Page 27 of Torqued

“Huh? No! Does Rush think I’m flirting with Lane?” A wave of nausea washes over me, making my lips tingle. Surely that wasn’t Rush’s issue in the hauler. Why wouldn’t he just say something?

“Aren’t you? You know there’s animosity between them. I assumed you were keeping it brewing for the race.” She picks up a clipboard, going over the checklist at the last minute.

I shake my head, scanning the area for creepers. As I round the front of the car, her eyes dart around the room. “You the know old saying, keep your friends closer…”

“And your enemies closer. Yeah, but I don’t think it’s a secret Lane and Rush aren’t friends. Why would you want to keep Lane closer than Rush?” Her face contorts, clutching the car door with one hand. She’s trying to dissipate her anger.

I lean against the car, “If you think you’re mad now, wait until Lane does whatever he’s planning. No, I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will, and then Rush can crush him.”

“So, the real question is are you gonna crush Rush?” She crosses her arms, studying my face to see if I’m going to tell her the truth or not. The thing is… I don’t know the answer myself.

I drop my head, chewing my lip. “I have no intention of hurting Rush.”

“But you might? Is that what you’re saying?” She scowls, tossing her board into the open window.

I push off the car, turning to face her. “Of course not, he’s a business investment, and I make it a point to never lose money.”

“Then, you two might need to tone down the sexual tension or do something about it.” She raises her brows, spinning on her heels to walk away from me. I march after her, determined to explain my relationship with Rush or the lack thereof.

“Hang on, there is no tension between Rush and me. We may flirt, but we both know it ends there. We’re professionals, though I will admit there’s a bit of an attraction, and we won’t be crossing that line.”

“I thought we were here to cross lines, or am I mistaken?” Rush smirks as he strides up next to me. He’s in his uniform with the top unzipped, and the arms tied around his waist. My mouth waters as his ribbed tank clings to his abs, stirring my lower belly.

Margo’s head bounces from Rush to me with a coyishly grin. “Spencer, what other lines are there to cross?”

“As Rush said, just the finish line.”

Rush brushes past me, untying his jumpsuit and pulling it on. I watch as he tugs on the zipper by his crotch and drags it up over his hard torso. His eyes glint with excitement as he climbs behind the wheel. I’m pleasantly surprised when an intoxicating thrill runs down the length of my spine.

Margo slaps the roof of the car, signaling to the team Rush is ready to roll out. “Do business!”

Rush is pushed from the garage to the pit area by the team with Margo and me following close behind. Margo splits off with Rush and the team, leaving me behind to watch it on the television from the hauler. I don’t mind it, it’s just for qualifying. Tomorrow, I’ll be in the pits for the race.

He takes the track as he did in the Infinity Series, fast and in control. His run time is excellent, and as a rookie, gets some great air time, much to Lane’s chagrin. When Rush comes down the track to pull into pit road, Lane cuts in front of him.

Rush misses him by checking up, but it takes a toll on all of our nerves. I sprint from the hauler getting back to the garage about the time he’s back. Rush is ready to roll again, but this time, it’s with Lane.

“Son of a bitch! I should’ve run him into the fucking wall!” He hits the interior roof with his fist, seething.

It’s easy to see why Rush loathes Lane. They go together about like gas and a lighter. Margo sticks her head in the window, muttering something to him. She steps away, and he climbs out.

“I’m telling you now, I’ll put his ass in the next time.” Rush growls as he stalks towards Margo.

Wary, I take a step inside and wait until they’ve finished. But I’m quickly learning that Rush and Margo fight like a brother and sister. He gets loud and she raises her argument. Which means it’s about to get ugly.

Margo rounds on him. “And I’m warning you not to do it! Shifter ain’t worth your time, let alone your ride!”

“She’s right.” I cross my arms, ready for his onslaught of anger. Margo’s intentions are to let him rail until he can calm down. I’m right there with her. He needs to blow off some steam.

Rush’s head snaps around. “Who asked you? It’s not like you know anything about this. You’re here to watch out for your daddy’s money.”

“Yes, I represent Woods Brothers, and so in the hell do you. Therefore it’s in your best interest to remember that or I can help you do so.” This is one part of my job I hate the most. Some men prefer women to be seen and not heard, especially in business. I also abhor it playing out in front of everyone.

Rush marches toward me, stomping past me. He comes to a stop at the bay doors but doesn’t look at me. “Miss Woods, may I speak to you privately?”

“Sure thing, Mr. Hatcher.” I whip around, glaring at him. “After you.”

Rush takes off toward the hauler, with me trailing behind. We round the corner and straight into Lane. Rush fists his hands, and I double step to his side, gripping his arm.