Junkie: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by J. D. Hollyfield

  “Cool…well, we’re a few minutes out. It’s just on the outskirts of the city.”

  I want to ask more, but I don’t want to push. So I stay quiet as we drive through the condensed downtown until the tall buildings are in the distance.

  “Oh we’re not spending the day…I thought we were…” She looks at me confused as we head out of the city.

  “Shhh, eager one. In due time.” I offer her my most dazzling smile as we pull into CDE. “Welcome to Colton Donavan Enterprises, where all the magic begins.” Her curiosity piques as we pull into the industrial warehouse.

  “Wait…I heard about this place…”

  “Oh yeah? Enlighten me. What’ve you heard?” She’s unsnapping her seat belt and jumping out before I’m fully parked. When I hop out, her hand is covering her eyes as she stares up at the sign. A place that’s made a lot of driver’s dreams come true.

  “Well, for starters, it’s the corporation you race for.” Ah, she’s done her research on me. Good to know. My chest puffs out a bit, and my lips curve into a pleasing grin. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I heard your crew talking about it. It’s also common knowledge.”

  “As in common knowledge you find when you Google someone?”

  She throws daggers at me, but they aren’t sharp. More like a cute jab, the I just got caught Googling you and I’m trying to be tough kind. “Yeah, whatever. Now, why are we here?”

  I grab her hand, tucking it under mine, and escort her up to the main entrance. “Just wait and see.” There’s no better feeling than the vibrations that radiate through our linked hands. She’s buzzing next to me, her intoxicating smile creating an urge to press her up against the building and take those sweet lips against mine.

  “That look isn’t helping your creep factor.”

  A chuckle bursts from deep inside my chest. “I’m gonna assume it’s not. But I can’t help it. You’re really hard not to stare at.” Put a fork in me, I’m done. That blush that creeps across her rosy cheeks has my itchy hands on the prowl, ready for her back to meet the wall and—

  “If it isn’t the one and only Cash Huntington.”

  Or not. I squeeze my eyes shut, then turn around, surprised when I see Mack. “Well, shit, if it isn’t the Kansas born and raised hotshot Mack Cruz.” We both go in for a hug, slapping one another on the back. “It’s been a while. How you been?”

  We pull apart, and his focus drifts to Luna. “Crazy, actually. My life’s kinda taken a strange turn, but in a good way. Still out here in LA. Had a meeting with my PR team for an upcoming race.” He bounces from me back to Luna. “If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed it’s your manners. Hi there, Mack Cruz.” He sticks his hand out to Luna, and she kindly accepts.

  “Whatever,” I chuckle, placing my hand on Luna’s lower back. “Luna, this is Mack. Third year’s finest racer on CDE. He used to race with my brother.” I pray he doesn’t make a big deal out of the information I let slip. His eyes never falter, and I’m grateful for it.

  “Wow, that’s great. Nice to meet you.” She shakes his hand.

  “Oh, pleasure’s all mine. What brings you two out here? You know Colton’s not in today. He and Rylee are off on some surprise romantic getaway for the weekend.”

  Shit. I was hoping I’d get to introduce her. “Yeah, of course. I have a meeting set up with Tessa in recruiting.”

  “Well, I’ll let you get to it. Great seein’ ya, man. We’ll touch base at Monterey. Pleasure meeting you, Luna. Good luck with this one.” He winks at her, and then he’s gone.

  “All right, let’s get movin’.” I break her stare down of his backside as he disappears into his car and open the doors to enter Colton Donavan Enterprises.

  This place brings back so many good memories. Where I signed my first contract with CDE. Locked in my first sponsors, thanks to Luke and Colton. Celebrating that first paycheck when I won my first race, which then opened doors to so many new opportunities. Where my dream became a reality.

  Once inside and checked in, we’re escorted into a pristine conference room and told Tessa will be right with us. Luna is buzzing in her chair, her imagination running rampant as she takes in the framed photos on the walls of all the trophy winners under CDE. I bet she’s picturing herself in those pictures.

  “Afternoon, sorry I’m late. It’s been a whirlwind today with Monterey right around the corner and Colton out.” Tessa sticks her hand out to shake mine. “How are you, Cash?” Her attention moving to Luna. “And you must be Luna. I’m Tessa, the head recruiter for CDE.”

  “Hello. Nice to meet you,” Luna replies, her voice shy and timid.

  Tessa takes a seat and pulls out the handful of documents I requested. “You called at a good time. Colton just opened a select few opportunities.” Luna eyes me curiously.

  “Great, so what’ve you got for us?” I ask, taking the piece of paper she hands me.

  “Colton ultimately searches out people who share the same passion for racing. Knowledge is always key, but it’s part of the gig, so most learn along the way. They are long days, but again, worth it. This one in particular is helping assist in the preparation for Grand Prix at Monterey. And not that I need to mention it, but having this on your resume will take you a long way.”

  Anything with Colton Donavon’s name on it will.

  Luna finally breaks her silence, letting her curiosity get the best of her. “What is it exactly you have to do?” She leans over, trying to peek at the document. “I thought they had people to do that kind of stuff, you’re supposed to stick to the racing.”

  “They do. And I am.” I wink, handing the form over to her. I watch her eyes scan the words printed on the paper. I give her a moment to let it sink in, enjoying the way her soft hazel eyes go back and forth from line to line.

  “Wait, this is…” More reading. Flecks of green pop as they widen. “This isn’t for you?” She lifts her head. “What is this?”

  I’m still assessing her reaction when I reply. “It’s an internship. CDE is searching for someone qualified to work on my team to help prepare me for Monterey and possible future races. One I’m offering to you if you’ll take it.” Her face lights up in shock. I fight my smile and hold back the urge to tuck away the loose strand of hair sticking to her lip.

  “Me?”

  “You,” I chuckle, getting high off her reaction.

  “I…I don’t qualify for some of this,” she says, her eyes scanning over the paper. “I’ve never used measuring tools or—”

  “You would learn along the way.” Her head is back up, assessing me. “If you plan to stick around, I’d love to have you on my team. Be the one to show you what you don’t already know.” My reply is laced with humor. Her rosy lips open and close and I can’t take the tease of watching them. “So, what do you think? Wanna stick around and maybe teach me while I teach you?”

  It takes a minute to kick in, but when it does, a smile explodes across her face, her eyes bright with excitement. If it wasn’t for Tessa watching us, I’d pull her into my lap and kiss the shit out of her. We’re nowhere near touching, but the buzzing between us is electric. Her eyes fill with hope, and I have no doubt this adventure will be the best decision I’ve made. “Well? Tessa is a busy lady—”

  “Yes. Yes!” She practically jumps into my lap and wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. “Yes.” This time her reply is barely a whisper, and there’s no hiding the emotion laced in her voice.

  “Okay then! I will take that as a yes! So, while you’re here, let’s get all your information. I do need a resume to put on file, so if you have that, that would be great. And any past experience. References are good, but we probably don’t need them since Cash brought you in. Oh! And I’ll need your driver’s license—”

  Luna goes rigid in my arms, then pulls away. Gone is the excitement, and in its place, fear. Something Tessa said set her off. “I—I actually—I can’t do this. I’m sorry.” She scrambles away from me and races out of the conf
erence room.

  “Sorry…just, I’ll call you with her details,” I spit out before racing after her. “Luna!” I call out, but she’s already through the stairwell. I forgo the elevator, taking the stairs down two at a time until I pop out the front and spot her. “Luna! Wait!” Jesus, is she fast. I pick up the pace, until I’m reaching forward and capturing her shoulder in my grip.

  “Luna, what the fuck, hold up!” She whips around, her chest expanding as she struggles to breathe. “What happened back there?”

  “I can’t do this. I can’t take your offer.” She seems panicked.

  “Why not?”

  Her hands brush up and down her sides. “Because.”

  “Lame answer. Try again.” She’s trying to run.

  “Lame answer? How about because I don’t want it. Why are you trying this hard? You don’t know me!” She takes two steps back, putting space between us.

  I take those two feet back and walk closer, but it only makes me more agitated. “Maybe because I think you deserve it.”

  “Oh, come on. You don’t know me or what I deserve.”

  I take another step.

  “Stop! Seriously, I don’t want it.”

  “Yes, you do. I saw you up there. You want it.”

  Her body trembles. “You’re wrong. I don’t.”

  Another step. “Are you sure?”

  “Jesus, yes! What is this? Some type of ploy? And don’t tell me it’s to prove to me you’re not a creep.”

  “Do you still think I’m a—?”

  “Cash!”

  “Fine! Look, it’s not. I’m doing it because I want to. Because no matter what lies you’re spilling, I know you want this. I saw the way you lit up. And because the past couple days have been so damn refreshing, seeing you smile, being around you…I haven’t met anyone like you. You enjoy the sport. Truly enjoy it. There’s appreciation in the way you talk about it, and I see that. I feel that. And I want to make more of that happen.”

  She’s struck silent. She stares at me, those honey eyes wreaking havoc inside my chest. “Why?”

  “I just told you why.”

  “No, why? Why me? You barely know me.” There’s pain and sorrow and confusion all laced together in her tone, and it hurts to hear it.

  “And maybe it’s time we change that.” I take the last step separating us and stretch my arm out, brushing the back of my knuckles against her cheek. “Look. I get it. You’re not the only one with eagle eyes, spotting secrets and pain. I see it too. I’m not going to pry. Damn if I don’t want to, but I’d rather have you stick around. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t doing all this to get you to stay, but I want you to stay. To try. Get to know each other. And I think you do too.”

  She’s hesitant. She wants to fight me, but the way she leans into my touch tells me she wants to give in more. “Stay. I see the way you light up when it comes to anything racing. Get to do what you’re passionate about and get to know me—not on a creepy level. What do you have to lose?” Something flashes in her eyes that answers for her. Everything. What are you hiding from, Luna?

  “I’m not blind, you know. I see the way you’re looking at me. I’m not a charity case.”

  “And I’m not a piece of meat. I see the way you look at me too. Let’s just accept one another as we are—”

  “Cash.”

  “And the way you say my name doesn’t help your case. Keep it up and I’m going to kiss that cute little snarl off your lips and show you how much you should see this thing through.”

  There’s a battle brewing in her eyes. I’m not sure who’s winning or losing. A telling look has me preparing for her rejection.

  “Fine.”

  “Fine? You’ll stay?” I ask, trying to hide the shock in my tone.

  “I just…I want to, but…can I think about the job?”

  “Take all the time you need. Well…not too much. Tessa will give the offer away. But maybe take the weekend?” There’s a long pause before she finally nods. I gather her up in my arms, loving her little squeal when her feet leave the ground and I spin her. “That’s my girl!” I smile into her hair.

  “Cash, put me down!”

  “No, it’s part of getting to know me.”

  “You swinging me around like a rag doll?” she gripes, but she can’t hide the rumbling in her chest. My cute girl is trying not to laugh.

  “Yep, it’s like a trust experiment. You trust me to carry you around, knowing I won’t let you go.”

  Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful is the sound that falls off her lips. Her laughter. It’s rare, but so damn magical. I hold her tighter, basking in the feel of her body vibrating with humor. I walk us to my car, reluctantly place her feet on the ground, and open her door. “After you, princess.” I know her stare-down is supposed to set the fear of death in me. Little does she know, it’s awakening the beast below. Damn is she sexy.

  “Don’t call me princess.”

  “Deal. Anything else?” The magnetic pull between us is undeniable. No matter how much she wants to hide it.

  “You let me drive.”

  “Fine. You have one more lesson. If you pass that, tomorrow, we race.”

  “Another lesson? What more can you teach me that I don’t already know?”

  “Oh just you wait, princess…”

  Luna

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “Nope.” Cash, holding the largest bowl of popcorn, sits next to me on his couch and grabs the remote.

  “Your lesson is a Fast and Furious marathon?”

  “Yep.” He clicks the button, and 2 Fast 2 Furious, the second in the series, begins to play. Cash leans back, places the bowl between us, and grabs a huge handful, tossing fluffy white popped kernels into his mouth.

  “And exactly why do I need to watch these in order to race?”

  “Because the obvious. Vin Diesel is a legend.” He shoves more popcorn in his mouth.

  I shake my head in disbelief. “You know Vin Diesel isn’t even in this one, right? He doesn’t come back until the fourth one.”

  “Wrong. He comes back in Tokyo Drift.”

  At that, I laugh. “Yeah, a measly cameo, and Tokyo Drift isn’t even a real Fast and Furious movie. It was a standalone. Doesn’t even have the full cast. Doesn’t count.”

  He drops the popcorn, throwing his hands over his heart. “How dare you say that! Tokyo Drift was amazing. That’s the movie where they introduce Han Lue. He’s the shit!”

  Jesus, what is it with this guy? Tokyo Drift was the worst! I shake my head, but laughter still shines from my expression. I shove a handful of popcorn in my mouth, a groan of approval seeping off my lips. “Wow, that’s really good popcorn.”

  “Not to brag, but I make the best.” I open my mouth to argue, even though it may be the best popcorn I’ve ever had, but he shoots his finger up to my lips, mimicking me from earlier. “Shhh, it’s starting.”

  Smartass.

  I sit back and make myself comfortable…or as much as I can since it’s a bit hard having Cash so close to me. Our thighs are touching—shoot, half our bodies are touching since he left no room between us when he sat down. It doesn’t slip my notice that there’s a whole other half of unused couch. But there doesn’t need to be space to feel the gravitation between us. Attraction wouldn’t even be the right word because whatever is flowing between us feels more intense than that. The way he looks at me causes this vulnerable urge to expose my true self. Be honest and free myself of all the demons I’m fighting so hard to hide.

  Cash is a complete stranger, yet he makes me feel safe. Maybe it’s because we’re the same: troubled.

  The movie is a blur as my mind races from thought to thought. Negative emotion to promising hope. So much doubt and confusion is cramming inside my head, I’m running out of space to sort myself out. Cash pulls me from my cluttered thoughts by placing his palm on my thigh. Staring at his large hand heating my skin, something in my peripheral vision catches my eye. I lo
ok up to see a package of Twizzlers dangling in front of my face.

  “These can be yours if you answer me this: in the first race in the beginning of the movie, the square road circuit, who won, and what was the make and model of the car?”

  I bite the edge of my lip, fighting back my smile. “Brian. MazdaRX-7. Red with yellow stripes,” I answer, reaching for the Twizzlers, but he pulls back.

  “Not yet. Best out of three.”

  That causes my laugh to break. “What’s it with you and best out of three? Can’t just let someone win the first time around?”

  “I’m a racer. Takes more than one lap to win, princess.” He opens the package and slips one Twizzler out. “Name the four racers at the beginning of the—”

  “Suki, Orange Julius, Slap Jack, and Brian.” I snatch the Twizzler out of his hand and take a big bite.

  “Damn, you’re good. All right…I was trying to be easy on you. Gonna have to step it up. What did Brian and Roman find in the—”

  “Easy, a cigar and cutter.” Before he can catch me, I snag the whole bag from his hands.

  “Hey!” he yelps and tackles me, expelling a loud howl of laughter from me. “Thief!”

  My shoulders shake, and I worry I’m about to pee myself. “Mine! I won fair and square!” I yell, shoving the package under my shirt.

  “We weren’t done playing. I was going to say best out of five.”

  I squeal when his fingers dig into my sides, tickling me. “Oh my god, stop!” I wail. “Cash, please!” I’m totally gonna pee myself.

  “What was the name of the detective who got bit by the rat?”

  “Whitworth,” I manage to squeal out.

  “How do you know so much of this movie!” My chest is going to explode, each tickling sensation sending me in a fit of spasms. “You didn’t even watch it!”

  “I’ve seen it a billion times,” I shriek between my choked laughter. “Okay, stop! My turn!” He slows his torture and sits up slightly, but doesn’t make a move to climb off me. My chest heaves in and out as I try to catch my breath. This time, I’m unsure if it’s due to his tickle torment or the way his penetrating eyes take my breath away. I can’t help but drop mine to his lips, remembering last night. “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is?”