Read Online Race to the Top: Book one in the Racing to Find Love series by KT Shears - Free Book Online Page A

excited. ‘I don’t think those boys will play nice.’
    Anna thought of Devlin’s arrogant
boast that he was the best racing driver in the world, and Erik’s quiet but
intense passion, and thought Dan was probably right.
    She had a few free days to explore
the city of Melbourne. Devlin and Erik were embroiled in a never-ending whirl
of publicity and, after the first few events, Anna had lost interest in tagging
along. There was nothing for her column here; it was all engine and tyre speak,
so she decided to use her time productively and do some sight-seeing.
    She didn’t see either of them again much over the next few
days. She passed them a couple of times in the hotel foyer as they headed out
for meals at expensive restaurants with their rich friends. Anna ate in the
hotel every night, taking a book with her down to dinner in case no one wanted
to sit with her. She had been surprised, though, by the camaraderie of the
team, and she had been invited to sit a table with some of the mechanics. She
couldn’t understand much of what they were talking about, but she did realise
that their passion was no less intense than that of Devlin and Erik.
    On Thursday evening, Gary had arranged a briefing at the
track, and Anna was amazed to find that the cars would be racing around the
streets of the city. She had imagined there would be a large, purpose-built
track somewhere out of town.
    ‘Isn’t it dangerous?’ she asked Erik on the coach as they headed
out. Anna had ended up sitting next to him again, not entirely by accident.
    He roared with laughter and she glared at him.
    ‘Sorry, sorry,’ he said, holding up a hand and trying to
control himself. ‘You do know that normal cars aren’t allowed on it during a
race, right?’
    ‘What, you mean they cordon off part of the city for a whole
weekend?’ Anna asked, astounded.
    Erik nodded.
    ‘There’s a few street circuits,’ he said. ‘Wait till we get
to Monaco.’
    ‘I’m not going there,’ Anna said, sounding slightly sad, but
laughed when Erik did a silly pouting face.
    They arrived trackside and Anna followed the group into a
large building with Willis Mechanics written on the side.
    ‘Does this just sit here empty for 51 weeks of the year?’
she asked Erik, amazed at the amount of money that seemed to be flung around
    He’d had to resist the urge to laugh again, Anna could tell.
He prodded the edge of the building with his foot and she noticed, to her
surprise, the walls were made of metal poles.
    ‘It’s temporary,’ he said. ‘When we go, it gets taken down
and flown to the next place.’
    ‘But it’s more luxurious than my house,’ Anna pointed out
and Erik laughed.
    ***
    Gary’s pep-talk was particularly uninspiring, and they
trudged back to the coach, Anna relieved it was over.
    ‘So, what happens tomorrow?’ she asked Erik, once they were
back and seated.
    ‘It’s practices one and two tomorrow,’ he explained,
patiently. Anna thought he had the patience of a saint. She couldn’t imagine
Devlin taking the time to explain anything to her, other than why he was
apparently the best racing driver in the world. ‘So there’s a couple of hours
where we set up the car, make sure all the configurations are right, test any
new parts in the car, and just have a chance to get behind the wheel after our
journey.’
    ‘I’m quite excited,’ Anna admitted. She was looking forward
to finally seeing these two in action. She had heard the whole atmosphere at a
grand prix was something to be experienced, too.
    ‘Me too,’ said Erik. ‘You’ll love it, it’s really something
to be a part of. And not many people get to watch the race from the garage –
you’ll be right in the thick of the action. It’ll be noisy, though – make sure
Gary gives you earplugs.’
    ***
    When they arrived at the track the next morning, Anna was
amazed by the sheer number of people milling around. It seemed like there were
people everywhere, all wearing brightly