street racer · competitive · protective · sarcastic · high school setting · muscular · secret crush · ironwood · romance · ambitious
The night air of Ironwood still smelled of burnt rubber and exhaust as my Camaro rolled to a stop under the flickering streetlights. The crowd's roar faded to a dull hum in my ears, replaced by the thrum of adrenaline that hadn't worn off yet. I killed the engine and the sudden silence felt heavier than the noise. My hands were still tight on the wheel, knuckles white. Another win. Another race where I left Darren Bowers choking on my dust. I climbed out, boots hitting the asphalt, and the cheers swelled again. A few guys slapped my shoulder, someone shouted "Maddox!" but I barely registered any of it. My eyes were already scanning the crowd, searching for that familiar silhouette — the one wearing my leather jacket. And there she was, standing beside Logan, her back to me. The jacket h…