Page 64 of Danger

Oh my God. “Danger, let him go.”

Crank and the rest of the crew are already trying to break things up.

Danger hears my voice and lets Warren go. “Stay away from us.” And then his eyes crash into mine and I see years of pain hidden deep inside.

Has he always had so much pain hidden there?

He grabs my hand, pulling me along with him out of the garage.

“Slow down,” I say, releasing his hold on me.

“I just need some air.”

We stop behind another garage. We’re alone, just the two of us, and Danger wraps his hand around my waist.

“Want to tell me what all that was about?”

He kisses me before he can answer and I let him, because kissing Danger is one of the best things in this whole wide world. And if he needs a kiss from me to help take away the pain I saw hidden in his eyes, then a kiss he’ll get.

I run my fingers through his hair, tugging at the ends. And in that instant the kiss turns more urgent. Almost like Danger has something to prove. And I’m not sure if it’s to me or himself.

I let him work through his pain. Through his anger, using me as his anchor. I try to be here for him, ready to listen when he’s ready to speak.

He breaks the kiss and stares at me. And I swear his eyes have stories to tell. “I’m sorry.”

“What did Warren say?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

I don’t believe him. “Think you’ll be ok for the race?” What I’m really asking is if his head is in the game. After the last race in Indianapolis, I’m worried Danger may not be focused enough.

He kisses the tip of my nose. “I’m perfect, baby.”

“I have to talk to my father. I’ll meet you later today after practice.”

“Sure thing.”

We both head back to the garage and I find my father waiting by the door. “Monterey,” I nod, “a word?”

I follow him through the doors of a little office area, and take a seat. “What happened with Danger and Warren?”

My father laughs a little. “Oh, just boys being boys.” He waves his hand. “What did Amy Jenkins want?”

“An exposé on Danger and me. The relationship. No big deal.”

My father removes his glasses and produces a cleaning cloth from the inside of his suit coat pocket. He cleans the frames. “I’ve been expecting that.”

“I have something I need to talk to you about.”

My father puts his glasses back on. “Ok.”

“Do you think this is such a good idea anymore?” I stand. “It’s just that I went through so much bad press after my breakup with Thad, and I’m sure it’ll be the same thing once again.”

“Don’t let the media dictate who you are, Monterey.”

“No, I know.” I sigh. “It’s just I’m wondering if it’ll ruin my credibility once I take over Grander.”

My father crosses his arms over his chest. “I know you have reservations about how the public views you. And I’ll never forgive Thad for what he put you through. For what he put this company through. However, I don’t think Danger will end up that way. It’ll be a nice break up. A peaceful one.”

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