Rachel felt a sudden, hot rush of blood in her neck.
“Oh, him,” and glancing toward the red dress at his side, Rachel continued with a detectable bite in her voice, “He should pay more attention to his choice of companions. She might take his arm off if he’s not careful.”
Tina smiled and looked into her glass as she chased the olive around with her swivel stick.
“Do you know him?” Rachel asked, faking indifference.
“No, but I recognize him from last year’s wine auction at Beaune — think he owns one of the largest wine estates in Provence.” Then Tina smiled brightly at Rachel and said, “But you can find out more about him yourself — I think he is placed at our table tonight.”
Rachel raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued, and, gathering her wits, casually lifted her gaze toward the bar counter again.
Light shock ran down her spine. He had been watching her intently. He must have managed to extract himself from the talons of the red dress, for he was now by himself, sipping his drink. His dark, brooding eyes had locked onto hers from thirty feet away, and the impact left her gasping.
Rachel turned her gaze to Tina and stuttered, “Um … where did Luke go?”
Tina smiled knowingly and turned, glancing over her left shoulder to where Luke was making small talk with another group two tables away. He saw Tina and beckoned her to join him.
“Got to go now … duty calls.” Tina inclined her head toward Luke and stood to join him, her tangerine, mid-thigh silk dress drawing appreciative stares from several men across the room. With confidence, she made her way to Luke, ignoring the attentive eyes following her progress.