Page 13 of Speed Crush

“Kennedy,” I counter, equally dry.

Levi, suddenly aware he’s a third wheel in a fencing match, clears his throat and backs away.

“Nice podium performance,” June says. “You almost looked like you meant it.”

I tilt my head. “You mean the part about community? Or the part where I didn’t crash a kart?”

She shrugs. “Either. Both. I was too distracted counting how many times you winked at the reporter from Channel 5.”

I grin. “It’s a reflex. Like breathing.”

“You should get that checked.”

Before I can throw back another line, a reporter in a pencil skirt and heels materializes as if on cue, shoving a mic in my face.

“Noah, rumor is you’re dating a local?” she asks, all smiles and poison.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“A small-town girl. Very hush-hush. Confirm or deny?”

“You serious right now?”

Before I can say more, Mrs. Henderson appears like a one-woman cavalry.

“Unless you’re here to adopt a go-kart,” she says, tapping her cane against the floor, “you can take your speculation and go chew on it somewhere else.”

The reporter blinks. “I—”

“He’s here to coach kids,” Nancy says, stepping in with a smile sharp enough to cut granite. “So, if you’re not here to race, film or report, then move along.”

Even Mayor Lewis folds his arms. “We protect our own.”

I blink at the wall of Cedar Falls humanity forming around me. It’s… unexpected. Kinda overwhelming. And weirdly nice.

The reporter backs off, face red, and the crowd turns back to their fun like nothing happened.

I glance at June. She didn’t join the pile-on. But she didn’t leave either.

Her eyes meet mine. Cool. Curious. But also guarded, like she's still sizing me up, waiting to see if I'm all an act.

Or maybe I’m dreaming again.

Then, she turns on her heel and walks away, braid swinging.

And I… watch her go.

Of course I do.

Because if I’m lucky, that lion might actually purr.

Someday.

Soon, I hope.

An hour later, the opening ceremony is done, the media has thinned out, and the first wave of teens arrive for orientation. The official winter go-kart camp starts tomorrow, but today’s the preview day—meet and greet, kart assignments, rules rundown.

And, apparently, more time with June Kennedy.

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