Page 21 of Octane

I see Rylee attempt to subtly elbow Colton in the ribs for his remark.

“Knock it off,” she warns him under her breath.

“I’m just kidding. Besides, if people are talking about you, it means that you must be doing something right.”

“The moment I saw her behind the wheel, I knew I wanted her driving for Powell Racing.”

Remembering back to the incident in the garage, the first time Jacksonactually saw me behind the wheel, makes my stomach hurt. Does Jackson feel like hehasto speak up for me? Maybe he feels obligated as my owner to defend me. Either way, the more that they continue to talk about me, the harder I have to resist the urge to run out of here like a scared little girl.

“You’re on a great team, Sawyer,” Colton informs me. “There are some very strong drivers, and you’re sure to learn a lot from them as well as from Jackson here.”

“Yeah, if they ever decide that I’m worth talking to.”

I blurt it out before I even realize I’ve done it. I didn’t mean to, but the anger that I’ve kept bottled up about my rocky introduction to the team reached a boiling point, and I couldn’t stop it. I don’t want to hear how good they are at driving. What about how they are as people? When are they going to get over the fact that I’m not a guy and welcome me as one of their own?

“In this industry, you need to have thick skin. These are your team members, but you’re also racing against them. If Jackson believes in you enough to bring you on to his team, then I know you’ve got what it takes. So shake it off, and show everyone what you’re made of, okay?”

There haven’t been many people giving me motivational speeches throughout my life. For a complete stranger, who just so happens to be a racing superstar as well as one of my idols, to do just that has me picking myself up off the ground and soaring to new heights in no time.

CHAPTER EIGHT

SAWYER

I’ve been living off of the high that Colton Donavan set me on all week. Daniel makes his usual jabs at me about getting to work on time and about racing, but I’ve been able to let them bounce off of me a little easier than normal. I don’t know how long it’s going to last, but I’m going to enjoy every minute of my new found confidence and do my best to cling to it for as long as I can.

Trina and I are just getting back from lunch, stepping into the reception area of Kramer Enterprises when the sight of Jackson Powell stops me in my tracks.

“Jackson?” I question, shocked to see him.

“Sawyer, hi.”

Jackson almost appears a little nervous. One hand is in his pocket and the other is fingering the sexy five-o’clock shadow on his face.

“Sawyer,” Kirsty, our receptionist, interrupts. I can tell she’s irritated at him. “Mr. Powell insisted on waiting. He says he needs someone to design a campaign for one of his new businesses, and he won’t work with anyone but you.”

I’m struck dead.

What? Why would he do that?

I look to Trina although I don’t know what I’m expecting her to do. Maybe tell him that this isn’t the way to go about getting an appointment? Trina looks like she’s barely able to control the fit of laughter trying to escape her. I narrow my eyes at her.

Thanks for nothing.

“I tried to tell him he needs to make an appointment—”

“It’s okay, Kirsty. Mr. Powell, will you follow me please?”

I don’t even know what I’m saying. I should tell him to find someone else, a different firm even, but I can’t have anyone hear me turning business away. Maybe this will be my chance to land a big account, proving to Daniel and his father that I have what it takes. I escort Jackson into our conference room and shut the door behind us.

“What are you doing here?” I demand, my purse and lunch leftovers still in my hands.

“I need someone to help me brand my new company. I couldn’t think of anyone more capable.”

“How did you even know that I work here? We’ve never spoken about anything other than racing.”

“I make it my business to know what my drivers are up to when they’re not at the track.”

“All of your drivers, or just the ones that you feel the need to irritate the hell out of?”

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