Nick and Ashley walked around for a short while longer before Ashley called the driver to pick them up.
“So where are we off to next?” Nick asked as their car pulled up to the curb in front of them.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Ashley smirked as Nick opened the door for her and she climbed into the car. She laughed at the edgy expression on Nick’s face. “You’ll like it, I promise.”
“Can you tell I’m not used to taking a back seat to these things?” he laughed.
“Really? I would have never guessed.” She teased. “Sometimes it’s fun to just sit back and let someone else take the reigns.”
“Well so far it’s been a very good thing.” He said as he leaned in to kiss her.
“And it’s just gonna get better.” she smirked.
“I’m gonna have a lot to live up to for our next date, huh?” he laughed.
“Pretty much.” She laughed with a grin as they pulled into the parking lot of Go-Kart Kingdom.
“Yeah, a lot to live up to.” Nick laughed as he looked out the window. “Go-Karts huh?”
“I figured since I schooled you in Mario Kart I may as well do it in real life too.” She giggled.
“Schooled me? More like cheated.” He protested.
“Just admit that I kicked your butt. And now you can really eat my dust when I school you again.”
“We’ll see about that.” He said as another truck pulled up behind theirs.
“Right on time.” She said as they exited the car and greeted Angel and Scott in the car that pulled up behind them. “Hey guys. How was dinner?”
“Great.” Angel smirked. “How about you?”
“Very good.” Ashley laughed a little.
“You two are both just full of surprises tonight, huh?” Nick laughed.
“We try.” Angel teased as they headed for the employee entrance to the park.
The park manager met them there and led them over to the track he had closed for them.
“We close in two hours, so it’s yours until then.” He said opening the gate that led to the cars. “Mike is over there in the engineers booth and he’ll get you all set up. Enjoy.”
“Wait we have the track to ourselves?” Nick said puzzled.
“Yeah, you’re sister is a miracle worker.” Ashley laughed. “It was gonna be just us but I figured it would be more fun racing if there was more then two people. Hope that’s ok?”
“Yeah.” He smiled at her. “As long as afterwards we get more alone time.” His smile turned into a smirk.
“I think that may be a possibility.” She laughed.
“Just maybe?” he pouted.
“Yeah.” She smirked pulling his collar slightly so his face was closer to hers. She licked her lips and smiled coyly. “If you can keep up.”
“I don’t think I’ll have a problem.” He smirked and leaned in to kiss her.
She giggled and turned away quickly before he could, running off to join Angel and Scott by the cars. “Too slow!” she called out to him with a smirk.
“Evil, pure evil!” he shook his head laughing as he joined them.
They chose their cars and got settled in. Mike gave them the basic rundown of working the cars and the rules of the track before heading back to the booth to run the lights.
“I think I might have overlooked the fact that driving in a dress and heels isn’t the easiest thing.” Ashley looked over at Angel with a laugh.
“Don’t make up excuses for loosing already.” Nick yelled to her with a laugh.
“No one ever said anything about loosing Carter.” She laughed. “It’ll just be more to rub in your face when I cross the finish line before you.”
“In your dreams.” He snickered as the large track light began to beep its countdown. As the light changed to green they all pulled out of the side lane with fury. The track was large with a big up hill climb, near the rear, that lead to an overpass and a downward spiral. After passing through a tunnel and a sharp curve it was a straight shot back to the start. They had to do three laps around the track to finish the race. By the end of the first lap Nick was in the lead. As they came around the final curve the second time Ashley took the opportunity to use the curve to get in front of Nick. She snickered and stuck her tongue out as she passed him and floored the petal to gain a bigger lead. As they came around the curve the final lap he knew she had kept just enough ahead to beat him. She passed the finish like just half a car in front of him.
“Victory is mine!” she said throwing her hands up with a laugh as she pulled the car back into the starting gate and came to a stop.
“Impressive, but I was on your tail the whole time. You only caught a break on that curve or I would have smoked you.” Nick laughed as he pulled up next to her.
"My car totally blows." Angel said frustrated as she pulled through last. "It wouldn't go fast enough."
"Switch to another one. We need to dominate these boys, let them know what they're really dealing with." Ashley snickered.
"She gets to make up excuses but not me?" Nick pouted.
"That's cuz I like her and know she can kick your butt."
"Oh so you don't like me now?" He made his pout more evident.
"Not when your whining like a soar loser." She teased as she reved her engine and pulled up next to Angel who had switched cars and was waiting by the start.
"That's it, it's on!" Nick said pulling up next to them. "Be prepared to eat my dust!"
"Talk is cheap." She laughed as Scott pulled up next to Nick and the lights began to blink again. When it turned green they all took off with speed once more. This time, with a fully working car, Angel was leading all of them. Ashley and Nick battled for second position and she couldn't help but laugh at how determined he was to win. A part of her wanted to just let him win, but she was far too competitve for that. On the final curve of the last lap she edged her way past both Nick and Angel taking the win, Angel coming in second followed by Nick then Scott.
"Total ownage!" She laughed as they pulled up next to her.
"You totally came out of nowhere." Angel laughed. "I almost had you!"
"Almost doesn't count." She teased.
"I demand a rematch!" Nick said, frustrated that he had now been beat by both girls.
"Someones a soar loser." Ashley laughed.
"Yes I am." He said with a slight pout. She couldn't help but laugh at him.
"Fine. One more race, just you and me, for all the glory." She laughed pulling up to the starting lane.
"Oh it's on. I'm bringing the fire this time. I'm showing no mercy." He said with all seriousness as he pulled up beside her.
"Just like last time?" She teased. "Might as well pack up and go home now."
"Victory will be mine." He said as he focused on the countdown clock.
She shook her head laughing as she watched the intensity grow on his face. She had to admit it was a good look for him. She was distracted for a moment as she watched him, giving him a jump on her out of the gate. Damn why did he have to be so attractive? Hopefully she could close the gap. By the end of the final lap Nick was still in the lead. She knew her only hope at winning was to cut him off on the final curve. As they neared it Nick moved to the inside, knowing what she would try to do.
"Damn!" She said to herself, knowing he had caught on to her winning trick. There was no way to pass him now and she knew he knew it.
They coasted through the finish line and Nick threw his hands up in victory as his car came to a stop and she pulled up next to him.
"Well played, Carter."
“You didn't let me win did you?" He asked noting the smile on her face.
“Why would I do that?” She laughed.
“I demand a rematch.” He said taking her laugh as a yes.
“You won, fair and square. I promise.” She reasured him. "I'm only smiling cuz you're cute when your this intense."
"You swear?" He looked at her with all seriousness.
"Honest." She nodded. "Now help me out of this car. I think I've been stuck in here a little too long." She laughed trying to push herself out.
Nick got out of his car and reached his arms out to help bring her to her feet. Once she was up he lifted her slightly so she didn't have to step over the side in her heels.
"Thanks." She smiled as they walked over to the small set of bleachers on the side of the track to let Angel and Scott race one more time.
"You know as much as I hate loosing, its pretty hott knowing you could out race me." Nick laughed nudging her as they sat on the bleachers watching Angel and Scott.
"I'm sure it’s not the only thing I can take you in." She laughed.
"Someone's sure of themselves." He chuckled. She shrugged with a laugh as he shook his head. He looked at her for a moment before speaking up. "Tonight was fun. I needed this little break."
"I'm glad you had a good time." She smiled leaning into him slightly as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I had a good time too, but then again I seem to always have a good time when I'm with you."
Nick smiled to himself. She never failed to put a smile on his face. He was already positive he liked her before, but after tonight he knew it was more then that. She was different then all the other girls and she didn't even have to try. He usually didn't fall this fast, but there was just something special about her, and he wanted to be with her. Now he just hoped their promise to take things slow wouldn't be a snail’s race.
"Earth to Nick." Ashley laughed trying to get his attention.
"Huh? Sorry." He said snapping back into reality.
"You ok?"
"Yeah, just thinking."
"Be careful, that can be dangerous." She teased. "I was just aking if you wanted to walk around and see what else they have here before we head back? It looked like they had games and stuff."
"Yeah, sounds good." He said standing up as Angel and Scott pulled across the finish line and made their way over towards them.
“Totally smoked him!” Angel laughed as they approached the two.
“I think we showed both these boys how it’s really done.” Ashley giggled.
“Hey! I won that last race.” Nick interjected.
“Of course you did, babe.” She laughed linking arms with Angel and heading towards the open area, beyond the gated track, where the games and arcade was. She made sure to look over her shoulder and give him a little smirk as they walked away.
“Damn that girl is evil.” He laughed to himself as he and Scott followed the two girls.
They spent the rest of the night playing games at the various booths and taking fun photos in the small photo booth inside the arcade. When the park closed they met their car in the parking lot and made their way back to the hotel.
After waiting for Nick to greet the few fans that had been waiting outside most of the night they made their way into the hotel and said their goodnights as they parted ways.
“So do I get my alone time?” Nick said wrapping his arms around Ashley’s waist as they stood in front of the door to his room.
“Well I guess since you won that last race.”
“So I did win? You didn’t let me?”
“No, you won fare and square.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “I was teasing before.”
“I knew I smoked you.” He laughed as he unlocked the door.
“You barely beat me, don’t flatter yourself Carter.” She gave him a playful tap, following him into the room. Nick took a seat on the bed, leaning back against the headboard, as he turned on the TV and flipped through the channels.
“It’s still pretty early. Want to rent a movie or something?” he asked.
“I want to change first.” She said grabbing a small bag from a chair in the corner.
"When did that get in here!?" He laughed not noticing the bag before.
"I have my ways." She laughed, pulling what she needed from the bag and making her way towards the bathroom.
"So you had this planned all along but played it off like I had to work for it?” he pouted.
“Gotta keep things interesting.” She smirked shutting the door. She came out a few minutes later with her hair up in a messy bun and her face freshly washed and free of makeup. Nick smirked a little, as he looked her over. She was wearing a simple plain deep v-neck white shirt and boy shorts. He loved to see her dressed up but this was when he liked her the most, when she was laid back and just relaxing next to him.
“What?” she said noticing his eyes fixed on her.
“Nothing, just looking at you.” He smiled.
“Ok.” She said timidly as she put her things back in the bag, conscious of his eyes still on her. “Do I like have something on my face?” she said checking the mirror.
“No, I just like looking at you.” He laughed a little. “You look cute.”
“Ok.” She laughed a little. “I’m in pajamas with my hair in a mess.”
“Exactly. You’re being yourself. The same way no one ever buys me dinner, no one ever just chills in front of me. They’re always trying to impress me or look good.”
“So you’re saying I don’t look good?” she teased walking closer to him.
“You know that’s not what I meant.” He said taking her hands and pulling her closer to him and wrapping his arms around her waist. “You look beyond good. I’m just saying I like that you’re not afraid to let your guard down in front of me.”
“I knew what you meant.” She giggled as he gave her a quick kiss. “I just like teasing you.”
“I’ve figured that one out.” He laughed. His eyes caught hers and he couldn’t help but smile. “I really had a good time with you tonight. Thank you again.”
“It was my pleasure.” She smiled as the butterflies rose in her stomach again. She didn’t know what it was about it, but every time he looked at her she wanted to melt.
“You’re amazing, you know that right?”
“I’ve been told once or twice.” She giggled.
“But I still think you’re evil.” He added.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” She teased. “But you know you’re pretty amazing yourself.”
“What can I say? It’s a talent.”
“Someone’s sure of themselves.” She laughed.
“Well I figure I’m doing something right if I’m keeping that smile on your face.”
“I can’t argue with that one.” She chuckled and leaned in to kiss him.
It didn’t take long for the kiss to deepen as Nick pulled her down next to him on the bed. She ran her hands through his hair as they continued to kiss. Nick began a trail of kisses down her neck. A slight moan escaped her lips as he nibbled lightly on her neck, just below her earlobe. His hands started to roam her body and she could feel herself becoming lost in the moment. She knew they needed to stop now or things would go too far too fast.
“As much as I don’t want to, if we don’t stop right now we both know we won’t be able to.” She said as she pushed him away slightly, trying to catch her breath.
“No, you’re right. Sorry, I got a little ahead of myself.”
“You and me both.” She bit her lip looking over at him, trying to see if he was disappointed that she had stopped him. “Are you mad?”
“No.” he said giving her a quick kiss for reassurance. “We said we would take things slow. I don’t want to do anything you’re not ready for. I would never get mad about that.”
“Thanks.” She smiled relieved.
“Let’s get to bed.” He said kissing her once more before reaching over and switching off the light on the side table.
She lay there for a moment, in the dark, still slightly worried that she had upset him. But when he reached for her she knew he understood. She smiled to herself as he wrapped his arm around her and she settled herself into his embrace. Although they had laid like this many times before there was something different about the way it felt, like for the first time they could just relax knowing what the other was feeling, and knowing that it was what they both needed.
Author's Chapter Notes:
wait?? are you seeing thins? is it really me again? yes it is! and im incredibly sorry for taking so long to post this. No excuses im just really really sorry. Hope you guys have stuck with me and i really hope you enjoy this one. More soon!
