Page 5 of Torqued

“I understand. What are we investing in for Donavan if I may call you that.”

He waves his hand. “Or Colton, I answer to both. Also, I’ll be a silent partner of sorts. My only dealings will be with the driver.”

“Driver?” Why is he dealing with our driver? I have a sinking feeling, and something tells me I’ll be the one not knowing how to swim. My stomach flips, feeling like butterflies are dancing around in it.

My dad leans in, grinning like crazy. “We’re going racing!”

“Come again?”

“This guy is going to help us ease into the racing world.” He jabs his thumb toward Donavan when I raise my brows.

I clasp my hands, laying them on the tabletop. “Are you talking about… ‘boogity, boogity’? That kind of racing or the Indianapolis kind?”

“Pro stock car.” Dad chuckles at my line of questioning.

Donavan inclines his head, brow cocked. “Is there something wrong with the Indianapolis kind?”

“I don’t suppose, but I’m still unclear what we’re doing here. Are you buying a race car for him?” I fold my arms, readying for a fight.

Donavan cuts his eyes to my dad. “Avery, are you sure she’s the right person for this? It takes knowledge and willingness to work outside of your comfort zone.”

“I have no issue with hard work, and I can learn anything.”

“Colton isn’t here to ask for help, Spencer. He’s here to help us.” Dad sits back, easing into what the future is going to look like for the next few years.

“How so?” I look to Donavon for the answer. This can’t be right, no one comes to us to offer help. I’ll admit, he doesn’t look like the type that needs it, but you never know anymore.

“I’m the owner of CD Enterprises and I race Indy cars. I’m here with your father to outline my silent investment in your pro stock car team. I’ll help guide the driver in the right direction, and we’ll all profit from it.”

“I may not know much, but I do know there’s a difference between stock and Indy cars. So, how do you plan on helping with this driver? Do you even have one in mind?”

Dad pulls a piece of paper out, sliding it across the table. “We do.”

“And to answer your other question, yes, they’re different. I have several business and philanthropy projects ongoing. Therefore, I won’t be on sight every day. I’m here to help you navigate and offer advice to a new driver. You know, bright lights tend to blind some.” Donavan sits forward, looking over the rest of the information my father continues to layout for us.

“Rush Hatcher? Seriously? Is that his real name?” I giggle, finding all of this incredibly laughable.

Donavan glances at me. “Trust me, he’s better than Lane Shifter.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me?”

“Be careful, Spencer. No one likes it when you find what they’re working for funny.” Dad warns me, and it’s justifiable. When I started as his COO, there were lots of people that had an opinion about it.

I lower my head with a nod in Donavan’s direction. “I meant no disrespect.”

“None taken. By the way, you might want to start calling me Colton. Everyone else does, and I want us to appear as a united front when we walk into our first owner's meeting. We may face some resistance at first.” Donavan waits for my acquiescence.

“Agreed, Colton. I have an appreciation for hostile takeovers and being from the Carolina’s, racing is in our blood.” Does he need to know anything more than I’ve watched it? I’ll just wing it from here.

“Good because an Indy car driver is coming to a stock car dinner, but I’m going to take over.” There’s a spark in Colton’s eyes that I understand. It’s the adrenaline of proving people wrong.

“I think Colton and I will work well together. Let’s go to the races, gentlemen.”

Colton scoots closer to the table, and we get down to business. “Rush is a solid driver. He has the heart of a lion, can read the track, and will push your car to its limits. He’s everything a good driver should be.”

“Yet, there’s a but…” I watch him closely, mulling his words to refine them for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a lady, but I’m also the only child of a real estate mogul. I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t handle getting dirty. “Please, Colton. If we’re going to work together, you need to understand I’ve not only heard the word fuck before, but I’ve used it.”

“I bet you have, Spencer.” His brow quirks and I can only hope that’s a good thing. “Rush can be great if we can keep him from destroying himself first.”