Page 14 of Full Throttle 2

“You’re not a model. You’re a goddamned superstar athlete! You don’t need to worry about that silly stuff. Even models shouldn’t have to worry about all of that. Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. However, I do understand we can get self-conscious when the world starts to nitpick us for our looks. So, I’m here to tell you that you are perfect the way you are.”

Colby appreciated Lila for being the voice of reason. Still, if she could just lose another five to ten pounds, she’d feel a lot more confident, especially seeing herself on television.

“Anyway, it’s a good thing I stopped by. Let’s grab dinner. I need to make sure that you weigh enough so that you can keep your car from hydroplaning.” Lila laughed to soften her concern.

Her words brought a small smile to Colby’s face. “You’re describing lift-off oversteer, not hydroplaning.”

“Tomato...Tomaaato.” Lila giggled. “Anyway, since Brian is working late and Liam is traveling, it would be a great time for a girl’s night.”

“That’s why you came down? To invite me to dinner?”

“Actually, no, but that does remind me.” Lila dug into her large Birken bag. “Uncle Cyrus asked me to bring you the new alarm’s key card. He’s going to be at the garage late and won’t be home when you get there.”

“That’s where I should be too. I hate that we need more security. He’s too old for this shit.”

“A—you just said that you can’t be everywhere all the time at the same time, and B—if anyone can handle it, it’s Uncle Cyrus.” Lila asked again, “So, how about dinner?”

Colby’s shoulders slouched. “I can’t. I have a photoshoot after this, and then I need to go home and review tape.”

Lila frowned. “Photoshoot? Aren’t you racing this weekend?”

“Yeah.”

Lila was confused. “I thought your schedule was supposed to be cleared two days before a race so that you could focus?”

“It usually is, but Mark said this was the only time the brand could fit it in.”

Lila didn’t like the sound of that, but she didn’t say anything. “Mmm, okay.” She was liking Mark less and less. He was new to Colby’s management team, but the changes in her cousin were not impressive.

Colby had been so busy that Lila hadn’t spent as much time with her as she’d like. They talked almost every day but could go weeks without seeing one another in person. Lila wondered if it might be a good time to start paying closer attention.

Chapter Seven

Lila was already at Brian’s apartment when he arrived. She sat on the plush, white couch, working on a paper for her final exam.

The tension from a long day immediately left his body the moment Brian saw her. “Hey.” He dropped his work bag by the door and walked over to get a much-needed kiss.

“Hey, you.” Lila was only too happy to oblige. She always felt lighter when Brian was around.

He plopped down next to her. “You ate?”

“I did. I ordered take-out from Kim’s.”

“I love that place. They have the best food.”

“That’s why I ordered it. I know you love it. I wasn’t sure if you’d eaten so I ordered extra and left it on the stove.”

Brian got up to get it. “Thanks. I’m not gonna lie. I’m starving. I’ve been so busy I just didn’t have time to eat.”

Lila shook her head. “I understand things are stressful right now, but you and Colby have to do better.”

Brian agreed. “I know. We do, but thankfully, we have aLilain our lives to keep us on track.”

It was an innocent statement but one that made Lila feel uneasy. She wasn’t perfect. Far from it, but Brian always talkedabout her in ways that made it seem like he was putting her on a pedestal. One where she did not belong.

Brian sat back down with his container of food. “Thanks again for dinner. Promise I’ll make it up to you. I should have some time after the race next weekend. Clear your calendar so I can take you out on a proper date. It’s been a while.”

Lila grinned. “You’re right. It has been a while! Lucky for you, I’ve been busy with school, although it would be nice to get dressed up and go out.”

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