Page 33 of Refuel

“Can we get a bottle of wine and for appetizers, egg rolls, wings, and spinach dip? Then, I will order afterwards,” Kamden said, taking charge of the night. I closed my menu and clasped my hands together, smiling at the waitress, not letting on that I was pissed.

“Great, I’ll be back with your wine and appetizers,” Tamela responded, leaving two straws on the table. Taking in the restaurant, I saw where a few kids played games with their parents, and other customers seemed to be on a date.

“Before you start, I apologize for ordering for you, but these are my favorites, and I wanted you to see me as Kamden and not Kash.”

“What’s the difference?” I asked.

He grabbed my palm, caressing it gently. Tamela came back with our drinks and appetizers.

“This is Kamden, the guy who hangs out at the Dave and Busters or with the boys at the house. When it’s racing time, I turn into Kash.”

“And hit up Vegas,” I remarked, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Vegas or fly off to Dubai without telling anyone for a solo getaway.”

I took an egg roll and dipped it in the sauce, biting down on the sweet flavors. I closed my eyes and moaned, ready to dive in fully. Tamela took out her notepad to take our dinner order.

“Can I get the ribs and fries please?” I asked, wiping my hands on the napkin.

“Sure, and you, sir?” Tamela asked.

“I’ll have the same thing,” Kamden answered, pouring the wine in my glass.

Honestly, I never claimed to be the type to let control go in a relationship and just allow a man to take care of everything when it came to plans, but Kamden was turning out to be funny, honest, and sexy. After eating our meal, we talked and eventually got up to go play some games. I won in basketball once and he won the race car game. Which he shoved in my face the entire night. Around midnight, we pulled back up to the house. When he got out of the car, I slid over to the driver’s side and watched him start the bike.

“So, what did you think about tonight?” Kamden asked.

“I’ll give you a B plus,” I teased.

Kamden smirked, and I chuckled.

“I look forward to racing you, Ari.” Kamden revved up the bike.

“Me too, Kamden. May the best driver win,” I said, pulling off toward home.

11

Arianna

Two days later

I enjoyed myself with Kamden, even though we never exchanged numbers. I wasn’t too worried about not being able to get in touch with him. Today was the official day of me racing in the mainstream field. I was over the moon excited and couldn’t wait to see my family’s face when I crossed the line. I had my parents and friends cheering me on. Even my big-headed brother Malik finally came around to being okay with me racing. Cicely made a big breakfast, and Essence stayed over to make t-shirts with my number for the family to wear. My hair was pulled into a tight bun so the helmet would fit. I went over last-minute car checks with the pit crew to make sure everything was running fine. Now, I was grabbing a cup of water to calm my nerves when I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind me.

“Yes,” I said, taking a sip of the water while wearing my suit.

“Stay away from Kash,” a female demanded.

I glanced up at the ceiling, clenching my fists. I wasn’t stupid to think Kamden would be single and ready for a relationship. I myself wasn’t completely into being in one but having one of his little sex buddies confront me pissed me off.

“Who are you?”

“Josie. I’m his girlfriend. I saw you two at dinner, plus in Vegas together.”

“Are you stalking him?” I questioned.

She rolled her eyes and stepped in closer.

“We’re together, and you need to stay away from him,” Josie told me.

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