Page 66 of Austin

“I’m gonna fuck you up,” Beckett challenges, pushing his way toward me.

Jalynn pulls him back. “Get ahold of yourself!”

“Fucker stole my car!” he seethes.

“Um, no. Correction”—I hold up my hand while rocking back on my heels to make a point—“I won your car, but your sister stood up for you and got your keys back.”

Beckett turns so fast, I think his feet are going to slip right out from underneath him. “Why didn’t you tell me you had my car this entire time?”

She stands up a little straighter. “I was waiting until I knew you’d learned your lesson.”

“Learned my lesson? Jay, I’ve had to get up an hour early every day for work just to catch the bus. How could you?”

“How could I?” she yells, leaning her body back and placing her hands on her hips.

Damn, I love how sexy she looks, doing it.

“You’re the dumbass who raced for pink slips. I needed to make sure you weren’t going to do something that stupid ever again. You. Are. Not. Dad. You’re better than him, and I will make damn sure of it every day.”

His shoulders fall, and I know she’s hit a nerve with him. He stays silent as they stare at each other.

“Well,” I say, breaking the tension, “now that that’s solved and you know I’m not the asshole you’ve made me out to be, can I please have my girlfriend back, so we can get these races started?” I hold out my hand, waiting for Jalynn to take it. “Beckett, let’s call a truce. Since you’re her brother and I’ve already won your car and given it back, I’ll let you stay, but this race has nothing to do with you. This is about Tyler and paying tribute. Don’t forget that.”

Jalynn turns to Beckett, placing her hands on his arms. “Please, Beckett, for me. Just let things be, okay? Let’s get the race over with, and I’ll get your car back to you.”

She smiles sweetly at him, and I can see their family dynamics at work. Beckett might be older, but Jalynn calms him down, talking up to him in a way that makes him feel like he’s in charge when, really, she’s the one dictating the situation. It’s a well-rehearsed dance. He bulldozes himself forward, and she gently sways him back.

Beckett’s shoulders relax as he lets out a sigh. She’s his calming force, and it’s evident he’d be lost without her.

He doesn’t even need to say anything. He just nods slightly, and Jalynn wraps her arms around him, whispering something into his ear, a moment shared between just the two of them.

When she releases him, she turns in my direction, but before we can leave, he calls out, “This ain’t over, man. I’m doing this for my sister. If you think this means I like you now, you’ve got another thing coming. If you fuck with her—”

I raise my hand, stopping his mild threat. “I would expect those exact words to come out of your mouth right now, and honestly, I have a little more respect for you because of it. It’s all good, man. She might just be my calming force, too.”

I wrap my arm around her shoulders and wait for his nod to let me know he understands what I’m talking about. When he does, it’s a series of unspoken words. I won’t fuck over his sister. He won’t fuck me over.

Before we announce the races, everyone gathers in a circle, each holding a candle. Slowly, the flames start to dance in the air as we light the wicks to remember a friend, a fellow racer, and pray we never lose anyone again.

A somber feeling wraps around me, and I can’t help but reach out to hold on to Jalynn tightly. I bring her back to my front, lacing my right arm around the front her shoulders. As soon as I do, my body warms with the feeling of comfort and home, making me not want to let go.

Her peach scent stirs me in a way I’ve never imagined. I can’t help myself when I lean down to kiss the back of her head, holding my lips there as I breathe her in once more.

It’s not until Gregg yells to get my attention that I’m broken from the trance. When I look around, I notice everyone is watching my every move. She must notice, too, because she starts to wiggle slightly to release herself from my grip.

“Dude,” Gregg says again, “let’s get started. Time’s a tickin’.” He holds up his watch to prove his point even more.

I nod, taking a deep breath before dropping my arm from Jalynn and turning to call the races. As soon as everything is settled, I place my arm around her again and pinch her ass, dragging her away from the scene and toward my car.

She’s quick to push me away. “Don’t treat me like I’m your pit whore.”

I can’t help the sharp laugh that escapes me. “I’m sorry. Did you just say ‘pit whore’?” I pull up my fingers to make air-quote gestures like I’ve seen her do.

She groans while slapping me in my chest. “Don’t be an ass.”

“Oh, baby, I’m not. I’m treating you like you should be treated.” I bring her into me. “You’re mine. Don’t you know that by now?” I tilt her chin up to meet my gaze, hoping she can see the sincerity in my eyes through the darkness that surrounds us. “And this is our third date. You know what that means?” I love the way she starts to chew on her bottom lip, trying to find the perfect comeback, but I don’t let her. “This? This is happening. The little push-pull thing we have going on is hot and all, but I’m not going anywhere, and you … I like you. So, yes, I will get in these panties, and when I do, you’ll be begging for it.”

I turn and leave her standing with a stunned expression covering her beautiful face. She glances in my direction but doesn’t move from her location.