Chapter 18

Michael

otherfucker!

I dart out of my freshly smashed-up racecar and fly to where Tate Pearson is standing next to his car, barely across the finish line. He's grinning like a fucking prick as I storm up to him, ripping my helmet off my head.

Fuck, it’s hot in Florida.

He's holding his helmet in his hand, and I knock it away, not taking my eyes off his to watch it fall to the pavement. “You did that shit on purpose.”

His shit-eating grin makes me nearly homicidal as I see Cash walking over to us in my peripheral vision.

“Aw, you mean you slamming that pretty little car of yours into the wall? Don't blame me if you can't keep control of your car, rookie.”

My hands shove the front of his jumpsuit, and he stumbles back into my car and, of course, Cash is there in a flash, standing in between us as Tate raises a fist.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Cash is asking me, not Tate.

Of fucking course.

I point back at my damaged car like a child tattling. “He fucking spun me into the wall! Fucker did it on purpose, and you’re asking me what I’m doing?”

Cash stays put, firmly in between us. “Yeah, I know.” His eyes drift to Tate. “It was pretty fucking low.”

“Hey man, it’s just a little hazing. It’s not my fault the kid can't drive worth shit.”

Cash scoffs, but he keeps his cool. “Right. Had nothing to do with him passing you on the last lap, and you being a scared little bitch?”

“Fuck you, Cash. If he can't handle it, then he shouldn't be here.”

I can feel all eyes on us in the crowded arena, but I don't give a shit. “You could have hurt someone.”

“Oh, go cry to your mama, baby. We drive fast. Anyone can get hurt any time.”

I try not to flinch at the “mama” comment, but my blood is boiling. “Fuck off, asshole.” I try to get to him again, but Cash shoves my body backward.

Gripping the collar of my jumpsuit. “Listen to me. You are new, still on probation. You can’t be starting fights. Certainly not on the fucking track.”

“That's right, kid. You gotta earn that shit.” Tate's lips purse as he blows an obnoxious kiss at me.

Cash grins and releases me. “Exactly. Like I have.” Then quickly, before anyone sees it coming, he lands a swift right hook connecting fiercely with Tate's nose.

Tate's hand quickly covers his now bleeding nose, and I swear there is a collective gasp in the crowd as Dani rushes over from the pit. Cash ignores her, focusing on Tate. “This kid is off-limits to your hazing bullshit. Don't fuck with him again.”

Cash starts toward the pit as Tate glares at me. Dani grabs my shoulder and urges me to follow Cash.

When we’re all alone in the pit, Dani shoves Cash's shoulder with her small hand. “What the fuck was that? You want to be fined?”

He just chuckles and nods his head to me. “It was either that, or your loverboy was gonna do it and get kicked off the racing team.”

I look over at Dani with curiosity. “You told him?”

Cash shakes his head and unzips his jumpsuit. “She didn't have to. I knew you two would start banging again.”

“Zip it, Cash.” Fuck, they really do talk about everything. Dani looks slightly uncomfortable, which is kinda fucking adorable on her. I hadn’t seen or talked to her since she left my condo last week, but things are different at this race.

She didn't avoid me when she and Cash arrived at the track today. We all actually hung out together in Cash's trailer for a bit.

Morgan isn't with me on this trip. She had some sort of family emergency, so it was just us. Of course, that was Dani’s first question to me, wondering where my blonde bimbo was. Her words, not mine, but her white, scorching jealousy has me hot.

“Are you really going to get fined for that?”

He nods his head, but shrugs it off easily. “Probably, but they eat that shit up too. I’m not on probation, and you'd be surprised how many of the fans here are salivating for a wreck or a fight.”

“That’s fucked up.” Dani folds her arms over her generous chest, and I didn’t miss earlier that she's wearing my whiskey t-shirt today, paired with sexy jean shorts.

 “Maybe, but you gotta give the people what they want.” Cash points his finger at me. “But you need to wait until you’ve paid your dues.”

I roll my eyes, but succumb to his lecture. “Yes, sir.”

He looks pleased then addresses Dani, “I’m gonna guess you aren’t free for dinner. So, I’m gonna go grab something to eat with some of the guys.” Dani looks flustered, but doesn’t argue as he winks at her and shakes my hand. “You kids be good now.”

Cash takes off, and it’s just me and Dani. She shakes her head, laughing at the awkwardness. “He acts like he's fifty. But he's only a couple years older than me.”

She's so fucking beautiful. It’s crazy how much I’ve missed her this week. I start to stalk her, needing to be closer. But for every step I take toward her, she takes one back until her body flattens against the wall of the pit, separating us from the now-dispersing crowd.

“Are you hungry?” Her voice is much weaker and quieter than she usually is.

My lips brush over her jaw. “Fucking starving.”

I watch as she swallows with nervousness and bites down on her lower lip. “What happened to you not being able to do this? To being stronger now?”

My hands roam over her hips, holding onto her as my forehead rests against hers, gazing into her pretty eyes. “I've had another taste. I’m addicted all over again.”

I see the uncertainty in her eyes, but feel the need coming from her body as her lips brush over mine. “It was only supposed to be once. If I give in now, what will stop me from giving in at every race we see each other?”

“Hopefully nothing.” I don't let her argue because I know she doesn't want to. My lips press against hers, her fingers gripping the back of my head, pulling me to her with wanton lust.

I’m a weak, stupid man, but feeling her lips on mine again, I couldn’t give a shit.