Not That Girl

Chapter 17

'Excuse me?' I turned to face a young guy with brilliant orange hair, 'Do you want to place a bet?'

'Sure, why not? Can I bet on Michael Ross?'

'Yeah, to win or lose?'

'Who's he racing?' I know he'll win but I'm curious.

He checked his book, 'Eric Benton, it'll be a close one.'

'I'll bet Michael to win, 500.' I handed over the cash.

'Got it, anything else?'

'Can I ask if anyone's bet on Ronny Rochester?' He doesn't know who I am so he might tell me.

'Three bets to win and six to lose.' Owch.

'Thank you, when's she racing?'

'Fourth race, Michael and Eric are in the third race.' Helpful.

I ended up chilling by my car with Eric so we could watch the first two races, He had bets on both and cashed out making some good money. He laughed when I cringed at the smell of beer and teased me.

Eric headed off to race Michael who'd thankfully not spotted me yet. He showed up half way through the second race and didn't come anywhere near me, probably because he saw Eric's car and wanted to avoid him. Fine by me.

Michael won his race which I'd expected so I headed over to the guy I'd placed my bet with, he didn't say anything when he handed over a thousand bucks. Easy money.

'You're up girl.' Eric said with a smile, 'Just line your car up, make sure your seat belt is clipped and if anything goes wrong pull out of the race don't try to continue.'

'Yes mom.' I smiled sweetly starting the engine.

'Keep it up and I'll make you wear a helmet.'

'I'm not doing anything you tell me, you just lost.'

He glared at me, 'I hope you spin out.'

I shook my head and rolled up the tinted window so no one would see that I'm a girl or new. The other car's a black Ferrari with heavy mag wheels and a slim body kit.

The minute I pulled away I was ahead of the Ferrari with a slight lead, pulling into the inner circle and hitting the accelerator I pulled even further ahead. Letting myself smile and spin around the corner I let the back pull out so my opponent slowed thinking I was having trouble and giving me an even better lead.

I eased across the finish line and pulled the handbrake so the car spun a full 180⁰ into a perfect park. Suck it bitch. People clapped and headed towards the car so I climbed out only to come face to face with a shocked Michael.

'What the fuck are you doing here!? And since when are you racing?'

'Eric invited me and put me on the roster.' I answered simply but this just seemed to enrage him more.

'What are you doing hanging around Eric!?'

I didn't have a chance to answer because the guy in charge of the bets came up to me, 'Hey, here're you winnings.'

He handed me a ton of cash, all hundreds.

'You've won a spot in Thursday's races if you want it.'

I grinned, 'I'll take it.'

Michael butted in, 'No she won't!'

'I will and that's the end of it.'

Glasses guy nodded and scribbled something in his book, 'Spot fee is two hundred a race but it's worth it. Pays the police bribes.'

I handed him four hundred, 'For today and Thursday.'

He nodded and walked off with his little book leaving me with Michael.

'Why did you come tonight? The truth Ronny.'

'I don't like it when people tell me what to do, when you think you can control me like I'm a little child! I can look after myself and make my own decisions without your approval.'

'You're hot when you're mad.'

'Screw. You.' I curled my hand into a fist.

'Aww your face is all red and blushing like Tinkerbell!' He really thinks this is funny!?

I pulled back my fist and slammed it into his face as hard as I could just below his left eye. Michael swore bringing his hand to his face while I held my throbbing fist. That wasn't one of my best ideas.

'Ow, ow, ow.' I whined.

'Why're you moaning, you hit me!'

'Well you have a hard face!' I growled and stormed off to the cooler boxes so I could grab a large chunk of ice for my hand.

'Here.' I handed him one. 'To help with the swelling.'

He glared at it for a second like I was holding a bomb before taking it, 'Thanks.' He grumbled.

'Still pissed I came?' I asked taking a seat in my car but letting my legs hang out so I could face him.

'No.'

'Still pissed I raced?'

'Yes.' He muttered.

'Get over it.'

He snorted, 'Please be careful when you race.'

'Promise.'

'And wear your seat belt.'

'Why do you care so much?'

He looked down at me shocked by the question, 'I'm not sure.'

I stood up and dropped the ice on the ground so I could wrap my arms around his hard muscled body. His chest and back and lined with un-flexing, unmoving muscle like a rock. Hugging him was different, probably because I've never done it before. Resting my head on his chest I felt him relax as his arms encircled me and I nuzzled into his chest.

'Thank you for caring Michael.' I paused, 'Even if you're an asshole.'

'Just had to ruin the moment, didn't you babe?'

'Ew don't call me that, Eric won't stop calling me babe.'

'I'm going to punch him.'

'No! Geez, relax.'