Page 122 of Crash Course

It’s not a win yet, but the fact that we’re in the top five across candidates is exhilarating.

Raj and Zane look disappointed, but Raj manages a smile.

Vogel’s not done. “The finalists are being flown to São Paulo for race weekend to see the F1 grid firsthand.”

Our jaws drop in unison. It’s a chance to get a glimpse of our potential future. As much as the Challenger series has been a stand-in, this is the real thing.

“How long do you think the ARI investigation will go on?” I ask Megan as we grab lunch in the cafeteria.

“It depends. But it would be weird for it to continue beyond next weekend if it impacts the final standings.”

We take our food to our seats, and I pick at my plate.

I want this internship more than ever. Not because I need to stay at ARI for my entire life, but because it’s one way to guarantee I’m in this industry.

My gaze drags to the window, where a crowd is forming by the front doors. A limo with the plates ASHFRD1 is pulled up at the curb in a strict no parking zone. The driver walks to the back and opens the door and I see two long, slim legs emerge wearing dangerously high heels.

Their owner slides out, elegant and self-assured. Her hair is set in bouncy blond waves. I’d guess she’s our age or a little younger.

She tucks an impractically tiny bag under her arm, then strides up the walkway to the front of the building, her coat flying behind her.

Raj’s chair scrapes back. “She can’t be here.”

He’s already out of his seat with excitement, the internship news forgotten.

“What is going on?” I whisper.

We pull up in the foyer, where the girl has too, arms folded as she sweeps the room with her eyes.

“God, this place hasn’t changed a bit. Would it kill them to add some decor that’s not trophies and ARI red?”

Her gaze lands on me. There’s a familiar intensity about it, but before I can place it, she speaks.

“You must be her.”

“Do I know you?” I respond.

Her laughter tinkles through the foyer as she crosses to me. “I’m Eden. I had to meet the girl my brother lost his mind over.”

It clicks. The limo plates. Her familiar expression. How she walked in like she owned the place.

It’s because she does.

She’s an Ashford.

“I didn’t know they had a sister,” I say after we invite her back to our cafeteria table.

The possibility of Luca having more children never occurred to me. I’ve never seen her mentioned in the media, and neither Theo nor Jameson ever said anything.

Eden smiles as she takes the seat next to mine. “I usually avoid making an appearance until the holidays.” She leans in confidingly and winks. “But you’re dating Jamie, so I came to make sure he wasn’t making a huge mistake.”

From her expression, I wonder if she’s joking.

I’m surprised Jameson told her about me. He doesn’t offer up things that matter lightly.

“Townie.” Jameson’s voice has me turning.

My heart speeds up at the sight of him, especially after being deprived the past few days. Wearing a button-down and jeans, his hair falling across his handsome face, he’s still breathtakingly gorgeous. Especially when all of his attention is on me.