We arrive at the warehouse and pull up to the curb. I look over at her. “Do you know how to drive a stick shift?”
“What?” she snaps. “Why would that matter, Cole?”
“Yes or no.”
“Yes!” She crosses her arms over her chest, and my eyes fall to it. The memory of seeing her tits still fresh in my mind. They had looked round, perky, and so fucking perfect. I need out of this car.
I nod my head and then turn around, reaching for my black bag and hoodie. “Keep your phone on you,” I tell her. “As soon as I call you, answer.”
“Cole …”
I get out and slam my door shut before I hear her say anything else. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out, expecting it to be her, but Bennett flashes across my screen.
“Hello?” I answer it, throwing my bag over the metal gate.
“Hey, man. Thought we were on for tonight.”
I place my hands on the gate and climb it before jumping over it, landing on my feet. “I am.”
“What?” He pauses, and I look up at the sky. The sun almost done setting. “Well, what time?”
“Now.” I pick up my bag.
“Cole, how the fuck are you doing it right now? I’m with Deke and Shane. I spoke to Kellan earlier, and he said he hasn’t spoken to you all day.”
“I’ve got it covered. Disable the alarm system now and then head to the clubhouse. I’ll meet you in an hour.” I hang up, placing my phone back in my pocket.
I pull my hood up and over my head and throw the bag over my shoulder. I run around to the back. The dim light buzzing above my head, I keep my eyes down, staring at the ground, knowing where all the cameras are. I helped place them, after all. Then walk up to the back door. Seconds later, my phone vibrates, and I check it.
Deke: You’ve got two minutes.
Grabbing the tools of out my pocket, I place them in the lock and twist them. A pop sounds seconds later.
Walking in, I smile at the car that sits before me. A bright fucking red Ferrari 250 GTO. My favorite color. Only thirty-nine were produced, and I’m about to make this one mine. A few other cars are in the warehouse, but I ignore them. They’re not why I’m here.
I grab the key off the hook that hangs on the wall and then jump into the car, throwing my bag in the passenger seat. I take out my phone and call Austin.
“Cole, what the hell are you doing?”
“Turn the car around,” I order her.
“What? I don’t have time for this. What are you—”
“Turn the fucking car around, Austin,” I snap, interrupting her. She’s right; we don’t have time for this.
I sit in the silent, dark warehouse and can hear the engine of my car outside in the street as she pulls forward and turns around to face the right direction now. “Follow me,” I tell her.
“Follow you?” she asks, her voice rising in panic. “You’re not coming back?”
“Nope,” I say and hit the door opener on the visor. “Don’t lose me, Austin. You stay on my ass. Do you understand me?”
Silence.
“Fucking answer me, Austin!”
“Yeah.” I finally hear her answer in her small voice.
“Let’s go.” I hang up, start the car, and take off.
AUSTIN
I hang up the phone and toss it into the passenger seat. You stay on my ass! What the hell does that mean?
My hands shake, and my knees bounce as I sit in his driver’s seat, waiting for I don’t know what to happen. I don’t know where we are or what he has planned.
I hear an engine, and then a red car pulls out of a driveway to the gate I had watched him jump just minutes before.
He turns onto the road and takes off. I shove the car into gear and follow him.
He’s gone before I can even figure out how to shift his car. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven a standard. And I didn’t wanna tell him, but I suck at it. My ex, Martin, had yelled at me for hours when he tried to teach me. I let off the clutch, and it jumps.
Shit!
I get it into second. And then third. I make it to fourth a lot better and press on the gas. He’s long gone. I can’t even see the taillights ahead of me. But I remembered what direction we came from. I hope that was the same one he took out of this town. It’s officially dark, and the town is quiet. We must be on the outskirts because I haven’t seen another car or person since we pulled in.
I hear sirens behind me, and I start to panic. What the hell was he doing? Does he want me to get caught? Is that his plan? Another game he wants me to lose? Well, I’d much rather it be robbery than murder, if I had to choose.