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“Hey there,” the guy from the last race says.
I blink, my scrambled mind trying to refocus.
“Uh, hi,” I say awkwardly, twisting my fingers in front of me in a nervous gesture.
“I haven’t seen you around here before. I’m Hendrix.”
“I’m Locklyn,” I say, taking his outstretched hand and shaking it once.
He doesn’t seem to want to let me go, and I like the feel of his hand wrapped around mine, so I don’t pull away either. Hendrix looks at our hands, then smiles before turning his attention on me.
“Is this your first time here?” he asks, and I nod.
“Yeah, this is my first year at Sequoia University, and my friends dragged me out here.”
“Well, I’m glad they did.”
I duck my head, trying to hide my smile. Car engines rev and we both glance over to the starting line.
“My buddy, Thorne, is up next. Let’s go watch his race.”
I let him drag me over to the fence and lean on it next to him.
“Is it always two cars racing?” I ask, and he nods.
“The turn would be a little tight with any more cars. I think they tried to do four cars at once back in the day but there were a ton of accidents. Since we’re not supposed to really be out here, it was a bad idea. Can’t exactly keep things secret if you have to call for an ambulance or the cops.”
I nod, looking over to where a girl is walking out with a checkered flag. I didn’t realize this was a secret, underground racing arena, but it makes sense. There’s nothing official about this set up, and they are openly taking bets. That should have me backing away from the king of the racetrack himself, but instead, the thrill of danger spikes my nerves in a strange but pleasurable way.
“Congrats on your race,” I tell him, hoping to rid myself of these thoughts. Hendrix nods distractedly. He’s too busy watching his friend’s car to want to talk about his win.
“Thanks, but it wasn’t really a fair race. Simon is a newer racer, and I knew that I could beat him with my eyes closed.”
I nod, and he grins down at me. His smile is a little cocky, but also charming. He puts me at ease, though he probably shouldn’t.
“The same is about to happen for Thorne. He’s up against Paul. The guy has been here for four years and never won once. Watch, he’ll jump start and be disqualified before the race even starts.”
“Jump start?” I ask, and he nods.
“Yeah. That’s when a car moves from its grid slot before the start of the race is signaled.”
I smile, and we both turn back to the cars as the flag is held overhead. Right before she’s about to lower her arm, the car on the right jerks forward, and Hendrix chuckles as the crowd groans.
“Thorne is going to be pissed. He loves racing,” he says as the race is called for his friend.
“Will he be able to race someone else?”
“Maybe. It depends on if there’s enough people signed up.”
We watch as Paul leaves the track and Thorne sits there, talking to the guy who looks like he’s in charge here.
Sure enough, another car is brought up and I lean further over the fence as the racers get ready. The same girl raises the flag and lets it drop, and I suck in a breath as the cars take off.
I wasn’t by the fence for the first race so I didn’t get to feel the air and dirt as the racers sped past. It’s different being so close to the action. The ground rattles as the cars speed past. My heart races, threatening to beat out of my chest, and my eyes are glued to the two cars as they fly down the track.
Thorne wins by an inch, and I cheer, turning to grin at Hendrix. He smiles at me, but there’s something else in his dark brown eyes. Something that makes me feel seen and wanted in a way I’ve never experienced before. Hendrix wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace. It feels so perfect, being surrounded by his earthy, minty scent.
Maybe that’s why I don’t protest or freak out when he lowers his head and brushes his mouth against mine. It’s the barest hint of a kiss, and it’s over before I can fully appreciate it. How can I get this man to do that again?
