Page 150 of Crash Course

“But”—my voice wavers—“you’re the first person I ever needed who didn’t make me feel broken for it.”

His hands tighten on me. “You’re the only one I’d choose. Over everything.”

His lips fuse to mine, hot and sweet at once, like he’s been starving for exactly this. He tastes like salt and him and everything I let myself want these past months.

I kiss him back, tugging on his hair. I shift my hips on the front of the car, looping my legs around him. He groans and presses into me.

There’s a sharp knock on the window.

“Shit, that’s my dad,” I pant.

“So we can’t do what we did the last time we were on this car?” Jameson asks.

A rush of desire competes with the storm of emotions filling my chest. “Unfortunately not.”

His thumb brushes my lip, and I wrestle with the urge to suck it into my mouth.

“Come back after dark,” I say.

He grins, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. “Damn right I will.”

“And, Jameson? Drive fast.”

53

Shay

“Get ready to lose,” Jameson tells Knox, his voice low with malice.

“Would you be that sure for one large?”

Jameson doesn’t hesitate. “Make it two.”

“I’m out.” Mateo lifts both hands. “You fucking idiots.”

The indoor karting venue has swirling lights and graffitied murals on the walls. The ten-car track is admittedly cute compared to where we usually race, but that does nothing to diminish the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

“Why not five?” Megan tosses as she squeezes into her kart.

The guys exchange a look. Then nod.

Megan swears. “It was a joke.”

“Don’t fuck this up,” Knox calls to Zane, who ignores him as he gets into his own vehicle.

“Let’s go over the strategy again,” Jameson says, fastening my helmet.

I shake my head. “No. I’ve got this.”

Exams wrapped up last week and we’re officially on break. With all the time I’ve spent working on cars this year, it’s my first chance to race from behind the wheel.

I climb into my own kart next to the other engineers.

It doesn’t occur to me to ask permission.

I’m in the driver’s seat. And I’m determined to win.

We take off.