They said he was better than the rest. They were right. He was the best.

Nash Cooper always came across as an enigma, like there was some hidden layer of him that no one noticed. No one dare pried beneath the surface to discover what he truly was. Of how his secrets were deeper than the depths of an ocean and the mysteries around him clogged the truth like smoke.

Seeing Nash win every race he participated in with such ease and style proved how little I, along with the rest of the school actually knew about him. I thought I had a double life. You ain't seeing nothing yet.

"That was brilliant!" I grin as Nash approaches, Jake in tow. The former looks worn out, as he pulls out his helmet, his black hair falling across his forehead like silk.

Swoon.

Honestly, that guy should be in an ad.

"You think?" Nash's lips curve at my statement and he runs a hand down his face tiredly. I don't blame him for being so exhausted, he'd just competed in three races and won all. It's not as easy as it looks. On the other hand, his best friend hadn't performed nearly as well. Jam tried his best, the passion is there, and so is the potential. But racing – is not for everyone.

"Yes! You did such a great job," I beam at Nash despite myself. "Those drifts were so pinpoint and that car – it's so light and supple. Brilliant manoeuvres as well."

Nash nods at me and Jake glances at him with raised brows. I notice the look he exchanges afterwards with Clarissa when he pulls her for a hug. They both share this expression I can't place when their eyes fall on me like I've said something out of turn.

"What?" I frown at their weird glances. "Jake, what is it?"

"Nothing," he shrugs, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "How'd you know so much about cars" Clarissa nods in concession, wrapping her arm around Jake's one. "I'm also surprised. You gave some pretty spot-on commentary when the guys raced almost as if you –"

"It's just basics, nothing major," I interrupt her before she assumes the truth. I do watch racing, a lot. It was my dad's favourite sport. Mum and I still sit Thursday evenings and watch – keep the spirit alive.

But it's not the same. It'll never be the same without Dad.

"Okay then," Clarissa resolves to believe me and so does her boyfriend.

Nash on the other hand arches an incredulous eyebrow to show his disbelief. But he doesn't voice his thoughts on the subject so neither do I.

"Quick! Danger!" Jake calls out at two figures standing some metres away and instantly the wanted men turn their heads in our direction.

Jake beckons them over and they come to join our little group. I recognise them by their dark leather jackets and the cigarettes in their hands, along with their hunched postures, to be the two guys that Jake was talking to earlier, before the race.

"Nice race, well done Cooper," one of the two smirks as they shake hands with the boys. He's got chocolate-coloured eyes, dark skin and black hair, a silver hoop earring glinting from one ear. He tips his head at Clarissa in greeting and then turns his gaze to me in surprise.

"Who're you?" He asks me, but his eyes look to Nash. The second of the two pins his gaze at me, his striking blue eyes holding a dangerous glimmer. There's a roguish smile dancing on his lips that I don't like.

"Who are you?" I narrow my eyes, steadily gazing at the dark-haired one.

Nash sighs at my question almost as if saying 'It's going to be a long night'.

His smirk widens to a grin. "The name's Danger and this –"

The guy called Danger throws an arm around the other's shoulder who I'm guessing is Quick. I don't even wanna know why the fuck those names are.

"– And I am Quick," The blue-eyed, red-haired man says. "And who are you, pretty lady?"

I scoff. "I'm not pretty don't kid yourself. Your blue eyes, that's pretty. Stars, that's pretty. Your flirting. That's pretty ... pathetic."

I earn a high five from Clarissa at this.

Quick looks at me taken aback and hurt.

"Tough-skinned," he nods, elbowing Nash. "Matches you well Cooper, I see why you're together now."

My eyes widen.

"No that's not–" I voice out at the same time Nash chokes.

Danger laughs and Jake shakes his head. "What happened, dude? Cat caught your tongue?"

The guys continue to laugh as Jake slaps Nash on the back with more force than is strictly necessary. In turn, Nash straightens up and glares at the three of them with a glint of wickedness in his orbs. A look that says run.

"Are they always like this?" I look at Clarissa for help, my eyes slitting in annoyance.

"All the flippen time," she sighs in exasperation. "Danger and Quick are flunking college so you can believe me when I say they're a pair of idiots."

"Woah," Quick cuts her off, throwing an arm around Nash who obviously, shrugs him off. "That is not true."

"Yeah, you're right," Nash says coldly. "You're failing college, you idiot."

Jake bursts out in laughter at that one.

"Oh shut it," Danger rolls his eyes. "At least I'm a decent racer."

"I'm a decent racer too," Jake mumbles.

Quick slaps him on the back. "Sure you are."

Clarissa glares at the redhead before rubbing Jake's back gently. "Don't listen to them sweetheart you are a good driver."

Quick barks out a laugh before covering it up with a cough, his fist going to his mouth. Danger on the other hand grins at the statement, as he glances at me. There's something in his expression, his facial features that looks so familiar– something about those dark eyes and high cheekbones.

"Danger was in our school a few years back," Nash notices my expression, leaning near my shoulder.

"Yeah, I must've been a senior when ..." Danger trails off, rubbing his chin thoughtfully "When you guys were in freshman year. That is unless you're younger than Jayson and Cooper here."

Quick cocks his head to the side, staring at me. "Are you younger than them?"

"No," I say. "We're all the same age."

"Then how come you don't know who I am?" Danger asks looking thoroughly hurt.

Nash rolls his eyes before narrowing them at the two college dudes with such lethality that, it's nearly deathly. Honestly, if there's one thing about Nash Cooper it's his death stare. Yikes.

Danger scratches the back of his neck, squirming under Nash's dangerous gaze. "I think we'd better get going."

"Scram," Nash says coldly, and he actually does.

"Goodbye to you too Cooper," Quick mutters before cursing him and then turns to the rest of us. "See you around Jayson, Clarissa and especially you pretty lady."

He spins around on his feet, fluid as a dancer and saunters away with an easy confidence.

"Carey, it's Carey!" I call out after Quick.

When he throws a wave over his shoulder, I shake my head in irritation.

"I don't like that guy," I curl my lips, watching his retreating figure catch up to Danger in the distance.

"Me neither," Clarissa concedes, her nose scrunching in disgust.

"Good," Jake and Nash both say at the same time – the latter's eyes meeting mine.

"We should get going," Nash glances over to where the rest of his team are celebrating with alcohol. "Unless anyone is interested in drinks?"

"Pass."

"Nah."

"No," the three of us reply in negative. I smile. I expected more peer pressure about drinking and talking to sober kids my age, school night or not, feels pretty good.

"Oh, one more thing before you go," Clarissa snaps her fingers together. "I know you're not big on parties but ..."

She trails off, latching onto Jake's hand. He continues instantly as if mind reading her.

"I'm throwing a party at my house after Friday's game," Jake says. "Coach won't let me play so it's the least I could do for the team."

"What if you lose?" I can't help but ask.

Jakes shrugs. "Then you can party away the pain of loss."

Well, okay then.

"No pressure though," Nash says. "I wanted to miss this party too given what happened the last time."

Ah yes. Ralph's house and the broken chandelier. Not to mention what happened with Jake. I should ask them for the full story on that.

"But you can't," Jake grins, nudging his best friend. "Because I'm the host and I'll be safe in my house."

He's about to add something else but Nash throws him a dark look. Jake instantly closes his mouth, allowing the other to talk.

"Uh huh," Nash doesn't look convinced. "Seriously, Carey, you can miss it if you prefer."

Something stirs in my chest, warm and soft like honey curling up in my heart.

"But just, think about it, okay?" Jake smiles. I have a pool as too if you like water."

"I can't swim."

"Cool, neither can I," he admits.

"I'll think about it," I push my hair back. "But no promises."

Clarissa smiles. "Okay then. I'll see we'll if we see you."

I gave the happy couple a half smile in return, saying no more.