Page 79 of Full Throttle 2

She shook her head no. “I’m just as surprised as you.”

Bella came and stood next to Brian, and he handed her the microphone. “My goodness. Thank you for such a warm welcome. Tonight has been incredible. I’ve enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone. Especially you, Colby. You are the epitome of Black girl magic. I am in awe of your talent, and this is a partnership I am honored to make.

“Lockwood arrived in NASCAR, and boy, have you made a statement! It has been exciting to watch, and I want to be a part of it. The world will often tell us that there is no sisterhood among us. Well, I’m here to tell you that that is a lie. As your sister, I’ve got your back, and I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure Lockwood is a success.”

Bella lifted her champagne flute. “Let’s do what they said couldn’t be done. Let’s win this thing!”

The room again erupted into a loud celebration.

Chapter Thirty-Six

The night had been magical, and Colby didn’t want it to end.

“I can walk you to your room.” Liam volunteered.

For some reason, Colby felt shy. “Okay, Thank you.” She felt like a teenager as they kept stealing glances at one another on their way to her hotel room. Finally, they reached Colby’s room and stood outside her door.

“I wanted to wish you luck for tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Colby was nervous. She glanced down and studied her hands. “Again, I-I’m glad you came. I didn’t know if you would. I’m sure Brian is happy you’re here too.”

Colby was rambling.

Liam had to dig deep for some self-control. His every instinct was to pull Colby into his arms and kiss her senseless.

Frustrated, he raked his hands through his hair. “I owe you a massive apology.”

Her eyes snapped to his.

“If my ego were a little smaller, I would have already apologized by now.”

“I can’t be mad at you for feeling how you feel. I mean...” Colby released a sad laugh. “I don’t know how many men wouldwant to put up with someone like me. It can’t be easy, and I get that.”

“Any man who wouldn’t want to be with you is a fool.” Liam took a step closer to Colby. “I’m trying to say, very badly, that being apart from you is killing me. I want you back. I wantusback.”

Colby’s eyes misted up as she bit her lower lip. “I want that, too, but...” Her voice drifted to a barely there whisper. “In a few months, will we be right back here? My career choice is difficult for you, and I’m not ready to retire.”

Liam’s chest expanded.She wanted him back too.He felt like he could breathe again. As if he hadn’t taken his first real breath since the day they broke up.

“I don’t want you to retire, and I understand this isn’t just a job. My desire for you to quit was really rooted in my fear of losing you. Only, I’ve lost you anyway.”

Colby’s voice trembled slightly, hinting at the vulnerability that lay just beneath the surface. “You haven’t lost me.” She moved closer. “There isn’t a moment since you’ve been gone that I haven’t thought about you. I’ve just been waiting and hoping...”

There was a moment of silence, a heartbeat where everything seemed to hang in the balance, and they both felt it—the undeniable chemistry that had always simmered between them.

Their eyes locked, and suddenly, the air felt electric. They leaned in slightly, drawn toward one another by an invisible chord. The space between them felt charged, filled with everything they hadn’t said—regret, longing, and a flicker of hope.

He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “I missed you.” Liam swallowed hard. “Damn, Ineedto kiss you.”

Colby melted into him. “And I need you to kiss me.” She handed Liam her keycard so that he could open the door.

As soon as they entered her room, Liam pulled Colby toward him, leaned in, and kissed her hard.

Her eyes fluttered closed as she relished the feel of his touch. He outlined the seam of her lips with his tongue. The moment she parted her lips, he slipped inside.

As if her arms had a mind of their own, Colby wrapped them around his neck as he lifted her by her waist and carried her over to the bed.

She rubbed her thighs together in anticipation. She wasn’t just a little moist; Colby was dripping wet. She had been ever since the moment she stepped into the dining room, and they locked eyes.

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