Page 33 of Torqued

“Take it and leave. You’ve done your job.” I shove the newspaper into her hand, taking her by the arm, and walk to the door.

She drops it on the floor, flinging her arms around me. Her mouth is on mine, as I try to hold her off without hurting her. The door flies open, bouncing off the hauler wall, and a hand lands on it to hold it back.

10

Spencer

My heart pounds like a bass drum, growing louder the closer I get to his hauler. We need to talk and figure out where this is going because after the night I had with him on my mind, I can’t go on without him.

I’m reaching for the handle when it dawns on me. The door is already open. There are voices inside and I take a wary step up, listening intently. A wave of nausea rises from my gut when I recognize the voices on the other side.

I throw the door back, bouncing it off the sidewall. Their heads whip around to find me standing in the entrance, shooting daggers at them. Rush releases Lynn’s hands like they’re on fire, and jumps back. My face reddens when I spot the paper on the floor at his feet.

“I should’ve known,” I turn my ire on him. “you should have too, but fine, have at her!”

“Spencer, this is not what you think it is.” Rush starts to protest, as Lynn scurries past me and out the door. I drop my head with a small shake, silently admonishing myself for even having hope.

I whip around, tearing a path toward the garage. It’s early, but someone should be here. I want to check things over and get set up before the place gets hectic.

I also don’t want to be anywhere near Rush Hatcher.

“I’m so freakin’ stupid!” I practically kick rocks on my trudge through the lot. The only thing is… there are no rocks around here. Thankfully.

“Ms. Woods, it’s good to see you this morning.” I grimace as Lane’s voice cuts through my haze of red and disgust. Then again, he’s just adding to my already putrid mood.

I hold my hand up, waving him away. “Not today, Lane.”

“Oh, come on. It was an extremely becoming photo of us. Don’t you think?” He slithers up to my side, making my already churning stomach revolt with bile.

“It’s a cheap tabloid shot and nothing more.” I cock my brow, wanting to say so much more.

Lane grips my wrist, yanking me to his chest. “Now Spencer, you mustn’t act this way. I thought we’d announce our newest venture after the race.”

“And what might that be, Lane? I’m pretty sure you got the shit show started.” I grind my jaw, fighting the urge to knee him. “Now, you can either let me go or draw back a nub.”

“Damn, you’re hot when you get feisty. I bet Rush can’t stand that about you, best leave him to my sister.” Isn’t it funny how some men can smirk, and it’ll melt your panties. While others do it, and you vomit a little.

I wrench my hand from him, losing my balance. I throw my hands out, hoping to ease my fall, but I never hit the ground. A set of arms are around me, and I’m upright before I realize what’s happening.

“Are you alright?” Rush’s words sweep past my ear, burning deep with the dark tone of them. My wrist is burning, but my hands are on fire from the heat radiating off Rush’s chest where they lay.

I nod with a frown, anger surging through me. “Yeah, just embarrassed.”

“You shouldn’t be, he’s the fucking asshole.” Rush’s growls through his gritted teeth, turning on Lane with rage in his eyes. “Were you never taught any manners?”

Lane’s lip quirks, smug bastard he is. “Just a lovers quarrel, heard you had one yourself this morning.”

“Rush, let’s go.” I tug on his arm when he rounds on Lane, getting in his face.

“I know what you’re trying to do, and it’s not going to work.” Rush seethes, glaring at him.

Lane chews his gum, popping it with a smile. “So, tell me since you’re the expert on women. What am I trying to do, Hatcher?”

“Spencer and I work together, that’s it. I will not have you disrespecting her or my sponsor. That’ll cause more hell than you can handle.” Rush gets impossibly closer to Lane, their noses almost touch.

Lane narrows his eyes. “I never suggested there was anything more between you than work. Everyone here knows you’re with my sister.”

“Rush, I need you to come with me. Now, Rush.” I jerk on him, begging him to walk away.