Page 110 of Crash Course

Dad can say it’s nothing.

But I’ve learned this year that when men say “nothing,” it’s usually a warning.

35

Shay

Jameson: What are you doing tomorrow night?

Shay: Fixing Bree’s car.

Jameson: That’s no way to spend the weekend. I’m taking you out.

It’s a week since I moved back into my dad’s house after our talk at the diner, but I’m still unnerved by what he said.

What did Luca want?

Nothing to worry about.

But even when I brought it up again, he insisted everything was fine.

So when Jameson’s texts land, it’s a welcome distraction.

Except that he refuses to answer any questions besides providing the address, which turns out to be the airport.

Jameson meeting me on the tarmac in jeans and a peacoat pulled high around his neck doesn’t do anything to dispel my nerves, or curiosity.

“Where exactly are we going?” I call over the wind.

He takes the duffel bag off my shoulder. “Vegas.”

I get virtually nothing more out of him on the three-hour private plane ride.

“Luca offered you the jet to take me out?” I ask from my seat across from him. Because there’s no way his father volunteered his resources for this.

“ARI has business this weekend too. But that’s not why we’re going,” he adds at the look on my face. “We’ve been so focused on school and this race series, and I wanted to focus on you for a second.”

I glance at my phone. “Well, Megan just texted and threatened us both not to talk strategy without her.”

He laughs. “Tell her it’s a deal. That is not what I want to do with you tonight.”

I shiver with anticipation as he goes to retrieve a big rectangular box from the back of the plane and sets it on my lap.

“Is it a designer pizza?” I guess.

His lips twitch. “Open it.”

Inside, there’s a dress and shoes and jewelry. The dress fabric is a silky dark burgundy, slipping against my fingers when I lift it from the box. “Wow.”

“Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful. I’ve never worn anything like this.”

“You don’t have to.” He backpedals so fast I get whiplash. “You look good in anything.”

It’s cute seeing Jameson uncertain, even about something as simple as clothing.

“Is this what it’s like to date Jameson Ashford?” I ask.