Surge: Bad Boy Racing Romance (Fastlane Series Book 1) by Sloan Storm Read Free Book Online Page B

absolutely no doubt Ava can handle the job for you, Dieter.”
    Dieter nodded and offered a polite smile.
    “I’m quite certain that’s the case, good doctor.” Dieter looked at me. “No disrespect to you Ava, but Dr. Wilcox was Dr. Luca’s hand-picked substitute.”
    And then, behaving in a way I wasn’t used to seeing from him, Dr. Wilcox straightened his spine, making himself taller and appearing aggressive.
    For him, that is.
    “Sir, if you have any doubt in my ability to make a recommendation like this, I suggest you contact Dr. Luca yourself and ask him. I can assure you that Ava is more than qualified for this job.”
    Dieter looked at him and nodded his head. For a moment or two, I suspected he might phone Dr. Luca and take Dr. Wilcox up on his challenge. Rather, he turned his attention towards me.
    “I don’t suppose I can argue with passion like that. Does this interest you, Ava? This position?”
    Speechless, I stood there looking at the two men with my mouth open. “I, um…”
    “Oh, I should mention the compensation,” Dieter said, straightening his index finger. “The position will pay fifteen thousand dollars per race.”
    Holy shit!
    Before I could say a word, Dr. Wilcox smiled and looked at me.
    “By the way Ava, you don’t need to worry. Once you’re finished with the team, you’re more than welcome to come back to the office.”
    Dieter placed his empty rocks glass down on a nearby table and clapped his hands together. “Wonderful! It’s settled then.”
    Simon, Simon, Simon!
    “No wait,” I said, interrupting his celebratory mood. “I’ve got a young child to care for at home. I’m not able to just leave for weeks on end. As much as I appreciate your incredibly generous offer, I’m afraid I just can’t do it.”
    Dieter looked at me. After a few seconds his features softened into a kind face.
    “Ava, I understand this dilemma. I have seven children of my own, and as I built my business over the years, leaving them was always the most difficult decision I faced.”
    I smiled in appreciation. “Thank you for understanding.”
    He raised his finger once more. “Don’t say ‘no’ right away. Take until tomorrow evening to decide. If, after that, you still think you won’t be able to do it, no hard feelings. I completely understand.”
    Part of me wanted to tell him I wouldn’t be changing my mind, but as I listened to him speak, I realized what this could mean for Simon’s education. This might be the only chance I had to keep him in private school.
    After a couple of races, I’d have enough to pay for a full year outright.
    However, I’d need Jillian’s help to make it happen. I didn’t think she’d refuse, but until I could talk to her face-to-face, it would be wrong of me to take the offer.
    “Okay, Dieter,” I began, after taking one final sip of my cocktail. “I promise you’ll hear from me one way or the other. Thank you. Thank you very much.”

    AVA
    As it happened, Dyson finished in second place, just behind his main rival, Gunter Kass.
    Not long after my conversation with Dieter and Dr. Wilcox ended, everyone in the luxury suite made their way down to the pits. In the immediate aftermath of the race, the entire area filled with people. Soon however, the celebration shifted towards the winner’s circle, and we met up with the team in the garage.
    “Ava,” Dr. Wilcox began, leaning in towards me while we walked together. “I think this is a tremendous opportunity for you, and I believe you can do it.”
    I turned and looked at him. “Thank you for recommending me and believing in me.”
    Dr. Wilcox smiled and opened his arms. I leaned in towards him and we embraced.
    “Ava,” he said, hugging me tight. “Why wouldn’t I believe in you?”
    I smiled. How could I not enjoy receiving praise from someone I respected so much? We remained that way for another moment or so until a familiar voice interrupted my train of thought.
    “Hey, can I get some of