Pedal to the Metal (James Brothers Series Book 1)

by Stephanie Nichole

  Bowie and Ace are ready for a fight, but I have a better idea, so I step forward in front of Bowie. It's like an animal that has rabies whenever he gets worked up he's hard to get down. "I have a better idea. Instead of busting up that face of yours and your buddies, how about we settle this on the road. Pedal to the metal?"

  Ryce spits out a mouthful of blood and glares back at us. "Pedal to the metal." He confirms then turns to head back to his car.

  ****

  The races had been set and the $1,500 buy in was paid. I was going against Ryce which didn't bother me in the least. Actually, I couldn't wait until he was choking on my dust. I had spent my free night’s street racing in Vegas, but the Vegas street racing scene was nothing like the one in here. Of course, there were tons of different areas that race in L.A. this was just ours. Ace, Bowie and Connor were all racing as well. They would be going against Ryce's richie rich friends, but I didn't worry about them either. These were our streets, they may have over priced cars but that didn't matter. What mattered was how the driver drove those cars.

  As I'm sitting behind the wheel of my car I feel my adrenaline kick in. The pulse in my neck beats to the sound of my rock music. I can almost visualize winning this race. Ryce sits in the car beside me and from the corner of my eye I can see him looking my way, but I don't have any reason to give him the time of day. The only thing he'll be seeing in a minute are my tail lights. I take a deep breath and move my neck side to side, trying to pop it. On the street beside my driver's side stands the people from my side of town with the exception of Farrah and Londynn.

  Londynn is standing there gnawing on her bottom lip. I can tell she's nervous, but she has nothing to worry about. Ace and Bowie have already won both of their races and now it's just Connor and me. Connor takes off and gets a good lead, but I lose sight of his taillights as he rounds the corner. I pull my car up to the starting line and rev the engine for good measure. I can tell by the cheers from my side of the street that Connor won. Now it's my turn, Jessica walks out to stand between our two cars, when she drops the scarf we go. I hold my steering wheel in a death grip and just before she drops the scarf she winks. Apparently that wink meant go because Ryce takes off getting a three second lead on me. Pissed I slam my pedal down and feel the salty California air rush into my car.

  My mind clears and all I concentrate on is this car, this road, these few seconds. The vibration from the car's speed runs up my body and flows through my body. The people and the buildings I pass are just a blur at this speed. I can hear cheers from the crowd, but it's muffled because of the wind rushing through the car at this speed. It's like I'm flying, like I'm free. I'm switching gears like a maniac but I'm catching up to Ryce and that awful yellow Cracker Jack toy he calls a car. His car would actually have a good chance of beating mine if it wasn't for him driving it. He lets off his gas thinking he's already won in the last few seconds which gives me all I need. In that instant I shift my Camaro up another gear and fly past him for the win. I continue to drive decreasing my speed until I come back to where we started when I get out I scan the crowd until I find her face. Londynn's very relieved looking face and I give her wink just to watch that blush fill her cheeks.

  ****

  Londynn

  I felt a little flattered that Jagger and his brothers were willing to stand up for me but if they didn't win these races there would just be more issues. I didn't want to drag them into my problems. So far though the James boys had lived up to their reputation of owning these streets. Now, Connor is up and Farrah has my hand in a death grip. She's worried but according to the group were standing with he shouldn't be. Although I know telling her that will do no good until this race is over. Looking over I see Axell with his arms around Sadie's shoulders. Seeing her had sent my anxiety up at first. I was afraid she'd mention the past three months and I didn't want everyone to know. Actually, I didn't want anyone to know and neither did my family. Their reasons for not letting anyone know were different from though. They didn't want another wrinkle in the perfect appearance. I, on the other hand, didn't want people to look or treat me differently. I didn't want to be seen as weak or crazy.

  Luckily, Sadie hadn't brought it up. In fact, when Jovi had introduced us she had acted as if she didn't know me aside from being at the races previously. I let out a sigh of relief and I hoped my eyes had showed how thankful I was. Sadie had been the best friend I'd had for the past three months but I couldn't let people know that. The next time I could talk to her without all of these people around I'd explain and hopefully, she'd understand. I remember the first time I'd met Sadie. I remember how scared I was when I was checking in to Spirit but they had Sadie come out and introduce herself as my nurse and her electric blue eyes that held a kind of kindness that I had never experienced before. We were the same height, but her skin was pale, and she had always worn her reddish-brown hair up in a ponytail. Her heart shaped face and sweet smile made you at ease instantly. Seeing her with Axell, away from her nursing scrubs and ponytail, I notice that her hair falls around her shoulders and her eyes stand out even more thanks to her eye makeup. She's dressed simple in a pair of denim shorts and tank top but she's still that kind Sadie who had been my nurse the past three months.

  Connor had won and when he had reappeared by our group Farrah and ran up to him, flinging herself in his arms. I don't know if I could trust someone enough to throw myself at them like that. What if they didn't catch you? Then again, I guess with arms like Connor's you didn't have to worry about that. I could see what my sister saw in him. His dark red hair was short and clean cut and he had a dark red beard that was trimmed close to his face. He was at least 6'1" and one of his arms was covered in tattoos as well as the muscles, you could even see the outline of his veins thanks to his muscles. His forest green eyes held a hint of mystery which I'm sure drove Farrah crazy and he had an easy smile. He made Farrah seem so tiny next to him another thing I'm sure she loved.

  As soon as Jessica walked out to let Jagger and Ryce know when they could start I lost track of Connor and Farrah. This was the race I was most worried about, but I was also a little excited. I had always had a small crush on Jagger. He carried this dangerous mystery around him and years ago I had wanted to understand it. I had been drawn towards him, but I was too young, and he had Harlyn but now things were different. Ryce took off before he was supposed to giving him a few seconds lead which made me nervous. I had seen enough races to know that those few seconds could make or break a race. My anxiety was starting to build when I felt someone slip their hand in mine. Looking over I saw Sadie, she was giving me reassurance and reminding to take deep breaths. Sadie to my rescue once again.

  Before Jagger had time to come back around to where we all were the crowd on our side was buzzing with the news of his win. I let out a sigh of relief and Sadie squeezed my hand. I looked over at her, "Thanks Sadie."

  She shrugged, and her sweet smile appeared on her face. "No biggie, it just looked like you needed me." She was walking back to Axell when she turned around and said, "You did good Londynn."

  As soon as Jagger was out of the car he was swarmed by people. I hung back from the crowd, next to the wall of the building. Farrah had disappeared with Connor and I kept trying to call her, but she wasn't answering. Axell, presented the winners with their money and Ryce and his friends left quickly but not before Ryce winked at me then grabbed Jessica, ushering her into his car. I shook my head in disgust. How had I been so blind to him before? I felt his body heat before he even spoke "You deserve better."

  Without turning around, I reply "I'm learning that."

  "Good," he replies, and the tone of his voice send shivers down my spine and warmth takes over my body.

  I turn around and look into Jagger's bronze eyes, you could get lost in those eyes. His lips form one of those smiles that makes girls turn into puddles and he knows it. He's turning on the charm but I'm not sure why. "Congratulations on the win."

  He shrugs while placin
g his hands in his pocket and leaning against the wall. He's lethal when he puts the charm on. "That was easy. Where's Farrah?"

  I shrug, crossing my arms over my chest "I don't know, after Connor pulled around she ran to him then I lost her. My guess is that she's probably a little busy with him right now."

  He chuckled, and I noticed his perfectly straight teeth and the little crinkles that formed around his eyes. "I bet. Well, would you like a ride home or to JamesTown? I'm sure she'll either call or go there soon enough."

  I wasn't sure what to do. For some reason I didn't want Jagger to see the place I called home and Farrah wasn't answering. I could go to JamesTown but technically I was under age and I didn't have my fake ID, but I also couldn't just stand out here all night. "I'm only 19." He raised his eyebrows in question. "I can't get into JamesTown, technically."

  He chuckled while he placed his hand on the small of back, leading me to his car. "It'll be our little secret plus I'm pretty sure the owners will look the other way." He opened the passenger side door and let me slide in before shutting the door and getting behind the wheel. While he folded his long legs into the car, the small area is suddenly filled with his scent. Gucci Guilty, I'd recognize it anywhere. I had always loved the smell of it but Ryce would never where it. The butterflies in my stomach multiplied as we headed to JamesTown while some 80s rock music played.

  Chapter 4

  Jagger

  Her scent is intoxicating, and the traffic is moving at a painstakingly slow pace. Mostly, because it's Friday night and also because most of the traffic in front of us is heading to the same place we are, JamesTown. Def Leppard comes on the radio and on instinct I turn it up, they've always been one of my favorites. I hear a small giggle and see Londynn's honey colored hair dancing back and forth and she bounces to the music. At least she has rhythm unlike me. She giggles again and it's a sweet sound that I have feeling she doesn't do often enough. I can't resist the urge to ask, "What's so funny?"

  She looks over at me and shrugs but a small smile tugs at her perfect lips. In an instant my mind is on what it would be like to kiss those lips. What the hell has gotten into me? "I was just wondering if you listened to anything from this decade." I raise my eyebrows in question and she studies my face a moment before continuing but not before the blush creeps up to her cheeks. "I mean you guys are all named after 80s musicians and you all drive vintage cars, well except for Ace."

  "Yeah, Ace was always the one that tended to keep with the times. He just walked down his own path. And to answer your question, yes, I do listen to music from this decade. Actually, I'd think you'd be surprised to find the vast decades of music on my iPod."

  A smirk crosses her face and I swear my heart rate picks up, but I don't know why. Yes, Londynn is gorgeous but it's not like I'm the relationship type guy anymore and she is definitely that girl. I need to keep reminding myself of that. "Is that so?"

  "Yes. So, do you have a favorite musical artist?" I ask.

  "Doesn't everyone?" She counters and I'm not sure if it's because she doesn't want to tell me or what?

  I shrug while inching the car forward with the flow of traffic. "I guess they do. What's yours?"

  "Depends really but if I could only pick one, Kings of Leon."

  "They're good. I saw them when they played in Vegas last year," I tell her, and she instantly looks at me with that pretty mouth of hers wide open.

  "You're kidding me!" She exclaims, and I shake my head no. "It's official I'm beyond jealous of you right now. Were they great?"

  We continue to talk about Kings of Leon for at least ten minutes then a hushed silence falls over the car. Londynn is staring at the beach as we drive by and I could almost see her wheels spinning but I didn't know what she’s thinking about. Once we pass the beach she turns back to face me. "So, who’s your favorite and why?"

  "Whitesnake."

  Her eyebrows knit together as if she's trying to figure out if I'm serious and if it wasn't so adorable it might get on my nerves. "Whitesnake?" I just nod. "First of all, I don't think I know them and second of all, why?"

  "There's this song by Whitesnake called "Is It Love?" it was my parents song. I remember so many nights I'd sneak out of my room when I was supposed to be asleep and sit on the floor where I could look around the wall and see my parents dancing to that song. It was their song and the way they looked at each other and held each other..." I shrug.

  "It made you believe in it all," Londynn says in almost a whisper.

  "Yeah, I guess they did," I say as well pull into a parking place in front of JamesTown.

  I get out and walk around so I can open the door for her. I take her small hand as I help her out. Its silky soft next to mine. For a moment she stares up into my eyes and I swear she can see what an ass I've been the past five years and for the first time I care that I've been that guy but its short lived because Farrah walks out of the door. Well, more like stumbles hollering Londynn's name. Londynn releases a deep sigh, one that's deep enough to make her shoulders come close to her ears then fall back down. A small smile falls over her face "I better go take care of that but thank you for the ride and for sticking up for me."

  "The pleasure was all mine," I reply giving her a wink and a smile that has always sealed the deal for me. I watch as she walks away, and I wonder what in the hell has gotten into me? It's not like Londynn Parrish, queen of the rich and perfect, would ever even consider anything with me unless it was to make Ryce jealous. So, why does my heart feel like some of the ice has been chipped away?

  Londynn

  I was kind of glad for the distraction of a tipsy Farrah. Jagger was causing me all kind of butterflies and he knew it. He kept giving me that smile that had probably gotten him in more beds than the 80s star he was named after. I couldn't let myself fall for someone like him. He had a reputation, they all did. Yes, he was ridiculously good looking and smelled amazing and his eyes had those little crinkles that appeared when he smiled. Yes, his deep, husky voice sent shivers down my spine and made everything tingle but that didn't make it a good idea. Actually, it made all of this a bad idea.

  With guys like Ryce I now knew what to expect. To be wanted but only because of the money and ego boost that comes along with me. It wasn't me they wanted, it was the image. I couldn't ever remember Ryce telling me his favorite song or asking me mine because we didn't really talk. I hadn't realized that though until tonight. But with guys like Jagger they were charming, and they knew it. They had the looks and knew how to use them. In the end I knew I'd get my heart broken and yes, Ryce had broken it too but I didn't see it coming from the beginning. Allowing myself to hold any kind of fantasy about Jagger would definitely lead to heartbreak and I’d know it from the get go.

  Farrah was sitting in Connor's lap and Kynlee had basically been all of over Ace since we sat down. He wasn't complaining but I doubt any guy would. She was the type of gorgeous that was intimidating, and her ice-cold attitude didn't help. The only saving grace at this table was Sadie. She had sat down beside me while Axell, Bowie and Jagger tended to something in the back. We had been sitting in silence, well, not total silence since we had to hear the make outs going on at the table and the music that filled the bar. Sadie cleared her throat and looked at me. "So, how's the first day?"

  I shrug, "Getting by. Thanks for asking," I add with a small smile.

  "You look good. I'm really proud of you for sticking up to Ryce the way you did. You really needed to do that for yourself," Sadie says patting my hand on the table.

  I give her half a laugh "Well, I don't know how much I did considering your brother in law had to step in."

  "Fixing to be brother in law and also he didn't have to but the James' boys can't stand guys like Ryce and they were raised where you didn't talk or treat any female that way. It's just in their blood but even if he hadn't stepped in you would have been fine," she says with a reassuring smile.

  "I don't know," I say quietly but she manages to hear it.


  She shakes her head "No, Londynn remember what you've learned. You deserve better now make sure you get it. Stop doubting yourself."

  "Okay," I say giving her a smile that will get her off my back. “I’m going to see what’s on the jukebox," I tell the table as I make my away across the room. As I’m looking at the jukebox I feel the heat coming off his body as he stands behind me. He leans forward and places a hand on the glass next to mine. I can smell cinnamon coming off his breath before he whispers, “Find anything good?” I shrug in response, “Just browsing.”

  He chuckles, and I look over my shoulder at him, his eyes study my face but instead of making me uncomfortable it makes me feel something else, something unknown, but I like it. A thought occurs to me and I turn back to the jukebox and continue browsing until I see the band I was looking for. Of course, the juke box is full of all the classics and since the James boys owned JamesTown it made since that Whitesnake would be in the jukebox. I scroll through the songs and make my selection. Before the music starts playing I turn around and lean against the jukebox and lay my head to one side and smile.

  “Now what’s that smile about?” he asks as his eyes study me again, trying to figure it out. The music starts, and he throws his head back in a laugh. “Really? You’re playing my favorite song?”

  I shrug with my arms crossed over my chest. “I’d never heard the song and you know what they say curiosity killed the cat.” He bites his bottom lip for just a minute like he wants to say something but won’t. “Dance with me?” I ask holding out my hand.

  He looks at my hand like I’m crazy but then shakes his head. “I can’t dance Londynn. I have no rhythm.”

  “Well, lucky for you I’m an excellent teacher. Sixteen years of classes so just follow my lead," I tell him as I take his hand and pull him towards the dance floor. Once we reach the floor I take one of his hands and place it on my waist and take the other in my hand. “Now, just shuffle your feet to the beat of the music. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy.” He barely moves at first but as the music continues he becomes more comfortable and before I know it he’s pulled me closer to his body. His eyes have never left mine and I feel slightly lightheaded. I can feel the rise and fall of his chest as he breathes, and I can see the little beads of sweat forming on his neck from the heat inside the building. We dance until the song finishes and then we stop but he doesn’t release me, and I make no move to step away. It’s like it’s just us in this bar, on this dance floor. The sound of a glass dropping, and shattering knocks me back into reality. “See, you can dance," I say patting his chest in what is supposed to be a playful manner, but my voice is shaky and a little breathless.