Hypersonic

I wasn’t used to it. In all of the years I’ve known Chase, he’s always had a baby face, it’s only in the last year or so that he’s bulked up and started actually looking like an adult. I can remember when he was fourteen and proud to be growing armpit hair and now, he’s got beard hair that makes him look at least twenty–five.

“Girls dig the stubble, especially between their thighs.”

“Chase!” I scowl, and Summer hits him again. I roll my eyes, turning to Summer, “You coming?”

Nah, I’ll pass this time. Meet up later?”

“Yeah,” I reply and move to get inside the car. Chase’s already sitting inside, fiddling with his cellphone as he waits.

My name is called just as I close my door and so I roll the window down, looking at Summer expectantly. “Kick his ass,” she encourages, giving me a nod and turning to get in her own car.

---

“Holy fuck!” Chase screams out just as I tear around a corner literally sideways. If I asked him why he’s yelling in my car he’d probably say he was having fun, but I know that sound in his voice and he’s most likely scared shitless in the passenger’s seat.

I’m not even sure why he came with me in the car when he could’ve stayed back at the finish line and hit on women, but then again, he didn’t have much choice because I dragged him to the vehicle after glaring at Nate and his egotistical smirk before the race.

I didn’t even have to talk to Nate to get all riled up. Just seeing him had my skin flushing, my heart racing, my pupils dilating, and my hands fidgety. I wasn’t oblivious to the fact that those were all symptoms of a crush—like I was in fucking high school again.

I’d been in the lead the entire beginning of the race but just as we were now nearing the finish line, I can tell that Nate ‘s about to pass me. It does nothing but infuriate me as he slowly pulls past me on the straightaway when I’ve clearly been winning the last ninety percent of this damn race.

I even take the time to glance over at him—despite the fact that the last time I did so, I ended up scratching the side of my car and thereby ended up in this entire situation—and he doesn’t even look at me, still inching further and further forward until his bumper is closer to the end than mine. It occurs to me that I’m giving all I’ve got and he’s going to win. I can tell that even though we can’t see the line yet.

“What the hell are you doing? You’re going to give up that easily?” Chase scolds from beside me. Mentally I’m smack–talking him about his cries of terror from earlier, but instead I just scowl at him, giving him a quick glare before my eyes are back on the road.

“I’m giving her all she’s got, Chase.”

“In all of the years I’ve known you, you don’t lose.”

Even though he’s said something so simple, it stirs something within me. He’s right. In all of the years that I’ve been racing on the streets, I haven’t lost. I’m literally unbeaten, but so is Nate. We were both known as having records clear of a loss.

It was just a question of who was going to lose that title today. Who wanted it more?

Me.

I grip the wheel tighter in my hands, whispering a prayer quietly to the car as if I was connected to it. As if I was a fucking runner telling my body to work harder in order to reach an attainable goal. Nate ‘s record means nothing, especially now that I’m about to erase it as if it never existed.

Instinctively, I push my foot down harder against the pedal and focus on the road. I ignore the beating of my heart at Nate ‘s proximity. I ignore Chase’s hard stare and muffled sounds. I ignore everything else in the world despite the asphalt in front of me.

After a few seconds I start to notice the difference in car lengths and Chase’s voice becomes apparent in my ear, “There she is! Kick his fucking ass!” His palm slaps against the dash and it takes everything in me to ignore it.

Now that I’m right back at Nate ‘s side I can feel his gaze burning a hole into my side. I ignore it, too, taking a moment to control my breathing. It’s hard, however, when his eyes are so intense and I’m not even returning his stare.

Eventually, I end up slightly pulling in front of him once the finish line is in view.

We whip past building after building, the streetlights reminding us of the fact that it’s much too late in the evening to be bringing about this sort of attention to ourselves. Wasn’t like anyone here cared about that sort of thing, though.

A crowd of people at the invisible line shout and scream as we approach, and my heart instantly thrums faster, bruising at my chest. I tear my focus away from the road in front of me for only a moment, turning to realize that I’ve managed to pull ahead of Nate nearly half a car length and a smile pulls across my face.

“Holy shit!” Chase yells out and I start celebrating early—but not too early—as we roll past the finish line, and I slam on the brakes to halt the car.

I turn to Chase, giant smile on my face, as I scream out in joy. “I can’t believe that just happened!”

Chase leans across the centre console to give me a big hug and then the two of us scramble out the vehicle, myself desperate to rub this in Nate ‘s smug fucking face. As I near Nate ‘s car, I notice he hasn’t stepped out of it but just as I run a hand along the hood, the door opens, and my breath catches in my throat at the sight of him.

Never knew a man could look so good just getting out of a car, but alright.

The smug grin doesn’t leave my face, and apparently it hasn’t left his either because when he closes his door and steps towards me it’s there more than ever. “That was interesting,” he starts, not at all reacting the way I’d assumed he would.

“Pay up, Carter.”

“Whoa,” he drawls huskily. “Can’t I at least buy you a drink first? I mean, you did just win, it’s only courteous.”

“The deal was that if you won, you’d buy me a drink.” I chime, just as his eyes rake up and down my body.

“Arielle, it’s a drink. I’m not asking for your knickers.” He chuckles to himself, biting down on his lip before continuing, “At least not yet. In time, babygirl.”

I roll my eyes, “That wasn’t the deal, Nate.”

“I don’t exactly remember shaking on it, so I’d say the terms are still up in the air.” I sigh at his response, frustrated with him. Frustrated with his tongue as it darts out to wet his lips. At his fingers as he plays with the cool rings set on them. Frustrated with him as an entirety—nothing but sexual tension raising like a giant flag between us.

And I’m this close to raising the white flag to surrender.

“One drink,” he reiterates.

“Fine.”

Minutes linger between us as I mentally scold myself for being so affected by Nate. I was giving into him so easily, and it annoyed me. Usually, I was stronger willed when it came to men, but there was just something about him that made me nervous—but a good nervous.

“Is that your boyfriend?” Nate asks, glancing over my shoulder at someone who I assume is Chase. A tiny bit of jealousy flashes in his eyes, darkening the caramel just a shade.

I turn to look at Chase. He’s clearly hitting on a pretty brunette, flashing that smile of his just as she bats her eyelashes, completely distracted by him. “Does that look like my boyfriend?” I question, hand on my hip.

“Well, if he is, he’s a shitty one. Doesn’t take a man like me to tell you that you deserve better, yeah?”

“Good thing my girlfriends at home then,” I lie, pursing my lips. I watch his face, waiting to gauge his reaction. It was fun being a fucking tease when it came to him. Besides, it’s obvious that he enjoys it so why not have a little fun?

Like I assumed he would, he smirks. He runs his hand over his face, wetting his lips, “Have you been fucked by a man, Arielle?” My insides twist at the sound of his crass tongue, not used to being talked to in such a manner—but still, enjoying it thoroughly.

“Kind of personal, isn’t it, Carter?”

“No more personal than being between your legs, which will be happening.”

“You seem pretty sure of yourself.” I reply, heart rate increasing as he takes a step closer to me. “How about you just pay me for my repairs first?” I suggest as he runs his index knuckle along the bare skin of my arm.

My ego’s absolutely beaming because I know that I’ve won. Somehow, I’ve won against the one man that everyone talks so notoriously about. I’ve beat him at his own game.

But at the same time, he’s still winning. He has my pulse leaping, my skin tingling, and my palms are sweaty just from being within two feet of him. He was a fucking magnet, and I was just a weak paper clip desperate to feel that pull.

“We could go back to my place,” he offers, eyes following his knuckle that stops after he speaks. His eyes find mine and he gives me that famous smoulder that he thinks—scratch that, knows—will work on me.

I’m not surprised when it does—wetness forming between the apex of my thighs at the sight of him. His wet lips, his chiseled jawline, his tattoos peeking out from his shirt—

What is going on with me?

I feel like I’m ready to take up his offer and have him fuck me until my knees are weak and his fingertips are bruised into my skin. But I guess that was the effect he had on women. Myself, especially.

I knew my worth, however, and he could have my body—when I was willing to give it to him—but he’d never have my mind nor my heart.

Amazing how quick a man like Nate can catch my attention. Then again, he’s without a doubt the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on. His raven–black hair, his plump lips, his beautiful doe–like caramel eyes, toned body that wasn’t overly muscular but sinfully covered with ink—everything about him oozed sex appeal.

Oh, what it’d be like to have a fuck buddy like Nate.

The thought brings about a ripple of pleasure through my body—my nipples are erect, wetness more evident, every nerve ending on fire in his presence.

I never got like this. I just didn’t. I wasn’t one to daydream about a man’s stubble between my thighs, or his fingers teasing my folds, or those lips wrapped around the sensitive peaks of my breasts.

Jesus.

He’s bringing about this sexual prowess within me that I didn’t realize existed and he’s not even touching me. I can only imagine what it’d be like when his lips brushed mine, or as he slowly peeled my clothes off my body, tormenting me and teasing my body until I begged for a climax.

But I’m suddenly brought out of my daze when I spot Chase approaching us. The brunette is now leeched to his arm, smiling and laughing as they stop in front of us. I’ll admit it, they look cute together. Like the poster children for adorable couples.

I straighten myself out, trying to give him the vibe that there’s nothing going on between Nate and me. Without a doubt, he’d tease me endlessly about it. Not that there was such a thing occurring anyways.

Because there wasn’t anything going on.

Not yet—my subconscious adds.

“Is it alright if I catch a ride with Emma?” Chase asks, running a hand along his nape as if he’s nervous I’ll snap at him for finding a girl and ditching me.

“You’re ditching me?” I question in a teasing manner, but Emma obviously doesn’t see it that way because she raises her eyebrows and gives me a look that screams really?

“It’s alright, mate. She’s ... occupied for the evening.” Nate says, turning to face him.

Chase gives me a wordless, yet judge–filled gaze that only I’d recognize. “Nate, right?”

Nate extends a hand, and they shake just as he replies, “Yeah. You’re—”

“Chase. Arielle’s friend.” Chase doesn’t waste a beat, looking back at me and asking, “So, we’re cool?”

“Yeah,” I state breezily with a shrug of my shoulders. “Nate owes me.” Even as Chase utters a thanks and turns to leave, I spot the jealousy flash across Nate’s face.

I’ll admit it—it’s kind of satisfying in a way.

“So, what do you say to that drink?” Nate asks, tearing his eyes away from Chase. Funny how he clearly doesn’t like him when he’s said ten words to the man. “We could meet at The Lounge?”

“Alright, I’ll meet you there in about twenty minutes or so.”

He grabs hold of my waist, leaning forward to brush his lips against my ear. “I’ll be waiting, babygirl.” Hot breath fans against my skin, and I clamp my legs together to relieve some of the arousal I’m feeling.

I watch him get in his Skyline, start it up and speed off into the distance. Once he’s gone, I exhale a breath, not even realizing I’d been holding it.

Being around Nate for even such a short amount of time has all my senses heightened. I feel more in tune with my body and everything that’s going on around me, and it’s like I’m a ticking time bomb.

Someone needs to handle me carefully before I explode and give into him.

Just as I approach my car, I stop dead in my tracks when I spot a man admiring it. He’s taller—maybe six feet—with dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes that turn to look at me once I clear my throat.

He’s very attractive, and I find myself wondering why I haven’t seen him around here before. But he must be a racer or driver of some sort because he’s here of all places and holding a set of keys in his hands.

“Can I help you?” I ask, hand setting on my hip as I look at him, confused.

“Sorry, I was just—Sixty–seven Firebird, right?” He asks, voice much deeper than I expected.

“Yeah,” I mutter, still a little confused.

“I was just admiring. It’s a very sexy car.”

“Thanks,” I reply, loving the compliment because for someone like me that’s one of the best I could ever receive.

“You, uh—You definitely don’t see women around here racing and if you do, they usually race import.”

Of course they do, they’re idiots. Muscle is where it’s at.

“You race?” I arch an eyebrow, curious to his answer.

He shrugs his shoulders, “Here and there, but it’s not quite your scene.”

I laugh, looking at him quizzically, “What does that mean, exactly?”

“I only have two wheels,” he responds with a chuckle. “I’m just parked over there.” He points to a black motorcycle and my panties dampen at the sight. Christ.

“That’s a nice bike,” I comment quietly, despite the fact that I’m actually drooling on the inside, thinking about how sexy a man like him would look driving that. Speeding down the streets, motor purring in his ear, muscles bulging as he grips tightly onto the handles—

“Thanks. I’m Hayes, by the way.”