Quarter Mile Hearts(48)

Slowly, I crawl out of the lot and turn onto the street, getting used to the feel of this car. It’s been at least a year since I drove it and I take it easy until we pass the town limits. I cast a quick sidelong glance at Max and speed up, pressing the accelerator further down, and the car responds immediately. Air rushes in the open window, swirling my hair around my face, and I can’t fight the joy that I feel.

“That’s the girl I remember,” Max says cryptically, and I wait for him to elaborate. “The ballsy girl who wasn’t afraid of anything.” I flash him a self-conscious smile, unaware that he saw me like that. He looks out the window at the scenery passing at speed and realizes where we’re going. The quarter mile.

“Thought you didn’t race?”

“I’m not racing; no one else is here. I’m just driving.”

“Whatever you tell yourself at night.” He gives a deep chuckle, and my stomach clenches painfully.

When I reach the start of the quarter mile, I line my car up and look at Max to check that he’s ready.

“You set?” I ask, and he nods.

“Go,” he commands, and I floor it, pulling away and slamming through the gears as I fly along the strip of road, pushing my Charger as hard as I can. Once I cross the spray-painted finish line, I ease off the gas but turn up the winding road that climbs up to the bluff overlooking the town.

Max is silent the whole way, and he doesn’t appear fazed at the speed I take on the corners. It is nowhere near as fast as he drives, but I’ve not had the practice he’s had. When I reach the top, I slow down and skid to a halt, angling the car to look down over the quarry. The engine dies when I turn the key, and my slightly accelerated breathing is all that can be heard in the silent car.

“Enjoy that?” Max speaks up.

“Yeah.”

“Still won’t date a racer?” He arches an eyebrow, challenging me. I see it for what it is, but that isn’t what makes me reconsider.

“I suppose I could make an exception for you.”

His lips part a fraction. “I think you should.” His arm reaches out and rests on my shoulder, and he pulls me a little closer.

“And why’s that?” I turn to look up at him.

“You remember how good we were together.”

I give an involuntary shiver as a still of our joined bodies flits across my brain. “It was only one night.”

“True, but it left its mark; you left your mark.”

“But you would always wind me up.”

“That was me trying to impress you. I was young and being a dick. What the fuck did I know? I wanted you, but you were out of my league and I didn’t know how to show you. So I used to piss you off instead.”

My eyes bug out as I continue to stare at him. Now he has totally blown me away with that admission. I had no idea.

“What are you saying?”

“Take a chance on me, on us. Yeah, I like racing, just like you, but it’s not like it’s an occupation. I won’t do it forever. In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s fuck all to do in this town.”

“But…”

“Maybe if I had a different kind of distraction…” He cocks his eyebrow suggestively, and I chew my lip, impressed by his argument.

“I’m not sticking around.” I experience a flicker of fear as I say it. Do I really want to leave again?

Seemingly unfazed, his hand cups my chin. “Maybe you just need a reason to stay,” he says ominously and brushes his lips over mine. All other arguments shrivel up in my brain and die on my lips.

“I’m not your dad, and you’re certainly not your mom. Just stick around and see what happens.” His forehead presses against mine, impossibly dark eyes bore into me, and I nod my acceptance.

“I’ll think about it.” I make the same promise I made my dad.

“You free tonight?”

“I can’t. I’m babysitting for Sugar. It was supposed to be Beth, but I said I’d do it. Shit, what time is it? I need to get to the hospital first.” I glance at the clock on the dash; it’s time to go.

With reluctance, we part, and I start the engine, driving back down the way we came but taking it slower this time. I drive Max back to the garage so he can pick up his car. He climbs out and walks around to lean in the open driver’s side window. Resting his hand on the back of my hair, he moves closer and his lips seal over mine, his hot tongue running along my bottom lip. My mouth opens to let his tongue inside, and it slides along mine. Max growls and pulls away.

“I’ll see you soon.” He winks and jogs over to his GTO but waits until I pull out of the lot and follows me home, driving off once I park outside.