Page 39 of Torqued

“Spencer!” I yell, spinning around as she sprints out the door. “Spencer!”

Colton glowers, taking the steps into the hauler the same way I did earlier. “Now, it’s my turn.”

“Whatever, let me have it because Spencer will probably never speak to me again.” I drop my head, setting my hands on the counter.

“Did Spencer ask you to leave Lane to her?” I glance up and nod at Colton.

“Yes, she did.”

Colton leans against the counter next to me. “Would you tell Margo how to do her job?”

“That’s different,” I raise my head. “Margo’s nothing like Spencer.”

“Rush, you watched her in action. Hell, she even dragged you back in and got you to sign what she wanted you to. Don’t underestimate Spencer. It won’t end well.” Colton pulls his phone out, typing something out before turning his attention back to me.

I roll my shoulders, relieving my tense muscles. “I hear ya, I’ll be sure to apologize as soon as I speak to her.”

“One more thing. Spencer is the boss. Not me, her dad, you, or even the series officials. Spencer will do what she thinks is best and take care of it.” Colton stands, returning another text.

I offer my hand, knowing I owe him an apology too. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I make it right with Spencer. Thank you.”

“I’ll be back in a few weeks. I’m excited to see where you’re going, Rush.” Colton takes my hand, shaking it before he leaves.

Margo nibbles on her lip, checking Colton out as he walks away. “He’s very good looking.”

“I’m right here, Margo.” Crank nudges her shoulder.

“I know.” Margo waggles her brows, never looking away from Colton.

I clasp my hands behind my head. “Dear Sweet Little Baby Jesus, I don’t even know how to handle this. How am I supposed to deal with Spencer?”

“See, there’s where you keep going wrong.” Margo flashes me a shit-eating grin of hers. “Spencer can take care of herself; you just need to fall in love with her.”

“She sure as hell ain’t no damsel in distress, that’s for sure.” Crank rocks back on his heels, laughing.

The mere mention of Spencer sends me into a tailspin. Her scent keeps invading me as well as the feel of her lips pressed against mine. I used to think it was impossible to fall in love with someone so quickly.

Spencer Woods makes me want to be a better man, and I need to prove I can be for her. And for me.

“Let’s head home. I have something I need to take care of as soon as possible.” I slap Crank on the back, looking at Margo. “Hurt her, I’ll whip your ass.”

Margo wraps her arms around me. “Love you.”

“I’m gonna make Spencer fall in love with me.” I pull Margo tight.

She chuckles. “I think you’re a little late there, buddy, but okay.”

12

Spencer

After a long weekend, and an even longer day, I walk through my door around midnight. My feet hurt and barely carry me to the shower. I’m out as quickly as I got in, dropping into bed face first.

I close my eyes, ready for a good night’s sleep, but alas, it’s not happening. Rush invades every part of me, including my dreams. He incites a riot in me. My brain says to run, but my heart tells me to hold on.

Rush assumed I just turned over and allowed the board to screw us today, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Had I not stuck to my guns; we would’ve been the only team fined.

“My daddy didn’t raise a fool,” I mumble, punching my pillow as I think about how I stood firm in a world built for men. It never goes without saying. I love a good man but damn if the bad ones don’t make it hard.