Paradise City

“Sam,” he called while I tried to pull away. “Samantha,” he said, his voice low and even.

It made me cringe.

I stilled and went with him while he pulled me behind the building where the cars were parked.

He yanked at my helmet and I gasped as he caught sight of me. My blond hair was almost as bright as his, but mine had more gold streaks than his. Blue eyes met grey and the expression on his face wasn’t quite what I’d expected. He looked shocked at first, eyes wide, than his face broke into a grin.

“Fuck me,” he said under his breath while he shook his head in amusement. “A girl beat me...”

I pulled my arm back, crossing them over my traitorous chest, trying to look angry while I explored his face again.

“You should definitely come to nationals,” he said with that grin still on his face.

My gaze shot to his eyes before hesitantly asking, “You’re not going to rat me out?”

“Rat you out?” He asked back, “Hell no I’m not going to rat you out. If you can fight like that you deserve the chance to play just like everyone else.”

My heart swelled at that moment. I still had a chance to play in this city.