by Harloe Rae
“Damn, you’re sexy,” he mutters before plunging back in. An explosion of color bursts behind my lids when he tugs my bottom lips between his teeth. Intense lust spills from his mouth and pours into me. All I can do is hum in response as desire for this man surges through me.
He pulls away slightly. “Is this what you wanted?”
“Yes,” I whisper. My hunger is in control as I swipe along his lips, savoring each pass. I dip inside, getting drunk off his flavor, and crush him against me. Feverish heat spreads up my body, and it isn’t from the humidity. Trey lets me lead for another beat before stealing the power, attacking me full throttle.
Faraway laughter drags us off the edge, and our mouths break apart. We’re both panting, arousal straining through our limbs. Trey’s forehead rests against mine as pent-up passion surges between us. His lips are shiny and wet, inviting me in for another round.
“You’re dangerous,” he murmurs.
“I could say the same about you.”
Trey chuckles, the melody a dark taunt. “We’re gonna have so much fun together.” He grinds into me, and I shudder.
“O-okay,” I exhale softly.
His nose traces a silky path up my jaw. “I’m gonna blow your mind. Over and over again.”
“Now?” I breathe while my insides turn to jelly.
“Nah, you’ve got work to do. I can’t steal you away from The Graze. Don’t wanna be a bad influence.” His tone says he’d love nothing more.
“Too late.”
“You’re right, but we’re not taking it any further for now.” He leans in, a soft brush of lips over my mouth, before pulling away. “This was just a preview, Princess.” Trey releases me and I slide down slowly, enjoying every inch of the descent.
He curses and backs away. “Wicked girl.”
I offer a saucy smirk. “Thank you for noticing. Can I still come to the raceway?”
“You wanna come with me?”
I roll my eyes. “You make everything sound dirty.”
“You’re welcome.” His tone is coated in gravel when he says, “I’ll meet you there. Delilah and Addy will know where to find us.”
I tilt my head. “Not gonna pick me up at the door?”
Trey rubs down the straight slope of his nose. “This isn’t a date, Princess. Don’t get your hopes up.”
A laugh bubbles from me, snapping the tension around us. “I’m messing with you. Pretty sure I know what’s happening here,” I say. Lava pools in my lower belly and the heat feels so damn good.
“Where I’m concerned, it’s best to leave expectations outta the equation.”
“Noted.”
He scans my expression before his gaze travels lower in a lazy perusal. Every millimeter of skin burns with awareness, like he’s touching rather than looking.
“Damn,” he mutters.
With that parting word, he spins on his heel and walks off. I press along my abused mouth, watching Trey strut away. His gait can’t be considered anything less. He walks with a confident swagger, the strides long but unhurried. My eyes linger on his ass, the glorious shape outlined in faded jeans. I bite my bottom lip and keep staring, lost in a trance.
I’m in so much trouble.
When Trey is out of sight, I wipe across my forehead. Talk about a heatwave. My stomach tightens as the haze fades. While I was making out with Trey, Delilah has been working alone. Hopefully the stand isn’t too busy. My shoes pound the pavement as I rush into the event.
When Delilah sees me approaching, a grimace mars her features. “Thanks for ditching me.”
I wince. “Sorry, D. Ton of people?” Glancing around, I notice the crowd is thinning out. “It’s a bit calmer, right?”
“You’re such a hussy,” she says.
“Me? Why? Because I went after him?”
Delilah throws a hand on her hip and taps her chin. “Oh, let’s see. Where to start? Your lips are so puffy they look pumped full of collagen. Your face is flushed and glowing like a neon sign. Also, there’s a giddy grin desperate to break free that you can hardly contain. My dear friend. You’re a walking advertisement for bad decisions.”
“Aww.” I give her my best puppy-dog face. “Are you disappointed in me?”
“No. I mean, maybe a little bit for chasing Trey after he took off on a tantrum. I get it though. You like him, and blah, blah, blah. I clearly interrupted a moment earlier. Feel free to fill me in on the details now, ‘kay?”
“Oh, um,” I stammer. My pulse pounds as I try to decide what to share.
She makes a rolling motion to speed me along. “Tell me all the things.”
“We kissed a little bit,” I murmur the biggest understatement of the century.
“And?” Delilah prods, unimpressed.
“What do you mean? That’s all we did. Not sure what kind of girl you think I am, but alley sex is not on my bucket list.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Fooling around with Trey isn’t exciting. I want to know what you talked about. The good stuff.”
Indecision creeps in as I wade through a jumble of benign topics. I don’t want to lie but protecting the tidbit about Trey’s mother and the licorice seems necessary. It feels like a secret I should cherish.
“Well, we discussed The Graze and the weather. He asked about Jitters,” I hedge.
Delilah gives me a flat look. “You’re a brat.”
“What? There isn’t much to tell. I was suspicious about his intentions, and we bickered. Then Trey wanted to know about my baking. He ate a few cupcakes. And as you know, he asked me out.”
“But you two were civil?”
“Uh, huh.”
“Interesting,” she drawls.
“Is it?” I honestly can’t tell with how Delilah is acting.
“Sure. That’s what you wanted. Plus, you played tonsil hockey. Win-win. Now what?”
Before I can respond, Marlene and Betty stroll up to the booth. In the last few weeks, I’ve met all the nosy old ladies of Garden Grove. These two are definitely the worst gossips of the group. My ears prickle like a keen alert system, giving me a gut feeling they’ve wandered over here for a reason. I plaster a Cheshire grin on my face and wave brightly.
“Hello, there. Long time, no see,” I joke because this pair is always visible around town, constantly popping up at the shop too, ready to spread the latest rumor.
“Well, hello. How are you doing this afternoon, Raven?” Betty asks.
“Very good, thank you. Enjoying my first Garden Graze experience.”
Marlene murmurs to Betty from the side of her mouth, “She sure is.” Both ladies erupt in what I assume is supposed to be an under-the-radar fit of giggles.
Betty smooths her features and swings her gaze to my friend. “And you, Delilah?”
D rests an arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. “Stupendous. We’ve been selling Raven’s goodies like hot cakes.” She peers at me. “Huh, that’s actually really funny.”
The older women whisper under their breath but look right at us. Are they for real? I suppress an eyeroll while Delilah asks, “What can we do for you today?”
Marlene pipes up. “Sounds like Raven is offering up more than cookies. We heard she accepted a date with Trey Sollens.”
“It’s not a date,” I blurt before realizing my mistake. Their eyes widen as I feed the gossip flames.
Crap, crap, shit.
“I mean, he invited me out with a group of people. Not even sure I’m going,” I lie.
Delilah cuts in. “Marlene, you know Trey doesn’t date. It’s an innocent evening with a bunch of people. No reason to blow this out of proportion.”
The nosy lady squints at me. “So, you turn down my offer to meet some nice gentlemen, but going out with that hoodlum is acceptable? I’m beginning to understand what type of girl you are, Raven.”
My cheeks heat from her judgement. I look away, blinking rapidly. This is the type of verbal slap my mom is victim of, only her behavior tends to ask for
it. I’m sure Marlene is over here just trying to stir the pot. Her curious approach isn’t fooling me. I won’t give her more ingredients to add, but the words sting regardless.
Delilah pinches me and mutters, “Don’t listen to her.” She raises her voice and tells them, “Raven is the most honest and caring person I know. You two should get the facts before prancing around causing drama. You’re no better than teenagers.”
Betty and Marlene gasp with hands to their mouths. Pretty sure this situation is about to spiral south real quick. I speak up and try diffusing this completely unnecessary conflict.
Kill them with kindness.
“I meant no offense by turning down your kind offer, Marlene. Trey is just a friend, maybe not even that. We’re definitely not dating, okay? How about you two take a few desserts?” My smile wobbles as I wave over the assortment of pastries.
They grumble but eventually choose a few fruit tarts that satisfy them. For now. Betty and Marlene saunter off. They throw us a few parting glances before moving to the next stand.
“Jeez, that was painful. Don’t they ever get tired of gossiping?” I ask.
Delilah shakes her head. “Are you kidding? They live for this stuff. You and Trey are the talk of Garden Grove. It’s only going to get worse, especially now that things are actually happening.”
I groan. “That’s great. I’ll have to keep defending myself until the next new girl lands in town.”
“I dunno. You keep it real interesting for them. Trey hasn’t asked anyone out, even in a group setting, for years. I can’t even remember the last time. You’re like a freaking unicorn crossed with a leprechaun. Mythical creature,” she specifies. “Always knew you were special.”
“Ugh, stop being strange.”
“It’s the truth. Look in the mirror, Rave. You’re a knockout. That’s why Marlene wants to hook you up with all her grandsons. Spread those genes.”
“Gross. I’ll pass.”
“Good life choice. They’re nothing to write home about.” Delilah laughs, her green eyes sparkling in the sun. “Now, back to more important business. What’s the plan with Trey?”
I smile and clasp my hands. “Wanna go to the raceway tonight? I’ll ask Addy too.”
“Oh, Lawd. You’re really doing this, huh?” Delilah chuckles again. “Obviously we’ll go with you. Someone has to make sure you don’t dive headfirst into his lap.”
A loud snort escapes me. “Jeez, thanks for the vote of confidence. Pretty sure I wouldn’t dive.”
She quirks a brow. “Trey is wrapping you around his finger but don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.” My forehead crinkles in confusion. “Condoms,” she clarifies. “I’ll bring extras. Who knows what those guys are planning at this fuckfest.”
All I can do is gawk while she cackles.
What have I gotten myself into?
RACE
Trey
I TAKE ANOTHER swig of cold beer while my eyes scan the bleachers. Again. My search for Raven is beginning to feel desperate. I left her hot and bothered, wanting more, in hopes she’d seek me out. But who knows if she’ll even show up.
My fingers slide around the cool bottle, and I imagine Raven against me. Those sinful lips sliding along mine while I press into her. The curve of her ass fitting perfectly in my palm like she’s meant to be there. Her quiet moans and subtle movements asking for more. My pants grow uncomfortably tight so I shift slightly, trying to alleviate the ache.
Damn, she better be here.
Engines rev from the pit as the teams prepare for start time. A couple of cars ease around the track for test runs, and I do my best to pay attention. I usually enjoy watching the pre-race rituals while everyone scrambles with last minute adjustments, but my mind is focused elsewhere tonight.
With a scowl, I turn away from the action, and my gaze stops on a blonde. My heart pounds louder than the warning signal blaring through the speakers as I try getting a better look. But when she turns and the sun glints off her too-light hair, my gut plummets along with my mood. Not Raven.
Fuck, I’m losing it. She took something from me this afternoon, but not in a bad way. Raven grabbed a piece of my baggage and offered to carry it. The honesty in her sapphire eyes said she wants to help ease the burden. All I have to do is let her. I scrub down my face, feeling foolish for even considering this shit. Raven is just another girl, one I was hellbent on chasing away. Now I want her close? I’m seriously screwed.
A slap on my shoulder jolts me back to reality. “Have you heard from them?” Shane asks for what seems like the thousandth time.
“No,” I bark. “Not sure they’re even coming. Already told you that.”
“But, dude,” he complains, “we’ve been here almost an hour. It’s almost match time. I was looking forward to hanging out with some girls.”
“If you wanted a sure thing, should’ve taken care of it yourself.”
Shane laughs. “What’s eating you?”
“Nothing.”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” he mumbles.
I’m about to tell him off when Mitch plops down next to me.
“The fuck?” I ask him.
Mitch gives me a blank stare. “What? No one’s sitting here.”
“Not yet, she isn’t.” I point with my bottle and say, “Go over there.” I don’t tell them who the spot next to me is reserved for. I won’t be denying Raven a seat again.
Before either guy can comment, golden hair appears in the crowd. This time the shade is exactly right. Shane notices the girls and calls out. When Raven’s blue eyes clash with mine, I lift a brow and smirk, playing it cool as if my pulse isn’t thundering.
Delilah leads as they climb the few steps to our section. She huffs when she catches sight of the empty space beside me. She still pushes Raven forward, and I pat the metal bench.
“Hey, Princess,” I say once she’s settled in.
“Hi,” she replies before glancing around. “These are really great seats.”
I nod. “Jack has the hookup. He does repairs for some of the pit crew and gets this row in return.”
“That’s awesome. I bet you love this stuff, right?”
“Hell yes. This shit’s in my blood. I’ve spent so many summer nights at this place. Growing up, Jack would let me tag along whenever he had business. When I got older, it became our hangout. Doesn’t get much better for me.”
“Oh, wow. I’ve never been to a car race before.”
“First time for everything.”
A slight blush dances up her neck. “There sure is.” Raven bites her lip, making my dick twitch. I glance away before my reaction gets worse. An announcer gives the five-minute countdown and a roar of applause booms from the audience. Addy passes her a beer, and Delilah hands over a pink koozie.
I snort. “You’re such a fucking princess.”
Raven pokes me in the ribs with an elbow. “Don’t be an ass. I thought we’re trying to get along?”
“What gave you that impression?” Messing with her calms the tension in my stomach.
“Oh, I don’t know. The fact you invited me here?”
“That was just a ploy to get Delilah on my good side.”
D scoffs and narrows her eyes at me. “In your dreams, Trey.”
Raven giggles. “Pretty sure you’d have better luck with anyone else.”
“Good thing it’s you I want,” I say and brush a finger down her flushed face.
She tucks her chin, peeking up through lowered lashes. “You’re so forward.”
“I’m done denying the inevitable.”
“So, you wanna be friends?” She winks.
“With benefits,” I add.
“We’ll see.”
When I lean in, her floral scent spins around me. I whisper in her ear, “Should I find a wall to pin you against? That seems to work in my favor.” She chokes on her sip of beer and coughs. I pat her back lightly and say, “See? Gets you all riled up.”
Raven glares. “You
aren’t playing fair.”
“Who says? We never established any rules.”
A few blonde strands tickle my cheek, the slight sensation feeling more like a jolt.
“Good to know.” She places a palm on my thigh and slowly slides toward the promised land. I curse while my dick responds instantly. Raven slinks closer and coos, “You like this?”
“Too much,” I grit and pluck her hand off me.
Victory laces her voice when she says, “That’s what I thought.”
“I like your style, Princess. Never back down.” I veer onto a safer topic. “How did The Graze end up?”
Raven smiles, but her lips are tight. “Oh, fine. Had a chat with Marlene and Betty, which was thrilling. They struck a nerve, but pretty sure that was intended.”
“What do you mean?”
“Eh, it’s whatever. I’m sure you don’t wanna know.” I do, yet I don’t. My jaw tics while I work through my indecision. Raven saves me when she touches my forearm and says, “I won’t drag you into the drama. Mostly they were sniffing around for dirt and spreading nonsense.” She rolls her eyes. Knowing those two, they gave Raven a tale about someone’s booth being overrun by aliens.
“All right, I’ll bite. Tell me the latest word on the street.”
She glances at me before her eyes dart away.
“They found out about this.” Raven gestures around us. “Delilah and I set them straight, but Marlene is peeved. She’s upset that I’ll come here with you but won’t go out with her gentlemen suitors.” She says the last words with a snooty accent.
A stab of jealousy hits when I think of Raven going out with someone else. Fuck that. “Marlene is a crazy old bird. And the guys she wants to set you up with are lame. Guaranteed.”
She waves dismissively. “D already warned me. Not that I would have agreed anyway.”
“Oh, yeah? Why not? Pining for someone else?”
“Shamelessly digging, are we? The truth is simple. I’m not ready to rush into anything serious. Marlene seems to be matchmaking for committed relationships. I prefer spontaneous meet-and-greets.” She offers a barely-there smirk.
“Such as meeting a handsome stranger in the bar your first night in town?”