Page 91 of Racing Heat

“He always looks so angry,” Amelia adds.

“Does he?” I ask.

“He’s just a big ole teddy bear,” Hendrix tells us. “I actually really like him. He’s a good coach. Really seems to care about all of us. And he has some great ideas for drills and strategies. One of the good things that August was able to find.”

“What is the deal with you and him?” Mac asks her. “You’re always giving that man shit. And he signs our paychecks, so is that really smart of you?”

Hendrix grimaces and takes another sip of her drink. “You’re really trying to make it a two-pitcher day, aren’t you?”

“Oh god, no!” I chime in. “I can’t have four.”

“Yeah, two each is enough,” Amelia agrees.

Hendrix shrugs. “Well, then there will be no stories of me and August.”

I watch her for a second. “You have history with him?”

Hendrix nods. “Yeah, I do. And that’s all I want to say about that.”

I watch her for a moment, nodding. I can respect that she has a secret she wants to keep. I know a thing or two about that.

“Not until you’re ready, but if you ever are, promise me you won’t leave me out.” Mac winks at her.

“If I ever tell anyone, it’ll be the three of you and in private. Not here in public when it could get back to him.”

We all nod in agreement. Mac’s phone chimes and I can tell right away that it’s Danny. Her face lights up and she giggles as she types a message back to him.

“You should wait until you’re at least buzzed to answer him,” Amelia says. “Could make your responses so much more fun.”

“Ha. Yeah, he would appreciate that. He was talking so dirty to me last night.” Her face flushes red, and before she can say another word, Hendrix jumps in.

“Well, he can’t have you right now. It’s a girls’ brunch.”

She nods. “Oh, he doesn’t want me right now. I guess the guys are talking about hanging out. Danny asked if he could bring me and you guys. August is okay with it if you all are too.”

Damn it. I was hoping I would have another private night with Jase. I guess I’ll have to share.

“What was that look for?” Mac asks me. “Do you not want to hang out tonight?”

“No, it’s fine. Tonight, should be fun. I’ll just need a nap before we go out.”

Hendrix and Amelia are nodding in their agreement.

“I can tell him it’ll just be me or that you can’t make it,” she suggests.

“Nah, I’m in,” I reply. “It’ll be fun. It’s been a hot minute since we all hung out.”

“Yeah, Danny says that August likes to hang out with all of us. Apparently, he doesn’t have too many friends.”

“Can’t imagine why,” Hendrix says, rolling her eyes.

I start to ask her something, but our server returns with my French toast.

“How do you know him again?” I ask her. I’m curious now. She’s usually not too vocal about him.

“College,” she replies between bites.

“Well, he must not hate you too much if he signed you,” Amelia remarks.