Page 70 of Speed Crush

The tension hangs for a beat—then I soften.

“Sorry. I know I’m springing this on you. But, June… you should know by now—I’m crazy about you.”

She doesn’t move. Just watches me.

“In the short time I’ve known you—and the town you live in—I’ve never felt more grounded. And I want you to see my world too. Because I know it’s important to you… and believe me, it’s very important to me that you feel comfortable in it.”

She doesn’t say anything at first. Just studies me.

I lean in a little. "June… I know I blindsided you. But I swear, it’s not just adrenaline or some impulsive rush. It’s not about proving something to your dad, or anyone."

She stays quiet, watching me, cautious but not pulling away.

“I’m not asking you to change your life overnight. I’m asking for a shot. A few days. Just time with you—on my turf. You’ve seen how I am here. I want you to see the rest of me too. The real stuff. The part that isn’t noise and cameras and stats.”

Then, softly—almost like she’s testing the word on her tongue—she says, “Yes.”

I’m so caught in my own head I nearly miss it.

“What?”

She smirks, eyes bright. “Yes, Noah Verelli. I said yes. To the trip.”

Before I can react, we both jump slightly at the sound of footsteps outside the den. Then a soft thud. Then what sounds like someone bumping into a doorframe.

June whips the door open and, sure enough, Mack and Vicky practically stumble into the room.

Vicky straightens quickly, cheeks pink. “We were just, uh… checking if you two needed more orange juice.”

Mack crosses his arms. “Or coffee.”

I rise from the chair, heart thudding, hands weirdly damp. But I meet their eyes.

“Sir. Ma’am.” I clear my throat. “Would I have your permission to bring June with me? Just for a little while. I promise to return her in one piece.”

They both look stunned.

“I mean it,” I add, standing straighter. “I care about your daughter. A lot. I’ll make sure she’s safe in Italy—looked after, respected, and surrounded by people who know how lucky they are to have her around.”

I glance at June, then back at them. My voice stays steady, firmer now. “And when I bring her back—she’ll have new stories, maybe a slight tan, and she’ll know exactly where she stands with me. I’m not asking lightly. And I don’t take her trust—or yours—for granted.”

Mack raises a brow.

Vicky smiles slowly. And as I glance at June beside me, something shifts in my chest.

Mack clears his throat. It’s quiet, but the weight behind it lands heavy.

“You know what I respect, son?” he says, voice even. “A man who means what he says. And says it straight.”

He glances at June, then back at me. “You want to take my daughter to Italy? You treat her right. You keep her safe. You don’t waste her time.”

Before I can respond, Vicky places a hand gently on Mack’s arm.

“She’ll be fine, Mack. Look at him—he’s already halfway in love with her.”

June makes a choked sound next to me. I don't dare look.

Mack sighs. “Fine. But if she so much as texts me that you’ve forgotten her favorite breakfast, I’m booking the next flight to Italy.”

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