Page 49 of Send It
“No, dad. Colson isn’t interested in me.”
Dad turns his back to everyone else, blocking them from our conversation, “But you’re interested in him?”
I press my mouth into a fine line and lick my lips, trying to keep the word “yes” from spilling out.
My silence only fuels his curiosity, “Oh Jesus, I knew this would happen.”
“Dad, no. It’s not… I mean…” I fumble over my words like a little kid who just got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
He holds his hand up to silence me. “Lincoln, I’ve known for a while. I give Colson credit for burying it this long for the sake of his friendship with Reiss, but you need to make sure that it’s something you both want. Especially before talking to Reiss.”
I nod sheepishly, like I’ve been caught.
“Honey, I watched him hold your hand while I raced.Reiss would be out in the pits, doing simulators and chasing the Monster girls around like it was his job, but Colson sat with you.”
He taps his fingers into his palm as he counts, “In Indianapolis, Atlanta, Salt Lake.”
I look over to where Colson is laughing with Reiss about something. “I would never come between them. That’s not what I want to happen.”
“You’ve been coming between them longer than you think.”
I shake my head, “Well don’t worry. Colson won’t do anything to risk Reiss. Reiss’ mind is safe for Nationals.”
He kisses my temple, “I care about your mind being safe too, baby girl. I trust your decisions, you have a good head on your shoulders and so does Colson.”
I can’t help but grin, “Colson’s is a little iffy.”
Dad laughs, “He’s good when it counts.”
Yes he is.
24
Colson
Lincoln walked into the foyer and my heart hammered against my sternum. My eyes raked her body and couldn’t help but linger on her red painted lips. Something about the way they look tonight has me imagining about 20 different scenarios of where I could see those lips.
My lips.
My neck.
My…
“Lincoln Bane is off limits, Colson.”
The way my dad says it makes me scowl. Of course she is. She always has been. Nothing about that has changed.
“You think I don’t know that?” I spit.
He rubs his hand over his black beard that is beginning to turn gray, “Then quit staring at her. You don’t need a distraction before Nationals. You are already going to have to work twice as hard getting out of that boot.”
He looks down at my injury like it’s a disgrace.
Reiss walks up and nudges me with his arm, “You telling your old man how you are gonna beat his fastest lap record one day?”
I laugh, “I’ve already beaten that.”
Reiss grins even wider, aggravating my dad, “Oh that’s right, you are faster than him.”
