Page 66 of Downforce

“What’s that?” Randy asks.

“There’s a bit of truth and a bit of fantasy in them all.”

Randy frowns. “I’m not sure I’ve quite heard that saying.”

“Truly? I must’ve made it up in hopes that Annalise doesn’t truly hate me.” He tosses his thousand megawatt smile my way with a wink.

Liam and Randy chuckle.

“Why would I hate you, Max? You’ve been an incredible addition to the Amato Team this season,” I say easily, not bothering to question whether I believe this is true or not. “And anything that’s great for Amato is beneficial to Travis and his prospect to capture his second championship.”

Something passes through Max’s eyes but it’s too quick for me to name.

“As happy as I am to improve my teammate’s chances, I have to admit I’m much more concerned with my chances of coming out on top this season.”

“Look at that,” Liam says, excited. “It seems like Max is in it to win this season.”

Max’s eyes never leave mine. “Someone recently told me that I have the potential to win it all …” He pauses, and I swear his hazel eyes darken just the slightest amount. “I took those words to heart.”

His words steal my breath.

Or maybe it’s the look in his eyes as he repeats my own words back to me.

Possibly, it’s both.

Either way, when I open and close my mouth, nothing comes out because I’m too busy trying to regulate my heartbeat and the rush of warring emotions shooting throughout my body.

“You must have a high regard and respect for whoever told you that,” Liam says. “I bet those guys over at Amato appreciate having you there. Must be great for them to have another Ferreira wearing the signature red,” he continues, evidently not picking up on the damn fireworks shooting off between Max and I.

I peel my eyes away and glance over at Randy. He’s looking between Max and me, but when he lowers and raises his lashes, whatever he’s thinking gets shielded by a professional gaze.

“I have an idea,” Liam suddenly says.

“What’s that?” Randy asks.

“How about we take on both Max and Travis?”

“Excuse me?”

“Take on?”

Max and I ask at the same time. I hate the way I sputter but I was not expecting for Liam to say that. This is the last thing I imagined coming up.

“Let me get this straight,” Randy interjects. “I told you that I didn’t want to work with any athletes this season, and now you’re proposing that we take on not one, but two athletes? Rivals at that?”

Liam isn’t put off by his business partner’s terse words if the grin spreading over his face says anything.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m proposing.” He leans into the table, looking between Max and me. “I tend to be a man who goes off of instinct.”

“Which got us into trouble last year,” Randy grumbles.

“Granted, I’m wrong from time to time,” Liam concedes. “I can't help but to believe the chemistry emitting between you two isn’t an accident and would spillover between Max and Travis.”

“Chemistry? There’s no chemistry,” I insist, ignoring everything else Liam’s just said.

Randy lifts an eyebrow but remains quiet.

“We happen to work for the same company,” I amend. “Technically.”