Page 159 of Finish Line

He takes my hand. “Come on, gorgeous. Let’s go meet the old man.”

I let out a piercing squeal of excitement. I’m going to meet my idol. Too bad Uncle Brett won’t be here.

The guard stops us. “I’m sorry, but fans aren’t allowed to be on the track.”

“I’m Camden Wright. My father is expecting us.” He shows the guard his ID.

The guard checks his list. “You can go ahead.”

The track is right in front of me. I take a deep breath, burnt tar and oil burning my nose.

Three cars race, and one of them is number five, George Wright.

Cam squeezes my hand, and I smile at him.

He leads us to the side of the track where his dad’s team is.

A guy wearing a headset turns. Ralph Mendez, George’s crew chief, smiles and approaches us.

“You’re early, squirt,” he teases.

Cam groans. “Asshole, did you have to call me that in front of my friends and girlfriend?”

“Squirt?” Luke chuckles.

“Thanks a lot, Ralph.” He hangs his head.

“Relax, squirt. You wanted to bring us.” Mav bites his lip to hide his smile.

Cam gives Mav the finger.

“Ralph, this is Shelby Winters, my girlfriend. Shelby, this is?—”

“He’s crew chief Ralph Mendez,” I interrupt.

“Cam said you’re a fan.” He holds out his hand.

I shake it. “Yes, sir, since I was little. Used to watch every Saturday with my uncle.”

“Well, come on over. I know George will be coming in soon. He’s excited to meet you.” He waves us over to the side.

Off to the side, Dom and Luke are laughing.

“What is so funny?” Mav looks at his brother.

“Watching Shelby geek out about Cam’s father…” Luke laughs.

“Yeah, it’s pretty funny.” Cam tilts his head. “And weird at the same time.”

I don’t care. I’m in fangirl mode.

Ralph waves us over and introduces me to the rest of the crew.

George does one more lap and pulls in. A guy rushes over and takes down the net, and George climbs out. He removes his helmet and sets it on top of the car. His dark blond hair, the same shade as Cam’s, is streaked with gray. His blue eyes match Cam’s as well, and they mesmerize me.

The only difference between them, other than age, is their cheek structure.

“Camden, you made it.” George hugs him.

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