Consumed: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by Elizabeth Knox

  Keira smirks softly, “Awesome. Would you like to go out and get some food, or?”

  Food? We’ve been drinking for hours on end. To be honest, I’m surprised I’m even standing up straight right now.

  I shake my head, “Nah, let me see what you have in this kitchen of yours. I’ll whip something up.” I walk past her into the living room and go left, right into her small kitchen. It reminds me of the homes back in Louisiana, super small kitchens with large living areas and dining rooms.

  I go up to the fridge and just as I place my hand on the door, I see a photograph of a child. She can’t be more than three, or maybe four if I had to guess. Her caramel brown eyes are mesmerizing and compliment her chocolate brown hair, though her skin is fair.

  “That’s my daughter, Kaia.” Keira tells me from behind.

  I turn to look at her, “She’s gorgeous. So, I guess this begs the question. Are you bisexual?”

  Keira nods, “Technically, yes, but my ex-husband ruined men for me so the ladies are what I prefer these days.”

  “Ugh, sounds like a total tool.” I comment, pulling her fridge door open. I see milk, some eggs and I get a splendid idea. “Get me a whisk, bowl, and by chance do you have some pancake mix?”

  “Sure, and yes, it’s the third cabinet on the left.” Keira tells me while I’m pulling the milk and eggs out onto the counter. I shut the refrigerator door and go to the cabinet, grabbing a medium sized red box. I pull it down and spot Keira smiling at me while she leans against the wall.

  “What?” I question, pouring some of the mix into the bowl she set out for me. I crack two eggs and add a splash of milk as well.

  “I’ve never seen someone make pancakes the way you are right now for one, and secondly, I’ve never had someone make me pancakes before.”

  I stop exactly what I’m doing and stare at her in complete disbelief. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

  She shakes her head, “Afraid not. I’m usually the one cooking everything for people, considering I have Kaia.”

  “Well, I’ll have you know I’m a damn good cook. I have some bangin’ southern recipes I can cook up for you.”

  Keira giggles lightly, “I’d really love that.”

  I grab hold of the whisk and start mixing the batter up until it’s an even consistency and I see no visible chunks of flour. “If you had pumpkin and cinnamon, I’d make you my famous pumpkin pancakes.”

  “God, don’t say that when Kaia is around. She’ll devour anything pumpkin.” A kid I know I’ll be able to get along with easily.

  “Good, ‘cause I’m a super pumpkin fan, too. I’m one of those people who bake loads, stuck up in my kitchen for hours on end.”

  “I never took you as a baker.”

  “Bet you never took me as a lesbian either,” I laugh at the end, enjoying my joke.

  “Actually, I didn’t. I thought you were just some super lovely woman who came in to save me from that creep, Dick, or whatever his name was.” I want to laugh at the fact she can’t remember his name, but I don’t. Instead, I nod and keep listening, “I’m sad to say I’ve been caught in situations like what you witnessed tonight a few times, and every time some woman saves the day I end up finding they’re waiting for their boyfriend. But, today my luck has changed, obviously.”

  “Like you said, it’s your lucky day. Let me whip us up some pancakes and then hit the hay. I have a conference tomorrow morning back at the hotel and I wanna get some sleep.”

  “Man, you have no idea how frustrated I am at myself that I said I didn’t wanna fuck shit up with you.” Keira admits, taking a step closer toward me. I dart my eyes over in her direction and see she’s gnawing on her bottom lip, probably horny as can be. I know how she feels ‘cause I’m having a really hard time holding things in right now. I want to just go straight over to her and plant my lips on hers.

  Hell. What’s the point in waiting?

  I release the whisk and turn my body toward hers, grab the back of her head and firmly grip her hair before brushing my lips against hers. Just as I thought, they’re soft and delicate, like a velvet material in a sweet pastel pink shade. She isn’t even tense as her lips are fluttering over mine. Instead she’s relaxed, kissing me sweetly but giving me every indication, she’s loving what I’m bringing to the table.

  Keira’s the first one to pull away, biting her bottom lip and staring into my eyes. “I don’t want to stop, but I know if I don’t, I’ll keep you up all night long and you’ll be one crabby woman tomorrow.”

  I nod, “Yeah, you don’t wanna see me when I don’t have any sleep.”

  Keira cackles ridiculously, like an adorable hyena. “Looks like we have something else in common.”

  She hands me a skillet and I put it on the stove and turn on a burner, adding a little bit of oil into the bottom so it doesn’t burn. I can feel Keira’s eyes on my body and I’m thanking my lucky stars things have progressed so well tonight. I only hope things continue to keep going well. Maybe tomorrow I can see her after the conferences. I’ll have to ask in the morning if she’s up, but I’ll make sure tonight we exchange numbers, ‘cause while I might be standing beside her right now, I know for a fact I’ll want to see her again.

  Chapter Ten

  Keira

  I wake up to the feeling of pressure around my midsection. I stir slightly and grip the edge of my bed, pulling myself out of her grip. I sit on the edge for a few moments, taking her in, her blonde hair cascading over my pillows. Gemma ended up borrowing a pair of pajamas since she came over in her dress, and man she makes pastel green look amazing. If only they looked that good on me.

  I pick my phone up from my bedside table and see it’s a little past ten. Oh my god. Immediately I shake Gemma’s shoulders, knowing she had to be at the conference this morning. “Gemma, wake up, it’s 10:10.” I say, trying to be soothing while I’m shaking her violently. God, that seems crazy.

  She furrows her brows and moves her hands in front of her face, “What the hell? Don’t you know how to wake someone up. You never do shit like this,” she grumbles in a half-asleep state.

  “Gemma, you’re late to the conference!” I speak louder, more clear, hoping it’ll get through to her.

  Suddenly, her eyes are wide open and she’s staring at the ceiling wearing a ‘seriously’ expression across her face. “My own fault. I forgot to set my alarm last night. Do you have something I can wear? I’m so sorry to keep mooching your clothes, but I’m already late and I want to get there as soon as possible. My brother is going to give me hell to pay, that’s for sure.”

  “Of course, let me rummage through my closet really quick and find something. What size shoe are you?” I ask, going straight into my walk-in closet. I have it organized by season and color, so I should be able to find something relatively quickly. Throwing open the door, I walk inside and turn on the light switch.

  “I’m a nine,” Gemma calls back, causing me to laugh. “Hey, what’s so funny? I know I have big feet, but—”

  “I’m laughing because I’m a nine as well. Looks like we can share clothes and shoes. We’re a dream couple.”

  Oh god. Did I really just call us a dream couple? I’m probably going to scare her away if I keep making remarks like this. “Yeah, it’ll make swapping clothes really easy.” Gemma giggles from directly behind me, causing me to jump. I had no idea she got out of bed. This one has the grace of a jaguar, I tell you.

  “So, is this thing super upscale, business casual, or what?”

  “Business casual, but most people wear athletic brands, people that sponsor them and whatnot.”

  “Ah, so what’re you looking for? Business casual or athletic?” I question, not sure if she really made it clear or not.

  “It doesn’t matter. If you have something athletic, it’ll make me fit in a little bit more. Hell, I could even make up some bullshit excuse to my brother saying I went to check out some local gyms.”

  “Is your brother the guy you were talking to
last night?” He’s still burned into my mind. With those chiseled cheekbones and broad shoulders, how could he not? Good looks must run in her family.

  “Yeah, that’s Braxton. He goes by Brax’ for short.”

  “Cool. Well, hopefully he’ll cut you a little bit of slack.” I say as I pull open a drawer and grab her a pair of black leggings that scrunch up at the butt, a black sports bra with a fuchsia jacket to pull it all together.

  “Yeah, probably. He’s not normally so anal, but when it comes to business obligations, he can get quite the stick up his butt.”

  “I think everyone is that way. It’s only natural. When it comes to my work, I take it super serious, too.”

  Gemma strips down naked in front of me and then slides into my clothes, and yet again she looks better in something than I do. “What?”

  “What do you mean what?” I laugh.

  “You’re staring.”

  “Am I not allowed to stare?” I question, closing in on the distance between us. I purposefully rake my eyes from her feet, over her slender legs, to her thicker thighs and hips. Slowly I venture upward, staring at her hourglass figure, her small chest and finally gaze right into her eyes.

  “You can stare as long as you want,” Gemma says with a scratchy voice.

  “I intend to, and I really want to do a lot more than just stare.” I rasp out.

  Gemma slides her arms in the sleeves of the fuchsia jacket, “I really want to grab a raincheck. I have to get to the conference and you know I’m really late. Can we meet up after? Around 7?”

  Dammit. I can’t meet her. “I have to go get Kaia from her father’s at six. I’m sorry.” I frown, genuinely upset we can’t see each other again tonight.

  Gemma takes hold of my hand and gives me an encouraging squeeze, “It’s alright. We’re just getting started. I . . . really am growing fond of you and I’d love to see where this goes. I travel a lot for work, and I’m in Los Angeles a few times a month. I’ll be back in two weeks if you’re free?”

  “I’ll make sure I am,” my smile grows before I can stop it.

  “Awesome. You have my number and I have yours. I’ll text you later once things settle down.” Gemma’s promise makes butterflies soar through my stomach at the thought. She glances down at her outfit, seeing the GM embroidered with stitching. “GM, is that for Greer Mackenzie?”

  “Yep, she’s a good friend of mine. I took a few classes with her in college, so she sends me some of her upcoming season’s launches before they hit the stores.” I reply. Greer is such a good friend of mine. It’s been years since I’ve seen her and I miss her dearly. From what I’ve heard, she’s living her real life happily-ever-after. And hell, maybe I will be too very soon.

  Chapter Eleven

  Gemma

  “Where on earth have you been?” Brax’ questions me the moment I stroll through the lobby of the hotel after texting him I’d be there in ten minutes.

  “I overslept, Brax’. Come on, it’s not like it hasn’t happened to you before.”

  Brax’ cocks a brow at me, casting judgement as any of my brothers would. I get he’s disappointed in me, but he needs to realize we’re all humans. It’s not like we’re robotic machines that can be programmed to wake up at a certain time. Hell, I’m sure if I set my alarm at the right time things would’ve been great . . . but I’m not going to tell him I forgot to set my alarm.

  Just as I’m about to add to what I said, my phone vibrates and I glance down to see an unfamiliar number. Figuring it could be spam, I immediately open my messages and as I read the message in front of me, it’s a little hard to believe this is even real.

  From: Colton

  Gemma, I heard you were in town. I have something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you after hearing the rumor mill going. When you can, reach back out and we’ll set a meeting up for today.

  “I . . . Brax’, I just got a text from Colton.”

  “Colton?” He says the name like it’s a question, but he should know which Colton I’m talking about. There’s only one who is of somewhat relevance in the racing community.

  “Colton Donovan, Brax’. He wants to meet me. He’s in Los Angeles and saw from my Instagram post today that I’m in town.”

  “God. Why would he want to meet with you?” Brax’ questions, and I smack his arm at the slight jab he just made.

  “Don’t be an asshole. It’s never been a good look on you, and you damn well know it.” I quip, not really in the mood for his jokes right now.

  “You think he’s heard you’re trying to get into racing?” Brax’ questions.

  I mean. It’s possible, but I doubt someone like Colton Donovan would even give a damn about me. Why would he? I’m just some random woman. I think I met him once or twice because of Dad’s career, but nothing that would’ve made him remember one of Ricky Storm’s dorky little daughters. Whoa. Hold up a second. “How the hell do you know a damn thing about that?”

  “Do you really have to ask?” Brax’ stares at me like I don’t have a brain under my skull.

  “Dammit. Clayton Storm is going to pay for having a big, fat mouth worse than those debutant bitches we went to school with.”

  “Don’t forget Trent’, Clay’ isn’t the only one who loves to flap his jaws.” Brax’ reminds me with a chuckle. “Look, I’d love to be giving you shit about being late when I needed you to go to some of these classes to check shit out and get certified, but Colton Donovan texting you isn’t something you can ignore. Text him and see what he wants.”

  “Are you sure?” I question Brax’, needing to know he isn’t going to hold this over my head at a later time.

  “Gem’, get your ass typin’ away on that damn phone of yours. If Clay’ even asks why you weren’t at the conference with me, I’ll tell him you had a stomach bug. It’s no big deal. That is, if you’re serious about racing. I need to know if you want this or not. Do you really want this?”

  “Yeah. I’ve said that my entire life.”

  “Okay, so, get to texting him back and leave me to the gym shit. I wanted to come here and see the new acupuncture techniques anyway. I’ve got it covered, so go,” Brax’ waves his hands like he’s shooing me away.

  With a smile, I nod and accept defeat, texting Colton Donovan back.

  To: Colton

  Hey Colton. I am. My schedule just cleared up. Is there a specific time or place you’d like to meet?

  Within ten seconds I have a reply.

  From: Colton

  Yeah, meet me at the Corporate Cares offices. I’ll shoot you over the address. When you get here the secretary in the front will let me know. I look forward to seeing you.

  For the first time since arriving in Los Angeles, finding an Uber was the worst. Typically, they’re sitting around at every corner, ready to make their quick cash, but not today. Instead, I had to find some rough looking taxi to drop me off at Corporate Cares. The lady wouldn’t even take a card, telling me she only accepted cash. When I questioned her on it, she pulled up a note that said ‘only cash’. Let’s just say I’ve about reached my limit with shady business. Getting out of that taxi made me feel so much better.

  That is, until I walked into the building and saw the brunette girl sitting behind the desk. She was all smiles upon greeting me, and instead of feeling fabulous, nausea coursed through my stomach like I’d just eaten bad fish.

  “Are you here to see Colton? He told me he was expecting someone today.” She asks, smiling brighter by the moment.

  I nod, “Yes, I’m—”

  She giggles, waving her hand. “Oh, I know exactly who you are, Ms. Storm. It’s an honor to have an aspiring female racer here. As you know, female drivers aren’t common. It’s slim pickings out there. Please, follow me and I’ll take you back to the conference room where he’s set up.”

  I follow the secretary closely, walking to a door where she scans a keycard and it pops open. She holds the door open for me and we proceed down a long corridor, go down a small
stairwell and she leads me to a shut door. She knocks three times in a rhythmic manner, “Colton, Ms. Storm is here to see you.”

  “Please come in,” his voice is deeper than I remember, but at the same time I’m pretty sure the last time I saw him I might’ve been fifteen or sixteen. She pushes the door open and he smiles widely upon seeing me. “Goodness, Ricky’s little girl has grown up. Damn, that’s a hard pill to swallow. Moments like this make me realize how much I’ve really aged.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll still keep paying the baker to say you’re thirty-five on your birthday cake every year.” The secretary laughs, getting a laugh out of Colton as well. She motions for me to go inside, so I do and as I glance back, she’s shut the door to the conference room.

  “So, you wanted to see me.” I state, not quite sure what I’m expecting out of this.

  He nods adamantly, “I did. I’ve heard from a little birdy that you’re seriously considering joining the racing circuit.”

  “I’m not considering anything. I’m doing it. Racing is in my blood. It’s what the Storms are known for, and I fully intend on being the first woman in my family to set foot on the track. I don’t have any doubts about it, Colton. This is something I’m doing, regardless if I have support from my family or not.”

  Colton blinks a couple times and then finally furrows his brows. “Why would you think you don’t have support from your family, Gemma?”

  “My father is a well-respected man, a legend in the racing community, but one thing he isn’t is accepting of the current climate of the world, and I’m not talking about the weather. He will always see racing as a man’s sport, a place where women aren’t welcome, or needed. He’ll come up with reason after reason on why we can’t do a job that the boys can, whether it’s a sexist comment about us needing to be in the kitchen, or something as plain about how we don’t have the balls to do what the boys do.”