“Chrissy swore I spent more time here than at home, so I brought my favorite couch from home and added the mini fridge. I have formal meetings downstairs in the main Flash offices. I like having the two distinct places. One for me and one for the public.” He nodded to the last frame. “We’ll get Ethan up here, sooner or later. All of you boys made it onto my wall of fame.”

With Ethan’s luck? Probably later. Sam nodded. “That’s the plan.” Always the diplomatic one. “You’re going to put him in the second truck, come Eldora, right?”

“That’s the plan. I’m sure you heard the rumor. I put Corey on as his crew chief so you can work with Adam on the dirt trucks. You’re my best guy for specialty tracks.” Just as fast as he’d walked to Sam’s side, Collin strode to the fridge and grabbed two bottles of beer. “She’s cold and goes down a little too smooth.” He chuckled. “These are the last two, I guess. Well, unless they come back this year and offer to sponsor the second half of the season. I’m oping they do. We can use the funds.” He untucked his dress shirt and used the tail to open the bottle, then handed the beer to Sam. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Sam tipped the bottle for a long swig, then smacked his lips. “Sorry. Bad habit.”

“Enjoying a good brew? Never.” Collin sat down on the middle of the sofa. “Join me.”

“Thanks, Sir.” Sam perched on the edge of the plush leather. Don’t take too many liberties, he reminded himself. He worked for Collin, not screwed around with him. Besides, Collin had noticed him—best guy for specialty races. Not too shabby.

“You don’t have to call me Sir. Collin works. Sit back, relax.” Collin propped his right ankle on his left knee and rested his bottle on his right knee. “Other than the young gun being quick on the trigger, how are things on the team? You’re happy?”

“Very.” Sam eased backwards on the couch until he rested in the crook of the back and arm. “Ethan’s strong-willed, but once he gets himself sorted out, you’re right, he’ll come around. I see big things for him.”

“What about you? You’re here late. The wifey isn’t upset?” Collin downed a swig of the beer. “Wait, no, you’re one of the lucky single souls. I envy you.”

“Me?” Sam choked on his brew. “Not a chance.” He snorted, then coughed. “I seem to attract guys who want a one night or a quickie with my driver friends. Use me to get to him. Sucks. And for the longest time, I actually believed a couple of them loved me.”