The room erupted, and the echoing of Lockwood could be heard throughout. “Can we get a few words from our fearless new leader?”
Brian stood and again waited for the room to quiet down before making his pitch. “Thank you.” Cyrus nodded and took his seat.
“I’ve been told that Daughtry is more than just a team but a family. I understand that there is a long and proud history here. I plan not only to uphold your great traditions but to expand on it. All I ask is that you do your best, and I’ll promise to do mine. Together, we are going to achieve great things!”
The room broke out into chants of Lockwood.
Brian’s chest was tight with emotion. “With that said, the next round of beers is on me.” He took his seat then looked over at Liam.
Liam lifted his beer and tapped it against Brian’s. “I couldn’t have said it any better.”
“When are you boys heading back home?” Cyrus asked.
“I’m leaving in the morning,” Liam said.
“Unfortunately, I’ll be leaving tomorrow night, but I’ll be back Saturday,” Brian answered.
“Then I’ll see you at the garage in the morning?” Cyrus confirmed.
“You will.” Brian nodded.
“It’s been a long day and night for this old man, so I’m going to head out,” Cyrus said.
“Me Too,” Ben cosigned.
“Before you go, I was hoping to chat with Colby. Do you know if she is coming?” Brian asked.
Cyrus lifted a shoulder. “Not sure. She hasn’t been informed of her change in status. So, technically, she is not a member of Team Daughtry.” Cyrus corrected himself. “Sorry, I mean, Team Lockwood.” He smiled. “After twenty-five years, that is going to take a bit of getting used to.”
“I understand.” Brian returned his smile warmly. “She and Asher are the only two drivers I haven’t had a chance to speak with. I was hoping we’d have a few minutes tonight.”
Cyrus nodded. “If not tonight, I’ll make sure that she’ll be at the garage in the morning.”
“Great. We’ll talk then.”
Brian and Liam shook hands with Cyrus, Ben, and a few others as they stood to leave then watched them walk out of the restaurant.
“You’re welcome,” Brian said as they took their seats.
“For what?” Liam looked genuinely confused.
“That last question was for you,” he said.
“You are not making any sense.”
“Are you really going to sit there and pretend that you weren’t wondering if Colby was coming?”
Liam’s mouth suddenly felt dry. He picked up his beer and took a drink before answering. “I’m curious to meet both Colby and Asher.”
Brian laughed. “My guess is for completely different reasons. I saw the way you looked at her earlier today. What I can’t figure is if you’re attracted or just intrigued.”
“Who wouldn’t be intrigued? She’s like a unicorn who has earned a heavy dose of respect from this team, and I don’t know anything about her other than she’s Cyrus’ daughter. You know how I hate being in the dark.”
“That I do. But that’s it? Are you only curious about her as it relates to racing? You’re not even remotely interested in the fact that she is gorgeous? It’s impossible to miss that fact.”
Liam laughed. “How can you tell? She is always scowling.”
“Oh, I can tell, and my guess is you can too.”
“My only interest in any of this is to make sure you don’t lose your trust fund and to keep the Luccesses out of our family’s business.”
“Okaaaaaaay. If that’s what you want to keep telling yourself.” Brian was skeptical as he got up to use the bathroom. “Just know that I’m keeping my eyes on you.” He used his index and middle finger to point to his eyes then back to Liam’s.
Chapter 9
“Ms. James in the house!” someone yelled from across the room. This caused Liam to glance up from his smartphone.
His back was turned away from the entrance so that he couldn’t see her. There was an unfamiliar tightening of his stomach at the mention of her name. It was akin to when he was about to close a big deal. It confused him since the deal with Daughtry had already been closed.
Liam reached his hand in the pretzel bowl and was about to pop one into his mouth when his hand froze in midair.
He could only see the back of her, but Liam knew it was Colby by the confident way she strutted over to her friends.
He watched silently as she exchanged hugs with everyone.
“I didn’t think you were ever going to show up!” Gonzo leaned into Lila. “Hey, beautiful. It’s good to see you.” He pulled her into a hug and kissed Lila on the cheek.
“You better stop that before your girl gets pissed.” Lila winked. “Hey, Bree.”
Bree knew she had nothing to worry about. She snuggled a little closer into Gonzo’s side. “Hey, Colby. Hey, Lila! I didn’t know you were back in town.”
“Just got in today. I’m only here for a few days,” Lila said.
Zander chimed in. “Gimme some of that!” He reached over and hugged Lila. “Is it possible that you get prettier every time I see you?”
Lila giggled. “It absolutely is!”
Gonzo rolled his eyes. “The bigger question is, not only did you get Colby to come out but how the hell did you get her to dress up?”
“Hey, you know me.” Lila laughed.
“Oh, c’mon. You guys act like you’ve never seen me in a dress,” Colby said.
“I count three times in my lifetime,” Zander joked.
“Whatever.”
“I won’t let them rag on you like that, Colby. No matter what us James’ girls wear, we kill it. Even those ugly old coveralls,” Lila said. “Now, can somebody buy a girl a drink?” There wasn’t a shortage of men in the bar trying to fulfill her request.
“You missed the toast,” Gonzo said to Colby. “Your dad just
