The lap of life

Chapter 6: ... or not?

Other days pass since the last inconvenience and you are more and more convinced that you are a strong soldier, because every time you are able to resist the temptation to enter in his office to see that beautiful face capable of awakening all the instincts you possess.

However, your same tranquility is not perceptible in the garage. Everyday, as you make your way to your workstation, you feel a palpable energy in the air, like all eyes are on you: the other engineers and mechanics are definitely aware of your involvement with the team principal; they are a bit envious but a lot curious about the whole situation but you do your best to ignore whispers and stares focusing on your work.

"I need today's work schedule" you say, without particular reverence given that you have now entered the role of race engineer.

"Sure: we need you to check the car's suspension system for any wear and tear, then move onto the brake system making sure everything's running smoothly and finally give the engine a thorough inspection. Think you can handle it?" responds the chief engineer.

"I have to, it's my job"

-

After a few hours of work, you return to him for the report.

"Suspension systems are all in order, brake system looks good too, engine is running smoothly and there are no issues with the power output; everything seems to be in order from what I can see but the livery is all dirty with oil, I'm going to clean it" you say, taking a cloth and some detergent.

"Don't worry, I'll have a mechanic do it" he tells you, suddenly turning white.

"That's fine, I'll do it" you say, turning suddenly crashing into a person without realizing it and heading quickly towards the car.

However, when you start rubbing it you feel a presence behind you.

"That isn't necessary; i think that you have other work to do, engineer and not housekeeper stuff..."

You roll your eyes while continue rubbing, more and more aggressively because the stain doesn't seem to want to go away.

"Doll, I said there won't be any cleaning today. Put the damn cloth down"

You listen to him but only when the car is perfectly clean.

"I need to talk to you. Let's go to my office"

-

"Sit down, doll" he gestures to the chair in front of his desk, his eyes never leaving your face.

"No"

"What do you mean, 'No'? I said sit down"

With a nervousness that grows more and more in your chest you approach him, placing your hands on his desk and yourself a few centimeters from his face.

"So, do you have to tell me something or not? Because I still have a lot of work to do over there"

"Alright, doll. I'll talk but only if you agree to listen and not push my buttons anymore"

"I will try"

"First of all you need to understand something. Your behavior lately has been unacceptable. You're pushing my buttons and testing my patience. Trust me doll, you don't want to cross that line"

"Just because I cleaned a stain on Russell's car?"

"No, it's not just about cleaning the goddamn car. Your behavior in general. It's like you enjoy pushing my buttons and testing my patience"

"You also keep provoking me, I only respond to your provocations. Let's make a deal: you don't bother me anymore and I'll stop being a bitch to you, ok?"

"Okay doll, we'll both try not to push each other's buttons. But I'm warning you, if you start mouthing off again I can't promise I won't lose my temper"

"Me too"

The team principal watches you for a moment, studying your face for any sign of deception, but he seems satisfied with your agreement.

"Good. I'm glad we understand each other. Now doll, one more thing we need to talk about"

He gets up from the chair and takes steps until he is towering on you, his hand moving up to gently cup your chin tilting your face up to meet his gaze; despite his irritation with you, his touch is surprisingly gentle.

"I've been watching you and I see the way you look at me, I know what you want... The way you look at me when you think I'm not watching... The way your body responds to my touch" the team principal says, while his hand is sliding down your neck and his fingers are gently tracing your collarbone.

"Wait, what? I remind you that you just said that we shouldn't make each other angry..."

"You're right but, doll... You have no idea how badly I want to do more than just this..."

The team principal's willpower wavers, with his body tensing as he struggles to maintain his distance, but he is able to take a step back, letting drop his hands to his sides triyng to put some space between you.

"Can I go back to work now?"

"Fine, doll. Go ahead and go back to work"