Page 20 of Octane

I’m struckwith awe as I watch one of racing’s greatest drivers take the turns around the track. I’ve seen Colton Donavan compete in person before, but this feels more like a behind-the-scenes look. The track is empty except for him and his oldest son, Zander, who is a few years younger than me.

My eyes follow his car as he speeds into Pit Road, decelerating quickly. When his car comes to a stop, he gets out with that killer smile of his spread wide, eyes locked on his family, watching him from the stands to the left of me. He greets Zander with a high-five, and I watch as they talk to one another. I feel like a voyeur. Like I am watching a private moment unfold, when suddenly, Colton turns his attention to me and waves. My eyes go wide with disbelief.

Oh, my God, why is he waving to me?

I lift my arm to wave back, but a woman’s voice stops me before I make myself look like a complete idiot.

“Jackson Powell.”

I look to my left and realize that the voice belongs to Colton’s wife, and she’s turned her attention to the stands behind me. My head snaps around so quickly I’ll be surprised if I don’t end up with whiplash. When my eyes reach his, I find they’re staring directly back at me.

What is he doing here?

“Rylee, wonderful to see you as always,” Jackson says, breaking eye contact with me and standing up.

Of course, Colton wasn’t waving to me. I can’t believe I actually thought that. I watch Jackson as he walks down the steps and onto the row where Rylee is sitting. They greet one another with a hug. Of courseheknows the Donavans. A pang of jealousy hits me in the gut.

I stand to leave, but I stop when Jackson calls after me.

“Sawyer, hold on a minute.”

Taking a deep breath, I turn around, seeing the group of them walking up the steps to meet me. I’ve never been more nervous before in my life.

“Sawyer Stone, this is Rylee Donavan. Rylee, I am honored to introduce you to my newest driver.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sawyer.” Rylee’s curly hair rustles in the breeze like mine.

“Same here,” is all I can get out.

I’m struck by her gorgeous violet eyes. Rylee is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Immediately, I feel self-conscious.

“I can get used to the idea of female drivers,” Rylee continues. “This league could use a little more girl power around here.”

“Thank you. It’s been a dream of mine for quite a while. I still don’t believe it.”

I stop talking before I lose control and start spewing words out like an idiot.

“Should we come down there?” Rylee calls to Colton.

“No, we’ll come to you. One sec.” Colton responds from the track as he and Zander cross over Victory Lane. Rylee and Jackson walk to the flagger’s stand to greet them as they climb the fence and enter the stands. I take another deep breath, determined not to make a fool out of myself in front of a racing legend.

He greets his wife by dipping down and pulling her in for a kiss. Then he ruffles the hair of his youngest son, Ace. Finally, he turns his attention to Jackson.

“Jackson Powell, long time no see, man. How’ve you been?”

They shake hands and embrace each other in what can only be described as a dude hug. I smile slightly at the two of them. Daniel would never greet anyone so casually. It’sbeneathhim. I try to keep my eyeroll to a minimum so no one would think I mean it toward Jackson and Colton.

“Not too much. Just crept out of the owner’s meeting. Listen, I want to introduce you to someone.”

Jackson turns around and waves me forward.

“This is my newest driver, Sawyer Stone.”

“So you’re the chick driver that all the guys were talking smack about.”

I feel blood flood my face as mortification roots me to the spot. It’s one thing for the guys on my team to voice their opinions about me, but it’s a whole different feeling to realize I’m the talk of the entire league.

My eyes shift between Colton and Zander, my colleagues in this industry, and Jackson. Silently, I pray for a sinkhole to open beneath me and swallow me whole.

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