Page 63 of Torqued

Defeated, I go to the one person I know will help me figure this mess out. The person who I should turn to, just as I would if my mom were alive. He’s spent long nights worrying over me, and even longer days with me.

“If he can teach me to shave my legs, and sit outside the bathroom helping me to understand my period, pads, and tampons, he sure as hell can handle this. Or at least, I hope so.

I walk down the hall to my dad’s office, tapping on the door. “Daddy? Do you have a minute for me?”

“I have all the time for you, baby. How can I help?” He waves me over, and I fall to pieces.

After a long talk with my dad, and many tears, we devise a plan. Now, if I can stick to it. “I’m not sure I can do it.”

“Do you love him, Spencer?”

“Yes, daddy. With all my heart.” I knock the tears off my face.

He takes my hand, kisses my forehead, and smiles. “Then, go kick his ass and take what’s yours. He’s threatening your life, not just Rush’s.”

“You’re right.” I stand, drying my face and straightening my clothes. “I’ll call you.”

“No, you will come to stay with me for a few days. You need rest, and I need to watch over my baby and grand baby.” I kiss his cheek and gasp when he pulls me into a hug.

He holds me so tight; I think I might stay here. Then, he pulls away. “And don’t worry, that boy looks at you just like I looked at your mom. He’ll come for you. I love you.”

“Love you, Dad.” I turn, running from his office. This has to work; I need it to because I can’t live without Rush.

I’ve spent the last three days dodging Rush. His calls, texts, everything I can do to keep my head clear. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and I’m still not sure I can get away with it.

The plane is late, and I’m ready to ditch the entire plan. My belly and heart take turns in flipping and pitching to the point I don’t know if I’m coming or going, but I do know I’m going to cry and vomit.

I make it to the track before Rush and the others. I’m thankful the hauler’s here and not many other people. My driver lets me out close enough so that I’m not seen going in the hauler by anyone, especially Lane.

Yes, I’m an adult, but I refuse to let my dad hear the details about Rush and me on the cover of a tabloid or the internet. The thoughts of having to dispel the rumors about Rush gives me the hives.

Not because I don’t believe him, but I’m not sure how I’m going to respond to the naysayers. I tend to have a bit of a temper, and by my reaction to Lane, this might be problematic.

I lay the photos out, preparing to break my heart when I have to break Rush’s. I passed Lane at the airport, he knows I’m here, and he’ll be watching for the fireworks.

“But I needed a guarantee, so I asked Colton to be here. He’ll need to keep Rush focused, and Colton will have to be the one to keep him straight once I’m gone.” I run my fingers along my brows, wiping the sweat from them.

“And I pray he’ll wait until after the season to come and find me.” My stomach revolts and I make a mad dash to the bathroom. After I clean up, I make my way out from the back to find Rush, Margo and Crank staring at the spread on the table.

Here goes nothing and my everything.

I cross my arms, leaning against the counter. “There’s some great photography in it, right?”

“S-Spencer, I don’t know where these come from.” Rush moves toward me, and I hold my hand out.

“Don’t! I put up with your lies and philandering ways for far too long. I can’t do it anymore, this is unforgivable.” I clutch my belly as it flips and spins.

Rush steps closer, his brows pulled tight. “Please tell me you’re not buying into this shit?”

“If you’d spend half as much energy into driving as you do screwing around, you’d have more than just a shiny trophy.” I yank my purse from the counter and brush past him. My heart seizing as I do.

He reaches for me, grasping my arm. “Please don’t, Spen. You’re all I have, all I want.”

“It looks to me like you’ve got your pick, isn’t this what you wanted? A sponsor and a notch, congratulations.” Tears fill my eyes and run down my face. My heart breaks, creating a fissure so vast, I’m not sure it will ever heal.

“Spencer,” Rush pulls me to his chest, searching my eyes. “please stay.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking my head as I wrench my arm away from him. “You don’t want me, so I’m letting you go.”