Page 10 of Refuel

“No, my hands tend to sweat a lot.”

“Racing. Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean it can get dangerous, and I know how the guys act behind the scenes.”

“Kamden, I’m not naïve. I grew up in this world. I can take care of myself.”

The solid-wood door of Jackson’s office flew open, and he stepped out, causing us both to separate.

“Arianna, I thought you left already,” Jackson said.

“I was… I mean… I am,” I answered.

“Kamden, get with Sarai when you have a moment so she can write up a joint statement. You two need to stay away from each other so this can go away,” Jackson said.

A relieved look washed over his face, and I felt a certain way about how this was made out to be some mistake. Two consenting adults made a decision and had fun; no harm was done to anyone, and love was never a factor. Why was my family fighting to bury a lie? I thought to myself.

Catching up to Essence as Rylee got in the car with Colton, I tapped on the window of his Ashton Martin before he could pull off.

“Colton, I’m still prepared to put on the charity event with Pierce Motors. I think a joint gathering would bring more press for both companies,” I said.

“That’s great, Arianna. Get with Rylee and send me the details. You know money is no object,” Colton stated as he turned over the ignition, honked, and drove off.

“Damn! I need to get a race driver,” Essence announced.

“Essence, calm your hot pussy down,” I joked as I pulled my key out of my pocket and inserted it in the driver’s side door.

“Malik was pissed about you driving, plus your little boyfriend,” Essence said, shutting the passenger side door.

“Kamden is not my boyfriend.”

“The way your eyes lit up when you saw him in the office didn’t fool me.”

“Essence, any man who has a pulse is your type. Sorry if I don’t take your advice on this subject.”

Essence waved me off with her long dainty fingers.

5

Arianna

One week later

I was in my office with Rylee, creating a plan for the charity that CD Enterprise and Pierce Motors would be co-hosting. I still hadn’t talked with my brother about me racing. I’d been avoiding his calls and text messages. It was always an argument of me being too young and not equipped to handle the life of a race car driver. I’d been training for years, and Colton had helped me to get where I needed to be, thanks to Rylee putting in a good word for me.

“I like what you did with your office, Ari,” Rylee said.

“You do?”

“Yeah, it’s your personality. Haddie should do something like this to her office with the plants and vanity set.”

“Thank you. I knew Colton when I worked here part time at CDE. I wanted something fresh, clean, but still cute. I got the silver and cream color scheme from some fashion magazine,” I responded.

“Perfect touch of feminine and bossy,” Rylee declared.

“Which exactly explains my personality!” I announced in a snicker.

Rylee sat in the chair in front of my desk and turned her body.

“By the way, Colton asked me if you’re dating Kamden.”

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