Traction (The Driven World)

My mouth falls open, but I quickly shut it before I open it again. I’m sure I must look like an imbecile, but I’m in shock.

“I’m taking your silence as a yes.” Colton grins before sliding over a stack of pages, which look like I’m about to sell my soul for the chance to race. But I’ll happily do it because the adrenalin and freedom I felt on that track was nothing short of euphoria.

“I’d love to. It’s a dream come true, and I’m still in shock that I’m even here.” He smiles at me, gentle and kind. My heart is beating wildly at the thought of being able to perhaps pursue this professionally. Nothing short of a wild dream.

“Then take this home, read through it, and also have your lawyer go through it. If there are any concerns, I’ll be happy to talk them out with you both. Your father was right. You have a natural talent, and I think he must’ve noticed your passion early on. I think it’s admirable you’ve found something you can do, and you enjoy doing at such a young age.”

“It’s the one thing he and I had in common. It brought us closer together because when I first got to their home, I felt alone. And in a way, I was. But he made sure I eased into a family I never thought I would have.”

Colton nods slowly. “I get that, more than most. And once you meet my wife, Rylee, she’ll tell you the same. Her work allowed her to meet many youths who didn’t get as lucky as you did, but they’re able to follow their dreams.”

I can’t help but smile. I read about Colton and his wife. Her work is something I’ve admired, and they’re most definitely one of those couples you could set your goals toward.

“So, make sure you’re here tomorrow, same time, and I’ll set you up with someone who can train you up, show you the ropes, and hopefully, get you on track.”

“I can’t thank you enough,” I tell Colton as I push to my feet. My chest is tight with emotion, and my eyes burn when he shakes my hand. With my contract, I head out into the parking lot. The old Beemer my dad left me is waiting, but I notice a black Rover parked in the lot near the entrance. And inside, the asshole from earlier.

I don’t want to fight with someone I could be working with in future, but I find my confidence and walk up to his window. Knocking on the glass, I wait for him to slide it down.

“The wannabe racer,” he says with a smirk as he takes me in from head to toe. His eyes seem to undress me with their heat, and my skin bursts with goosebumps.

“Yeah, you know what? I am a wannabe because I’m not a professional yet. But your attitude stinks. I’ve spent my life around cars, around tracks, and watching men like you race. I’ve also looked up to many, but with your vile reaction to a girl beating you, I think you’re nothing more than a scared little boy.”

I don’t know where my fire comes from, but the thought of someone looking down at me because I’m female only makes me want to punch him in the face. And if he weren’t in the car, I may have slapped him.

I expect him to shout and scream. I also expect him to curse me out, but he doesn’t. His eyes narrow as he watches me. A small smile hints at the corner of his mouth before he says, “Fire. I love a feisty woman.”

“You can love it all you want, but I’m not one of your pit bunnies who drops to her knees for you. And I never will be.” I spin on my heel and head back toward my car.

But just before I reach it, I hear the rumble of the Rover. It stops right behind me, and Kayden rolls down the window farther to lean out. His smile is brighter now, and my heart kicks in my chest.

Fuck.

I can’t deny the asshole is handsome. Hot. He’s most definitely bad news, and I know Dad would warn me away if I told him I met someone good-looking at the track.

“Hey, speedy,” he calls to me. “Never say never, because I wouldn’t mind seeing you ride.” With a wink, he pulls away, and his words sink in, and I slowly realize what he meant, which only seems to make my stomach tumble.

“Ugh,” I bite out as I slip into the seat of my car. The man is appalling, and I can’t stand him. Why does he have to work here, where I’ll be for I don’t know how long?

It could be months.

It could even be years.