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We’re all invested as if it’s our future on the line as he finishes his lap in a blur of tight turns and aggressive braking.
Theo’s lap is fastest.
Hollers of surprise go up.
A crowd descends on the garage, where the last of the drivers are getting out.
Theo catches my attention first and grins, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “You are my good luck charm.”
Warmth tingles through me, not only because of how sexy he looks in his black fire suit, his hair sticking up from his helmet. It feels good to be tucked against Theo’s side.
Megan and the guys are laughing and drinking. Megan’s flask clearly isn’t the only one on-site, as I see at least half a dozen now that the racing’s over. Even the drivers and mechs are blending together.
Is this how it would feel, to fit in here at Ashford? To make friends and be part of something bigger than myself?
It’s kind of beautiful.
“Glad you got your car up and running again,” Theo murmurs, tugging me to face him. One palm rests lightly on my lower back.
“Just had to get the rat out from under my hood.”
Nearby, Jameson’s surrounded by drivers and girls. You would think he’d have less fans given how dismissive he is of them, but somehow, he seems to have more.
“You still owe me a date,” Theo decides.
“This doesn’t count?” I glance around us, teasing.
“Mmmm. No. I want you to myself.”
He steps closer, his chest brushing my breasts.
“And have you thought about what we’d do on this date?” I manage.
“I’ve thought about a lot of things.” His eyes dance with heat. “But since we’re here now…”
Theo grabs my hand and tugs me after him toward the F2 car back in the garage.
“You want me to get in?” I laugh.
“I know you want to.”
“I do, actually.” I’ve been in a sim but never sat in an actual race car. The flask is forgotten on a table nearby as I shift inside the car, sliding my legs inside the cockpit and angling my body down into the seat. It’s a tight fit.
Theo’s called away by some other drivers and I let my eyes drift closed, my fingers wrapping around the wheel.
Instantly, I’m flying down the track. I can feel the power. Nothing can touch me; the whole world is a blur.
I’ve worked my entire life on these cars, only imagining how it feels to go that fast. This is the closest I’ve ever been.
I want more. Want everything.
“Don’t get too comfortable. You won’t be there long.” I blink my eyes open to see Jameson leaning against the wall, the top half of his fire suit around his waist and the black layer beneath plastered to every line of his chest and abs. The two girls from the hallway flank him like slinky bookends.
“I think I get it. Why you have a problem with me and Theo,” I decide. The girls exchange an uneasy look. “You don’t know how to enjoy yourself unless you’re winning. You’re afraid your brother will beat you, claim the seat, and have more fun doing it.”
Jameson’s eyes flash like I’ve hit a nerve. He lifts the flask between two fingers, inspecting it. “Bet you always imagined getting into one of these because you deserved it.”
He crosses to the car, still toying with the flask.
