Page 13 of Love Collided

Chase had seemed high on the idea of racing me again. When we were getting in the cars, he had looked me over once, and winked before disappearing into Kye’s car. I glanced over at the dark window again before facing forward. I needed to focus on this race, not dark eyes that swallowed me whole.

I revved the car again, the rumble of the engine bringing me back.

Ransom walked to the front of the cars, making sure we were both ready before raising a light and hitting it on.

Tires screeched against the pavement, both cars shooting forward. I hit through the gears fast, lucky that I was already so familiar with Fox’s car. It was a short race, from one block to the next, enough we could gain speed, but not enough to overtakehim if I didn’t get ahead immediately. Kye’s car was a blur next to mine, and I kept my focus forward. I couldn’t lose to him. There was no cheating this time, I think Chase even made sure to leave a half second after the light, but I should still be able to beat him with ease.

The engines screamed when we made it to the halfway mark, both of us taking the last few seconds of the race to push the cars to the limit.

Everyone but Ransom stood by Jax’s car at the finish line. Eyes glued on us, as we reached the finish line. We were still so close, and there was no way I was going to look over and check if he was winning. I could do it, though. I could get the smallest amount ahead of him, and maybe it would be enough of a win for Chase to not even want to come around again. In one blink of an eye, we passed everyone and slowed the cars.

I could tell the outcome the second I saw the crew. Their faces ranged from pursed lips to not even looking at me.

I couldn’t believe it.

I had lost to him again.

I shifted, moving past them back to the garage without even stopping to talk.

When I looked back, Chase was right behind me, following along as I parked the car in front of the garage.

He got out, the big cocky smile on his face making me want to slap it off.

“You look ready to bite my ankles,” he said. “Are you going to try and accuse me of cheating again?”

“No,” I said, slamming my door. “I don’t know how you won, and I don’t care.”

“You do care. I didn’t cheat, and I’m going to need to hear those words right from your lips,” he said.

My gaze dropped to his lips before I snapped them back up, a rush of heat washing over me.

“It’s not that big of a deal.” I went to stomp away but he grabbed my arm, spinning me to face him. His other hand reached up, cupping my chin and forcing me to look at him. A thrill shot through me when I met his dark gaze.

“It’s a very big deal considering I haven’t heard the end of you telling me I cheated. So I want to hear the words directly from your mouth.” He made the smallest step closer. “Right now,” he whispered.

“You did not cheat,” I finally said.

“And?”

“And you won,” I said, gritting my teeth.

He flashed a smile, dropping his hands from me and leaning back against the car. “I feel like we have all the evidence we need now. Verdict is in, ankle biter, I’m a better driver than you.”

I didn’t hide my shock. “Excuse me? You think you win one race and you’re a better driver than me?”

“Should we ask the jury? They have been there for both of our races.”

“Verdict? Jury? Do you always talk like an uptight lawyer?”

“I’m in law school so you’re pretty fucking close. Not a lawyer yet, though.”

“That’s your life then? Be rich and perfect and gorgeous and go to law school to stay that way?”

“Don’t forget becoming a partner at my father’s law firm and taking over one day.”

My lip curled. I was probably being rude, but I hated everything about it. Even more, I hated that I noticed the sadness in his tone when he said it.

Nope.

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