~ Outside The Speedway ~ (Lightning McQueen x OC)

Chapter 18

I don't take my time to talk to anyone before rushing over to where Lightning was sitting. He practically fell out of his chair when I came over.

I sat down, glancing here and there to make sure no one grew suspicious of why I sped over to him so fast. McQueen steadied himself, clearly still a little shocked as to why I ran here so fast. I guess he didn't think he was my first choice to talk to at this party. Especially because he spent the last week by my side. I bet he thought I wanted to 'reconcile' with everyone else first. 

I stared him straight in the eyes, still glancing at Sally specifically. "Listen, you better not have told anyone about what happened at the speedway the past week. I'll be banned from racing forever." My voice lowered with every word, making sure he got the message, even if he could barely hear me.

Lightning understood and nodded, looking down. He didn't say a word.

In fact, he looked... sad?

I tilted my head to the side, trying to get a better look at him. I was right; Lightning did look sad. But it wasn't easy to see it, he had a pretty straight face on.

"Hey... are you alright?" I put a hand to his shoulder, and he tensed, before relaxing. I moved my head a little more, still trying to look at his face. My hair fell into my face, and I tried blowing it away, but of course, I was unsuccessful.

Lightning looked up before sighing. He looked at me with a soft smile, the one I haven't seen since the night we almost died. Which wasn't too long ago.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just exhausted." McQueen said, sitting straight again. "And don't worry, I knew not to tell anyone what happened. You have to do that yourself."

He leaned in, tucking the hair that fell into my face behind my ear. I forgot to breathe for a second, and I could feel my neck, face, and ears heat up. Good thing it was dark enough not to see that I was so, so damn red right now.

Ugh. What is wrong with me?

Could I really have a crush on this idiot?

I mean, with every little thing that's gone wrong for the past week, he's been by my side through practically all of it. It'd be weird not to like him to some extent.

But then there's Sally. And my Uncle Hudson. Neither of them would approve, no matter what I told them. Sally would get mad as hell at me for liking her long-time crush. Uncle Hudson would tell me he's too reckless for me. Too self-centered.

But... if he were truly self-centered he would've brought me to my room after I passed out on the track. He wouldn't check up on me. He wouldn't make sure I ate. He wouldn't share his special place in the glass booth. He definitely wouldn't want to give me free publicity. He wouldn't make sure I was taken care of after that bullet grazed me...

And he most certainly wouldn't be sitting here, in front of me, celebrating me, after a race we both four-way-tied in.

He's making me think more than I'd like.

I stood up, wanting to go greet everyone else. I didn't get the chance to say a simple 'hi' once I got here, with all the commotion Lighting caused.

"I'll be back soon," I said. I mentally promised myself I would.

Lightning grabbed my hand before I could walk away. I froze. I looked straight ahead, at Sally, making sure she wasn't able to see a thing. Then I turned around and looked at him straight in the eyes.

As always, they were shining.

Damn, his hand was warm.

"Save me a dance?"