Page 31 of Torqued

I scrape my hand over my face. “I don’t know! She’s under my skin and in my head.”

“Just admit you like her and that Lane being around her makes you crazy.”

“Yes, I like her.” My stomach tightens with the admission, followed by a belly full of vitriol. “And when it comes to Lane, it’s not that I’m jealous. Well, maybe with Spencer because he thinks he can have her. I digress. He gets whatever he wants and I’m tired of no matter how hard I work, he wins.”

Margo flops into the chair beside her. “When you go out tonight, just please use good judgment. I’d hate for you to lose this chance.”

“I’m not losing anything, and that includes Spencer Woods.”

“Probably because you don’t have her.” Crank laughs when I flip him off.

“Friends like y’all, who needs enemies?”

Margo sits forward, sighing heavily. “Rush, I love you and I’ve been right here every step of the way, but you need to think about what you want from all of this. Racing, Spencer, and how to handle Lane.”

“I’m not taking this lightly. I know what’s at stake.”

“Do you?” She stands, walking over to me. “She likes you, or she wouldn’t have kissed you. You’re a damn good driver. You deserve this and so much more. You need to be sure that if this goes any further, it’s not just a fling or you both could be left with nothing.”

My lips part on a gasp as a heavy feeling sits on my chest. Margo’s right. Again. If I pursue Spencer and it ends badly, I stand to lose everything. Lane already senses my weakness for her. I know he’ll use it to his advantage.

Lane will not rest until he uses her against me, or worse, he’ll hurt her to get to me. Even now, as I think about what could happen if we were to be together. My heart sinks with the thought of never having her.

“Yeah, I hear you.” Not that I want to, but I do, and I know Margo means well. My gut twists in acknowledgment that not pursuing Spencer beyond today is my best option.

Now, someone needs to break it to my heart.

Margo wraps her arms around me, hugging me tightly. I return it before breaking away to go hit the shower. “I’m gonna shower, y’all go get checked in.”

“We can stay if you want us to.” Crank walks over to Margo, standing beside her.

“I’m fine.”

Margo leans in, holding me tight again. “Call me if you need me.”

“Look at this place, Spencer set me up.” I pat her back. “I’m good, I just want to shower and get some focus.”

“Tomorrow.” She releases me, following Crank to the door.

I wave as they walk out the door. “I’ll be fine unless you want to stay?”

“I can’t!” Crank spouts, making Margo jump. “I have plans.”

I nod. “Alright, that’s fine.”

“I kinda need to go. I have a few errands I need to run.” Margo shifts, averting his eyes.

I watch them closely as they both begin to fidget. Margo won’t look at me at all and Crank won’t break eye contact. What in the hell is going on here?

“Okay, see y’all in the morning.” I throw my hand up, turning to walk through the hauler.

Once I hear the door close, I run back to it. For a brief moment, I feel guilty for being nosy. Still, I watch them as they make their way from the lot. Crank touches her on the back, she leans over and finally, snuggles into his arm.

“The hell you say!” I cover my mouth, chuckling into my hand. I don’t want them to feel uncomfortable around me, because they obviously don’t want me to know yet.

“I’ll be damned.” I shake my head, grinning. “I knew something was off after Daytona, little assholes keeping stuff from me.”

Honestly, I’m happy for them. Well, Crank anyway. Margo’s terrific and he needs someone to keep him in line. He tends to get a little wild after races.