He responded to Colby but looked directly at Cyrus. “223.2 mph in 4.1 seconds.”
“That’s faster than I predicted!” Colby swung around to her dad and held her breath, waiting for his reaction.
If Cyrus hadn’t seen it for himself, he wouldn’t have believed it. “Where the hell did you steal that car because that is not the one I left in the garage last night?”
“I made a few modifications.” Colby’s dark eyes sparkled. “That’s why I didn’t come home last night.”
“Gonzo!” Cyrus’ voice was as stern as his face when he yelled out his name.
Her father didn’t appear to be taking Colby’s accomplishment the way she hoped. She began to explain. “Look, Dad—”
Cyrus held up his hand to silence her.
Gonzo made his way over, stood before him, and swallowed hard. “Y-yes, sir.”
Cyrus’ face was unreadable. “You have something to do with an unauthorized person making modifications to Daughtry property?”
Was he for real? Was her dad pissed when Colby had just given Daughtry Racing a fighting chance?
The air surrounding the entire group was tense.
Initially, Gonzo began to stammer. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “Yes, sir. I did. Colby knows more about the inside of a car than anyone I know—except for you, sir. She said she could make her run faster, and I believed her.”
Colby didn’t know if she could contain her building frustration. Her dad should be happy, excited, proud even, but she didn’t think he was any of the above until the stern look on his face gave way to the most beautiful smile she’d ever seen. “I should have known you were in cahoots with my daughter. Frick and goddamned Frack,” Cyrus said a little more quietly. “You did good to believe in her. I should have too.”
Cyrus turned to Colby. “I’m sorry. I seem to be saying that a lot lately. But in spite of me, you just might have given us the miracle we’ve all been prayin’ for.” Cyrus pulled Colby into his arms. She sagged against him as relief washed over her entire body.
“I don’t know how you got that car to move like that, but you did better than good.” He whispered, for her ears only, “I don’t even think he could have taken those curves like you did.”
Colby’s heart tightened. She closed her eyes and fought back the tears that threatened to overflow. Instead, Colby rested her head on her father’s shoulder. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel such a heavyweight on her chest. “That’s high praise coming from you.”
The gang was in full celebration mode just as Tom arrived.
He always had the worst timing. His face was pulled tight. “I don’t know what the hell everyone is celebrating for? Our last hope of saving this sinking ship just went up in smoke.”
Cyrus stepped away from Colby. “What are you talking about? Did the buyer pull out?” Cyrus glanced over Tom’s shoulder. “I guess that answers my question. I thought the suits were coming this afternoon?”
Everyone followed Cyrus’ line of sight as several men approached.
“Shit,” Tom said. “They are. They’re obviously early.”
Cyrus spoke through a fake smile that looked more like a grimace. “Where is Asher? Shouldn’t he be arriving right about now.”
“He’s not coming.” Tom spoke through a frozen grin as the men in suits walked closer. Everyone within earshot was shocked but had to recover from his statement quickly. Before they could ask any questions, the buyers were standing just a few feet away. Colby recognized the two guys from the night before, but there were also a couple of new faces.
Brian Lockwood greeted everyone standing before him. “Good morning. My group is a little early. I hope that’s not a problem?”
“N-n-no,” Tom stammered.
Brian smiled and extended a hand to Tom and Cyrus. “I’m Brian, and you’ve met my brother, Liam Lockwood.” Colby didn’t hear the rest of the introductions. She’d been right. The man who was imprinted on her brain was important. He was the brother of the buyer.
She was surprised that they were so young. She hadn’t known who the potential buyers were until this moment, so Colby hadn’t been able to go online or do any research. The one doing most of the talking had to still be in his twenties; the other one was probably in his early to mid-thirties. There was something dark and brooding about him. It took a major effort not to stare.
“We had the privilege of watching that practice run. It was impressive. We would love to meet with Asher.” Brian glanced around the group. “Where did he go? I don’t see him.”
Tom had no idea what they were talking about. “Unfortunately, Asher had an emergency and was not able to join us. Jordan Williams and Chris Roberts are the other drivers for Daughtry Racing. They should be here shortly,” Tom answered.
A frown creased Liam’s forehead. “Then who was driving the car?”
“What? What are you talking about?” Tom asked.
No one uttered a word until Cyrus said, proudly, “Colby James.” He motioned for her to come forward.
She did as she was asked then firmly gripped Brian’s hand. He seemed genuinely surprised but recovered nicely. “Nice to meet you.”
She turned to Liam and was about to do the same . . . until he spoke.
“That was you?” He voiced the doubts his people were failing miserably to disguise.
Colby’s arms dropped at her sides. She was so tired of having to prove herself. Check your pride. You need to impress this man. She smiled, but it looked more like a grimace. “I can take you for a spin to prove it if you’d like?”
The silence that followed was awkward. Tom worked to diffuse it. “Again, Asher had an emergency and couldn’t be here. He sends his apologies. However, our other drivers should be here shortly. Then we can show you what the car can really do.”
Liam ignored Tom as he kept his gaze trained on Colby. “You’re on the driving team?” He had known about Jordan and Chris
