“You ready?” His voice comes across from his open window, slamming me out of the fantasy and desire that took hold.
“Yeah, bring it,” I taunt with a grin as I start my car of choice and pull out onto the tarred track. The smooth rumble of the engine is music to my ears. The clouds pull over, and the sky turns a deep gray. A storm is coming, and we will need to be careful if the track gets wet. I’m thankful Dad showed me how to handle wet roads. A pang of agony hits me right in the chest, and I close my eyes for a short moment, asking him to be with me before I glance over to find Kayden beside me.
He tips his head, and soon enough, we’re pulling away from the starting line. My adrenalin kicks in the moment the needle hits sixty. When it moves past, heading up for one hundred, my heart is racing, and my hands grip the wheel tight.
My legs move, my fingers shifting until I’m in the right gear. We’re flying around the gravel like we were born for it. My desire for Kayden is skyrocketing profoundly. I never expected to be dating a racer because I always thought they were out of my league, but his attention on me has been welcome.
I know I need to be careful, wary because boys like him— No, scrap that. Men like him are heartbreakers. Don’t fall in love. That’s all I have to watch out for. So, as I take the first corner, I glance in the rearview mirror and grin when I see Kayden hot on my ass.
Coming out of the bend, I hit the gas and head for the straight. This is the easy bit because the moment my foot presses down all the way, I’m flying faster than I ever have. As I come up to the next sharp bend, I gear down, slowing to what I deem is respectable to make it, and I do.
A scream of excitement leaves my lips as I pull into another straight, and I’m off like a shot. Kayden isn’t far behind me, and I have a feeling this is his tactic. I’ve only seen a few races online of his, and I notice how he likes to creep up on his opponent. With each turn after that, I keep my glance on the track, but I don’t stop watching my competition. I know I can beat him again, and I know when I do, he’s going to be pissed. And that only makes me want to do it even more.
With the first lap complete, my heart beating wildly like a drum against my ribs, and my hands shaking as we near the middle of the second lap, I wonder if this is something I can ever get used to.
Would I ever be good enough to race professionally? Yes, I’m training with Colton Donavan’s team, but it doesn’t mean I can win my races. I know I’m a good racer, but it’s all just for fun right now.
Kayden’s been doing this for years, and I hope one day I can be a name on the leaderboard. That’s all I ever wanted. I can see the finish line. I can feel the victory in my lungs, taste it on my tongue, but I notice Kayden speeding up. Smiling, I do the one thing I know I probably shouldn’t do, and I wonder if Kayden will spank me again for doing it. It’s not something I would do in a professional race, but since we’re playing a little game, I do it anyway. I put my foot down all the way and make sure I take over both lanes.
He flashes his lights at me, causing me to giggle. Only when I’m inches from the finish line, do I move over, and we both seem to speed over the black and white stripes at the same time.
By the time we slow to a stop, and I’m out of the car, Kayden’s at my door leaning over me. His eyes glower, but it’s not with anger. Pure, feral desire burns in his eyes.
“Think you’re funny, speedy?” he whispers, low and demanding. His hands land on either side of my head on the top edge of the doorframe.
“I was doing what I needed to do to win,” I tell him easily. A small smile spreads on my lips when he leans in farther. He makes my heartrate kick up a notch, and it’s soon speeding in my chest, just like we were moments ago.
Kayden’s lips brush over my cheek, his warm breath fanning across my ear. “We’ll see about that, and I can’t wait to see what else you’ll do to win,” he murmurs. His words cause goosebumps to skitter over my skin.