Page 65 of Torqued

“You knew?” I drop his hand, outraged.

“No! No way, Rush.” He holds his hands up. “Rylee did, she explained it to me last night.”

I shake my head, “Well, maybe she can tell me.”

“If Spencer was gone, and you two weren’t together, what would he have to gain from it?” Colton’s mouth smashes into a thin line.

“If she stayed, he’d ruin us. If she left, I’d ruin my chances at winning Rookie of the Year.” The truth falls like concrete, the weight off of me but still heavy.

Colton glances over at me. “So, what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.” I roll my shoulders. “I need Spencer, and I’ve never needed anything in my life. She ignites my soul.”

“And her sacrifice?”

“I will not disrespect it, nor will it go to waste.” I hold my fist out to him. “Let’s win Rookie of the Year, then I go get my girl.”

Colton claps his hands and bumps my knuckles. “I’m here for it.”

“I’m close to blowing my chances, and the little dick is gonna win.”

“You know what you need to do, right?” Colton grins sheepishly.

I run my hand over my face, sighing heavily. “I have to win out.”

“Six races.” Colton holds up six fingers for extra effect, or is it added pressure? “And I know what I’m going to do with each win.”

“Let’s do this.” Colton throws his thumb over his shoulder. “But, we have a rat to toss first.”

Colton and I head to the garage, Margo and Crank are fast at work. They look up for a split second and then raise their heads in unison. Margo studies my face, finally smiling wide.

“You know, I have to tell her.” She holds her breath, waiting on my go ahead.

“I’ll do it for you, but first, we have a rat.” I scan the area, spotting him on the other side of the building. “John! Hey, John!”

John holds his finger up for me to wait, but I don’t. “No, man. You’re good. You’re also fired, we’ve given the police the evidence of you trashing the car. Be sure and get your severance pay from Lane.”

“Now, what?” Margo quirks her brow.

“We have some races to win, and I need to get my girl back.” I smack my hands together, rubbing them excitedly.

Crank jumps on my back. “Hell yes!”

Over the next six weeks, I keep my head down and my mouth shut. Every race is the same; I get behind the wheel and drive like I stole the damn thing. I’m no longer driving for fun, but for us.

The plan is in place, and I refuse to lose.

We move from city to track, week after week, and my only goal is to win. Get the trophy, thank the sponsors, and start over. That’s until the last race, I plan to light Phoenix on fire.

Lane and I are side by side after qualifying, and honestly, it makes me nervous. I’m not sure how desperate he has become, and without the inside information, he has no idea what I know or don’t.

Colton is by my side as we do interviews for the press. “Keep it simple, don’t show your hand. You know he’s going to bait you.”

“I’ve got this.” I smile, and for the first time in six weeks, I feel like I can. As I find my seat, I pull my cell out.

Rush: I’m going to win this.

It feels like a million years waiting for her to answer, and then I think, what if she doesn’t. I have no idea what to do if this doesn’t work, but I know I have to try for us—my body trembles when my phone pings.