Page 14 of Torqued

“It also means he has groupies, and that’s not always a good thing.”

He raises his shoulders in indifference. “Some would say it comes with the territory.”

“Apparently, he’s free-range.”

“Nothing that can’t be reined in if we want to, but again, it can be good for business for a driver to be single.” Colton’s right. We’ve put together a list of suggestions for him to follow. Then we have deal-breakers, some consist of fines and suspension if necessary.

“I know, but I swear I have a feeling he’s going to be the end of me.” I sigh heavily. A knot formed in my gut last weekend as I watched his videos. The way he carried himself let me know everything I need to about him.

Colton taps my hand, pointing toward the track. He places a round black object in my palm. “He’s going in now, here.”

“What’s this?”

He leans in as the cars start roaring by. “We’re going to clock him.”

“They post times up there.” I motion toward the board.

“Yes, but we’re looking at his driving per lap. We also need to watch how he handles himself on the track, I have no doubt you can handle him when he’s off it.” He side-eyes me, laughing. So, I’m interested in the total package.

“Laugh all you want, and when he screws up, I’ll leave the press to you.”

“Are you already ready to break our contract? That’s not good business, Miss Woods.” He teases as I giggle and ready the timer. “Not the first lap, but second. I’ll take notes on his first and last.”

I nod, chewing the inside of my lip. “Mind telling me what we’re looking for?”

“The second lap is usually the fastest. He should get faster and handle the track better as he goes. I’ll be watching those also, but I need to see how he handles coming off the line and going in.”

“From what I’ve seen so far, he’s as good as you’ve said.” A little something I’ve learned about Colton in the last few days. Colton Donavan is a well-known driver and entrepreneur, with plenty of his own wins to boot.

“Sounds like someone’s been doing their homework.”

My cheeks slowly heat. “Maybe, a little. I knew enough about racing to enjoy it. I’ve even come to a few, but this is different.”

“Yes, it is. My car is a completely- “

“Stop! I know the difference.” I roll my eyes. “I only meant that the inner workings, like knowing the pit times to stay competitive, and the torque of a car isn’t something I had put thought into, but now I have.”

“Here, he goes.” Colton sits forward in his seat. With his small action, my heart starts to pound. There’s an odd tingle running through my body, and I’m brought to the edge of my chair.

As Rush makes his first turn, he streaks across the track. The car crawls around the back turn as if it’s going twenty. But the approach of the second lap brings with it an undeniable excitement.

My body vibrates with anticipation as his car barrels toward us. The judder in the stands moves in waves as it climbs the sides of the track. I shudder with the tremor as it propagates through my seat.

The car turns the corner, leaving me feeling like it’s driven through me. My hair is caught in the wind, twisting and twirling like the speed of the car. I shiver as he races past me, leaving me to quiver from the adrenaline pulsating through me.

“Fuck. Me.” I mutter, gripping the surface beneath me. I’m sitting on pins and needles, waiting for my next fix as the hair on the nape of my neck prickles. The tension in my shoulders ripples off me after the surge of energy passes and wears off.

“Yeah, that just about sums it up. How it feels that is.”

I cut my eyes to Colton, dying inside from embarrassment. My face flames and I panic, trying to think of what to say. “I probably should apologize for my use of words, but damn!”

“I love it!” He turns to me, grinning. “You have officially been bitten. Welcome.”

“I’ve never in my life felt anything more exhilarating, more intense, more sexual, or more enticing in my life!”

“There’s so much to say about that revealing statement, but yes, you’re right.” Colton’s eyes twinkle with elation at my declaration. I’m also blushing to the point. I probably look like I have heat stroke.

“Wow.” I flip my hair, turning my face from him. “I’m sorry for making you feel uneasy. But that was sexy. The strength and control it takes to handle that machine, it’s hot.”