Page 18 of Refuel

“Wait, are you seeing someone?” Freddie asked.

“No, but it doesn’t matter. My life is complicated right now.”

He ran a hand down his face, sighed, and stood.

“I’ll give you some time, Arianna. I’m not giving up,” Freddie said.

“Don’t waste your time, Freddie,” I said, thinking about the encounter at the office, but I felt something stirring in my heart that I didn’t like. He tried to lean down to kiss me on the lips, only I shifted my face, and his lips landed on my cheek. I watched him walk out of the house and stood, walking to the kitchen to get a glass of wine to help me sleep. Dating Freddie again wasn’t happening, so I hoped he would someone who was looking for what he wanted.

7

Kash

Two weeks later

I bumped knuckles with Tennessee and Beckett, my pit crew, as the first race of the official season started. I had Ronald behind me, setting everything up. He was another driver on the team that was a friend of mine.

“Are you ready for this?” Colton questioned.

“Most definitely, are you out there today?”

“I have work to do in the office, so you have a fair chance today,” Colton joked.

“You let Rylee gas up your head.”

I heard the roaring of the car and looked back at Ronald’s face scrunched up in worry. I shook it off, not paying attention.

“How’s he doing?” Colton asked as he motioned to Ronald.

He was pissed that my timeout from racing from the Vegas trip was over, and I could start today. I’d known Ronald for a few years and considered him a friend, but lately, he’d been distant. I wasn’t sure if it was because his career wasn’t where he wanted it to be or because he was just jealous of me.

“Not sure; he’s been on and off lately. It doesn’t help that his numbers aren’t good,” I answered.

“I see the jealousy in his eyes. Be careful with him,” Colton said.

“I will.”

“What’s up with you and Arianna?”

“Nothing,” I said, stepping out of the car and grabbing my helmet.

“She works for CD Enterprises and is Rylee’s best friend. Don’t screw her over,” Colton stated.

“Coming from you, that must mean something.” I chortled.

“Ha-Ha… It only takes one fuck up, and she’s gone. I like Arianna and don’t want her to get hurt because you can’t keep it in your pants,” Colton said, tapping my helmet.

“Where’s Beckett?” I asked, changing the subject.

“The old change of conversation doesn’t work with me. Listen, she’s racing and planning the charity event. Keep it civil,” Colton said.

“Why again is she racing?” I questioned.

“Because I’ve been training her, and she has the passion to be out on the track like you and me. Are you scared?” Colton replied.

“She’s a girl. I have nothing to be scared of.”

“She might surprise you,” Colton implied, walking off toward his office.

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