Page 16 of Rivals

“Yes, he is but I could talk until I’m blue in the face and it won’t change his opinion. The best thing I can do is just concentrate on this upcoming press tour and racing. That’s what I’m getting paid for.” I pull my bottom lip between my teeth because I really just want to end this conversation, but I know better than to try and change it. Evanna will only push it more if I do.

Evanna stands up. “You know what? You’re right! So, we’re going to practice as much press stuff as we can. I’ll videotape you, ask questions, help you memorize scripts, whatever you need. You’re going to rock this press tour and win these races and leave Rathe McCall in the damn dust.”

Fierce Evanna is kind of a scary Evanna. I haven’t seen her this determined in a long time. “Easy there.”

She shakes her head. “Rathe just made himself two badass rivals. I hope he can handle it.”

****

Over the next couple of days, Evanna and I practice everything possible in our free time. She has filmed so much, that I actually feel strange when the camera isn’t shoved in my face. We got the first script for the tire launch party. The first stop in the press tour is Detroit, Michigan. Our new tire sponsor for the upcoming season, Burnout Tires. I already have the entire script memorized. The problem is I sound like a robot when I deliver it. Evanna keeps giving me pointers like loosen up or laugh here but it’s just not me. I’m not sure how I’m going to manage to get through this.

I’m just slipping my hair through my ball cap when there’s a knock on the door. I open it and to my surprise I see most of the pit crew from Revv-It. Tucker is in the front of the group. “It’s moving day, right?”

I’m stunned speechless but Evanna pops up behind me. “It sure is and you guys are lifesavers. I mean seriously. Sutton and I would be at this for days if we had to move everything ourselves. Come on in,” she ushers them inside. “Luckily, it’s the boxes that have to go and the electronics. We’re leaving the furniture since it’s all seen better days anyways. I will spring for pizza and wings once we are finished.”

Tucker waves his hand dismissively. “That’s not necessary. This is just how it is to be part of the Revv-It Racing Team. We take care of our own.”

I’m scanning the guys as Evanna and Tucker talk but then something shocking happens. Rathe McCall appears in my doorway with a beautiful raven-haired girl. Rathe moves his sunglasses to the rest in the collar of his navy-blue t-shirt. My blood boils both with anger for his assumptions and want for him. It’s so confusing. “Well, since my brother has seemed to have lost all his manners allow me to introduce myself.” The girl steps forward and extends her hand, her honey eyes are kind. “I’m Ryann McCall, Rathe’s sister, the better half. You must be Sutton.”

I smile and take her hand. “Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too! I had to come and help out and meet the girl that has my brother so riled up,” Ryann says with a laugh.

“Ryann,” Rathe calls out like she’s a child in trouble.

I have to bite back the chuckle threatening to bubble out. “Well, as you can see, he’s starting to get defensive. You know how men are.”

“All too well,” I tell her.

“Let’s get this stuff moved and we can gossip about my brother some more,” Ryann says as she links her arm through mine.

Everything is moved and sitting inside of our new house on a side of town I never thought I would call home. This part of town was one of those places that when I drove through, I yearned for more. In my mind I was never good enough to live here and it still seems like there might be some kind of mistake. It seems like a dream come true in so many ways. “So, I’m trying to figure something out.”

His voice comes from behind me. It’s low enough that I know he has to be just a couple feet away. I turn around and find him studying me. “Well, I’d advise you not to try and figure things out. You might hurt that small-minded brain of yours.”

“Ouch, coming with the punches right out of the gate I see,” Rathe says, as he steps closer to me.

I shrug. “I was never one to beat around the bush.”

“Guess that makes two of us,” Rathe replies. Silence falls between us, both of us daring the other to speak next in this unknown challenge we’ve placed ourselves in.

“Why are you even here?” I finally ask.

He shrugs and looks away. “Curiosity killed the cat, right?” My eyebrows pull together in confusion. Rathe sighs. “Technically, we’re teammates and Revv-It is big on making sure you help each other out.”

Now, he’s just being weird and confusing. “I’m lost. What does that have to do with curiosity”

“I wanted to see where you were moving to. I got to admit though, this isn’t that impressive. I mean, I figured we’d be moving your stuff into a mansion or something.” Rathe crosses his arms over his well-defined chest and I watch as the sleeves of his shirt stretch against his muscles. I study the house behind him. The light seafoam green siding and white shutters called to both Evanna and I when we saw it. It felt fresh and airy. The white wrap around porch seemed like the perfect place for me to relax after a long day on the track and the backyard was large with enough trees to give shade if we ever decided to get a dog.

“Mansions aren’t really my thing,” I finally respond.

Rathe chuckles and I swear the sound dances across my skin. “What? Growing up in one was too much for you? Was that why you were living in that ratty apartment?”

Just like that he ruins the moment. His assumptions drive my anger back up full force. My jaw clenches and my eyes narrow into a glare. “Again, you don’t know the first thing about me. Maybe, you should stop assuming you know everything about everyone. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘No one likes a know-it-all.’ You should really consider that.”

Rathe leans in towards me, his scent invades my senses. My nose takes a deep breath without my knowledge. That damn woodsy scent again. The scent that is going to haunt my dreams now. “Well, then I guess it’s a damn shame that I know everything but then again I don’t give a damn who likes me.”

“Obviously, but maybe instead of being concerned about who likes or what you think you know...you should concentrate on driving...and I don’t know, winning a race or two this season,” I bite out before I can shut my mouth. Rathe steps back so quickly you think I would have slapped him. I guess I kind of did, verbally anyways. For a moment, I feel ashamed for the low blow, but then I remember all of his assumptions about me. I step around and leave Rathe standing, looking stunned in my backyard.

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