Page 89 of Race to Me

“No way,” He laughs. “That shit wouldn’t earn me this type of money. Just trust me, okay? There’s more to it.”

“Just promise me you won’t do this for my sake, please. I’m set now with money.” I reply.

Curiously, he looks into my eyes. “You didn’t … go back? Right?”

A pained laugh escapes me. “To my parents? No way! I’m going to work with Mrs. Rita sometimes. It won’t be enough yet for a car, but it’s enough for everything else I need. Trust me; Kate’s parents are going to get her whatever car she wants soon, and we can share. We always have.”

Foster nods, laying his back onto the bed.

I gently lay beside him. “Why are the guys okay with this?”

The moonlight casts a glittering stream in front of us, and as Foster lifts his hands to explain, shadows dance along the ceiling. “We vote as a family. Depending on the severity of the storms, we talk. But as long as it’s unanimous, we don’t have to discuss it too much.”

“So, it’s a crew thing?”

Foster nods.

“So, Envy got to make decisions?” I wonder.

“Yes …” He draws the word out.

“I want to be a part of your crew,” I state.

He sends me a weird look. “You can’t join just for the sake of telling me no, Freckles.”

“Scouts honor,” I retort with a grin. “I’m not trying to control you, and I want to support you, but I also need to be able to have a say if we’re going to be together. We’re adults, Foster. This isn’t some bullshit high school relationship. I’m serious about you. More serious than I’ve ever been about anything. And the thought of something happening to you? I can’t … I can’t imagine it.”

I take in a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

“I know that’s a lot to take in, and I’m sorry my feelings are happening so quickly,” I ramble. “I would just rather tell you how I feel and tell the truth rather than hold myself back. If you want to slow do—”

I can’t finish my sentence. His hands are cupping my cheeks firmly, his eyes drinking me in.

“Don’t apologize for how you feel. Feel everything, Skyler. Breathe it all in. You don’t have to hold back with me. Ever. I don’t give a fuck if anyone thinks we’re moving too quickly. We’re different, you and I.” Foster plants a kiss on my lips. “You mean a hell of a lot to me.”

My heart happily matches the thundering outside as butterflies dance inside me, and I nearly squeal from his sweet, poetic words. “I’m so thankful for you.” I tell him.

He flashes a smile that could break any girl’s heart, and I hope that smile doesn’t break mine. “You’re sure about this?” he asks, gesturing around the room and pointing downstairs to the sound of roaring guys partying.

I nod. “Definitely.”

His fingertips graze my chin. “Once you’re in, you’re in. The only way out is death.”

“Holy shit,” I gasp. “Seriously?”

Foster’s shoulders shake as he laughs. “No, you’ll just have an extra family.” His expression grows more serious, and he adds, “Youcan’t join just for the sole fact of opposing every single storm race, though.”

“Okay. But like I said, I just want to be heard.”

He agrees with a nod.

The room goes silent, with me laying on my back staring up at the shadow-flaked ceiling and him lying on his side admiring me. “If you’re going to race during a storm, I’m going to go and make sure I get struck by lightning at the finish line.” I tease.

“Mm, Barbeque.” Foster teases.

“Ew! You’re impossible.” A strained breath escapes my lips. “Just be careful,” I groan, not sure why I’m supporting this. But I support whatever he wants. Whatever makes him happy in this life.

His hand tangles in mine while his eyes sweep over me.

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