Demolition Lovers

Chapter 12

When Jake arrived in the back lot, getting out of his car and going to the garage, he was practically manhandled as someone grabbed him and pulled him into a small space between two of the buildings.

He struggled for a second, elbowing the person hard in the face before he was turned around, realizing it was Drew.

"What-" He was cut off as Drew shushed him loudly, the movement and talking of other drivers walking past made him tense.

He watched as Drew held a hand against his nose, right where Jake had elbowed him. He cringed.

"Shit.." He mumbled, but before Jake could say or do anything Drew had his hands on Jake's shoulders, holding him in place and pushed up against the wall. It was a tight space, so they were close, Drew's face only inches away.

"Okay listen," He started, voice serious. Jake's breath caught in his throat at the closeness between them, his body on fire.

"We need to get number 36 out." He said, voice serious and low. He glanced out of the space to see if anyone was looking before his eyes settled back on Jake.

"What? Why? Why did you pull me aside just to-" He was cut off again.

"Shut up! We have to, okay? He can't win." His face was so close, Jake could feel his breath against his face, the smell of his mint gum strong. Drew's eyebrows were furrowed as he intensely gazed at him. His voice was low, the only reason Jake could hear him over the outside noise of chatting and moving cars was because of how close they were.

He seemed really serious, and Jake wondered what this person had done in order for Drew to have to come to him for help.

"Are you asking me to team up with you?" Jake kept his voice low to match Drew's. He couldn't help but notice how Drew smelt strongly of cologne and motor oil. It made him feel a bit dizzy.

Drew sighed lowly, peeking out of the small alley again before looking back to Jake. "Sure," He admitted, his grip on Jake's shoulders was firm.

"Why though?" He asked before he could stop himself, and Drew looked desperate for a second before he furrowed his eyebrows again, face serious.

"Don't ask me why. Yes or no?" His voice was final, and Jake swallowed.

"Okay," He agreed, watching as Drew shoulders grew less tense.

He watched Jake's face for a long moment before nodding, letting go of his shoulders and then walking out of the alley, leaving Jake standing there against the wall, alone.

He took a deep breath, heart racing in his chest.. What was that?

***

Jake's hands fidgeted from where they sat on the steering wheel, his finger tapping restlessly as he waited for a ref to direct him into the arena. He hadn't had enough time to check the line ups to see who exactly number 36 was and why Drew hated them so much, but he knew if Drew asked him for help then whoever the driver is must deserve it.

He also did probably owe Drew a favor since he had rescued his car's paint job from the rain.

The ref motioned for him to pull ahead and he did, foot pressed lightly on the gas as he pulled into the arena, pulling up and parking next to the large 88 adorning a plum car.

He and Drew both looked at eachother when Jake's car was set into park, both of them wearing helmets so Jake couldn't exactly make out what expression was on his face.

Drew raised two fingers at him, before turning and putting his shoulder up to rest on the passenger seat, looking forward. Jake watched him for a second longer before the airhorn blew.