Page 68 of You, Me, and Lucky Number 13

“What I’m saying is that I’m in this for the long haul. There’s nothing fake about our relationship,” I continue, gently cupping her face in my hands. “Whatever happens, your career is safe with me.Youare safe with me. But nothing’s going to happen to us. We’re a team, on and off the track, the real deal. I’m not going anywhere.”

For a moment, Lola is silent, searching my eyes. Then, slowly, a smile breaks across her face.

“I love you, too, Cole,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “I believe you, and I believe in us, but you’ll have to be patient with me. The hurt and fear don’t just fade away overnight.”

“It’s a deal,” I whisper as I pull her into my arms, feeling the tension melt from her body. I know we’ve crossed a finish line more important than any race we’ll face on the track. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together.

This is more than just winning. This is about building a future, side by side.

As I pull Lola closer, our lips meet in a kiss that’s both tender and electric. It’s a promise, a new beginning, a?—

“Ahem.”

We spring apart, startled by the sudden intrusion. Gene stands in the doorway, his expression a mix of amusement and concern.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he says, not sounding sorry at all, “but we’ve got a situation.”

I run a hand through my hair, trying to regain my composure. “What’s up, Gene?”

His face turns serious. “We’ve finished analyzing the data from the last race. The hydraulic failure? It wasn’t an accident.”

Lola stiffens beside me. “What are you saying?”

Gene sighs, looking older than his years. “Someone tampered with the system. Deliberately.”

A cold fury settles in my gut. “Chad,” I growl.

Lola turns to me, eyes wide. “You really think he would take things that far?”

“I’d bet my life on it,” I say, clenching my fists. “It’s exactly the kind of underhanded bullshit his father used to pull. Like father, like son.”

Gene nods grimly. “We don’t have proof, but… it fits the pattern.”

I start pacing, anger and adrenaline coursing through me. “He thinks he can scare me off? Get me to sit out the next race?”

Lola reaches out, her hand on my arm steadying me. “Cole, we need to be smart about this. If we accuse him without proof?—”

I turn to her, seeing the worry in her eyes. But beneath that, there’s steel. My brilliant, fierce Lola.

“You’re right,” I say, taking a deep breath. “We play this smart. But I’m not letting him win. I’m racing, and I’m going to leave him in the dust.”

Gene clears his throat. “We’ll need to be extra vigilant. Double and triple-check everything.”

I nod, determination replacing anger. “We’ve got this. Chad doesn’t know who he’s messing with.”

Lola squeezes my hand, a silent show of support. “We’re a team,” she says firmly. “On and off the track.”

As I look at her, then at Gene, I feel a surge of pride and belonging. This is my family, my home. And I’ll be damned if I let anyone take that away from me.

“All right,” I say, a grin spreading across my face. “Let’s show this bastard how we do things.”

Gene nods, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “That’s the spirit, kid. I’ll get the crew working on extra security measures for the car.”

As he turns to leave, he pauses, glancing between Lola and me. “And you two… just be careful, all right? On and off the track.”

I feel Lola tense beside me, but I squeeze her hand reassuringly. “We’ve got this, Gene. Trust us.”

Once he’s gone, Lola turns to me, her face a storm of emotions. “Cole, if Chad’s really behind this…”

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