Page 27 of Crash Course

“Yup. And I’m trying to get into you.” This time, we both grin. Theo inches closer to the fire, closer to me.

“I can’t let that slide,” I groan. “I’m sorry. That’s a terrible innuendo.”

“You’re right. I take it back.”

“The words or the sentiment?”

He cocks his head, looking so roguish I’m starting to think he practices it in front of a mirror. “Which do you want me to take back?”

My arms fold as I study him. “I’ll get back to you.”

Theo nods approvingly. “You do that.”

I don’t feel self-conscious. Theo’s like the sun and I didn’t notice how cold I was until he turned his attention on me.

A server comes by with s’mores ingredients and pokers. I build my s’more and toast it over the growing bonfire, and Theo makes one of his own. Mine is decent while his comes out a gooey mess.

“You want more?” He licks marshmallow off his thumb. It should be gross. Instead, it’s sexy.

“More?”

“Dessert.” But there’s a glint in his eye.

“I’m good. Thanks.” I turn back toward the fire, embarrassed by the sudden flush in my cheeks. I try to think of something that’s not how drawn I am to him.

The crowd ebbs and flows around us. Theo acknowledges the odd person who calls out to him, but not once does he take a step back from me.

“What can you tell me about working for Ashford Racing?” I ask after a moment.

If it’s a hard right, he goes with it. “What do you want to know?”

I recall the photo I saw at his house. “I think my father worked on the grid a long time ago, but he doesn’t like to talk about it.”

“There would be records. The administration building on campus.” Theo wipes his fingers with a napkin. “I thought you were asking for an inside scoop on the grid internship.”

“Oh. I don’t think that’s in my future.” I’m supposed to finish my degree and then open that garage my dad and I have been dreaming about. “But you must be planning to race for the ARI seat?”

“Race, yes. Win? That’s another question.” He laughs.

I square to face him again, the toes of my sneakers brushing his. “But you’re fast. I’ve seen your race footage.”

“I’m flattered. But fast isn’t enough. Since we were kids, Jamie’s always been number one and I’m number two. Not that it’s all bad. When you’re in second place, everyone wants to be your friend. If you’re in first, you have a bullseye on your back.”

I wrap my arms around myself. “Maybe the real question is whether you’re willing to have a few less friends in order to be number one.”

He lifts a brow like I’ve surprised him. The firelight dancing on his face makes him seem even brighter.

An ember darts out of the fire and lands on his sneaker. I stomp it out. The moment I do, another one sizzles into the edge of his shoe.

“Shit.” Another stomp, but this time, I lose my balance.

He grabs my waist. “Got you.”

Theo’s gaze drops to my mouth and my stomach flips. It takes everything in me not to bite my lip. The flames suddenly feel like the second most intense heat source in my immediate surroundings.

He pulls me back a step. “Better?”

My tongue darts out to wet my lips. “Yes.”