Page 8 of Speed Crush

Instead, I freeze. Behind Kart 14. Eyes open. Watching.

Curiosity overrides caution for a beat too long, and I forget to breathe. Every shift of their bodies, every sound—it’s all right there, unfolding like something from a late-night movie I shouldn’t be watching.

I'm so focused, so weirdly enthralled, I don’t notice the presence behind me until I hear a low voice close to my ear:

"You know," he murmurs, smooth and lazy, "they’re so into it, they won’t notice you or me."

I gasp and whip my head around—too fast. I lose my balance in my crouch and nearly topple backward, eyes wide as my heart flies into my throat.

A hand catches me just in time. Strong fingers wrap around my waist while another claps over my mouth, muffling the scream that threatens to explode from my lips.

His hand is warm. His grip steady.

I look up—and blink, startled. He's close. So, close I can feel his breath graze my cheek.

I stare at the sharp line of his jaw, the dip of his collarbone, and that maddening smirk like he knows exactly how flustered I am. My heart’s a wrecking ball inside my chest, and I’m not even sure if the beat I feel is mine—or his.

Dark hair, tousled and perfect. Sharp cheekbones. A mouth that looks way too good smirking. He’s ridiculously attractive in that effortless, unfair kind of way.

Who is he?

My breath is still caught under his hand, which is still warm against my lips. And for one irrational, heat-slick second, I wonder what would happen if I ran my tongue along his palm. Would he pull away? Or press closer? The thought alone makes my knees sway.

Then, his eyes meet mine—startlingly blue, dancing with amusement—and only then does he slowly, carefully let go.

I gasp, filling my lungs with air, trying to pull myself together.

It isn’t until he shifts closer—like he’s trying to melt into the same shadows I’m crouched in, all cozy proximity and shared heat—that something in my brain clicks.

That jawline. That voice. That confidentlean.

Oh no.

Noah. Freaking. Verelli.

I stand so fast I nearly trip over my own feet.

“Easy there, stranger,” he murmurs, grin crooked, as he gently tugs me back down beside him, both of us crouching low behind Kart 14.

His hand stays steady at my waist, keeping us close, keeping us hidden. “Not looking to get either of us spotted—or give you a concussion.”

Those eyes. Blue. Sharp. Amused.

“So,” he says, lips quirking as he glances toward the couple still going at it. “Didn’t realize your night shift came with a live demo.”

“It doesn't—” I start. “I didn’t know—”

He raises both hands, palms up like he’s surrendering. “Hey. I’m not judging. I was just appreciating the acoustics.”

My face ison fire. “It’s not what it looks like.”

He chuckles. “Looks like we caught an episode of Animal Kingdom special—with front-row seats in the temple of speed. Hope I didn’t wreck the vibe.”

“I was working,” I say, crossing my arms.

He inches closer. His eyes are on me. Focused. Intent. Like he’s trying to figure out exactly what I am and why I’m here. Not in a rude way, just... curious. Curious and intense enough that it makes my skin prickle. “Mechanic?”

“Teacher,” I correct. “Mechanic’s… a bonus skill.”

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