"Do you think Jesse likes me?"

Mia looked up from her hands slowly - surprised at her friend questions. "Of course. Why would you ask that?" Lora returned to her empty cup, a little embarrassed at her insecurities. "We went out last week but he's been kind of distant since then. When I show up at the garage he looks at me like his whole lifes meaning just showed up but his actions don't match up."

"I'm going to let you in on something, between us girls. Jesse's never really had a 'girl friend' before so he probably doesn't know how to act. This might be a deal breaker but he's only had conquests - never something real."

Lora took this information in. It made sense. If Jesse had never really cared about a girl before then he wouldn't know how to act around someone he had feelings for. That didn't make the way he was acting okay with her though. She must have took to long with her thoughts because suddenly Mia reach across the table and took Lora's hand. "I really think he likes you, Lora. He never shuts up about you at the house." This caused a smile to escape her lips. "I like him too."

"We are having a BBQ tomorrow night. You are definitely coming. I wont take no for an answer."

Lora laughed at little Mia's tough-guy attitude. "Well, with a threat like that," she teased, standing to her feet. "Let's go check out that new racing store across from JCPenny's."

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Jesse was the first to look up as the blue Supra pulled onto the street and cut the engine. Lora stepped out of the car slowly - scanning her surrounding. Mia had invited her; and she considered her a dear friend - but she was a little nervous of what the others might think of her coming to their family bar-b-que. Cautiously she walked up the driveway to the small gathering of friends with a smile spread on her face.

"Hey!" Mia squealed - glancing at Dom before going to her friend. "Hey." Lora answered quietly - still very intimidated. Jesse's eye's met her's and he smiled, motioning to the empty seat beside him. They had set an extra place at the table so that was a good sign.

"Thanks, everyone for inviting me to dinner. I brought some dessert." Lora assured, holding up the small pan of home-made brownies. The ice was officially broken as Vince grabbed the pan and inhaled its delicious smell. "Wow, Jess. Not only is she smokin' hot but she can cook to!" Leon assured with a laugh, slapping Jesse hard on the back.

"You're always welcome here, Lora." Dom assured quietly as he worked the grill. Lora just smiled. It was good to feel like part of a family.

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"I'm glad Mia invited you. I was going to but you know, it slipped my mind." Jesse muttered, watching Lora as she lowered herself onto the creeper and slid underneath her car. "Yeah, that's what guys always say. I'll call you - don't call me." She teased, smiling over at him as he moved next to her. "Alright, Einstein. Teach me." She added, pointing to the large pipe above her head.

Jesse moved his head to the side to get a better view and took Lora's hand in his, extending her index finger. "This is the fuel injection pipe, it connects to your gas pipe and hooks to the motor and the NoS injectors." He explained carefully, linking his fingers with hers as the moved down the frame of the car. "Mostly everything has to do with the engine when racing. Dom' going to take out the block and customize it for the race Saturday. Mostly imported parts from Japan and a few NoS canisters from Harry's."

Lora turned her head to the side and looked at Jesse.

"You can't remember to invite me to a bar-b-que but you remember everything you've ever learned about cars."

They looked at each other for a long, uneasy minute.

"I wanted you to be here. Mia just got to it before I did." He muttered quietly, letting his eyes roam down to her parted lips. "I wanted you to want me," A pause passed between them as he leaned in towards her. "To be here." Lora whispered.

Their lips were inches apart - eye's searching one anothers as Jesse licked his lips in anticipation. The air in the garage had suddenly become very thick. Just as their lips touched Leon stormed into the empty garage; "Yo Jess! Let's eat!" Lora yelped - sitting up quickly to just smack her head on the car. "Shit." She muttered, falling back down beside Jesse quickly.

"Are you all right?" He asked, laughing with her as he slid them out from under the car. Lora sat up slowly this time - allowing Jesse to examine her forehead. "You didn't break the skin. I think you'll be okay." He assured quietly - still sitting very close to her. Lora smiled sweetly a he placed his lips to her forehead before helping her to her feet.

"We better get outside before Vince eats all the food."

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"American muscle beats Import every time!" Dom yelled over the laughing - glaring at Lora from across the table. "That Toyota wouldn't stand a chance against my Charger."

Lora giggled quietly; obviously getting under Dom's skin with her words. "Dodges are the worst, bro. They break down. Hell, the Jetta could beat that Dodge on a bad day." Vince assured, trying to support his theory that Dodges looked nice on the outside but had nothing under the hood. "Yeah, well Jesse could beat your ass on a bad day too, V." Letty joined in - causing them all to laugh at the thought.

Mia stood to help Mia with the stack of dishes she carried, and began passing them out. When she handed Dominic one he held onto the plate a little to long - catching her attention. "You ready for next Saturday?"

"As I'll ever be." She assured quietly, hoping her voice didn't give away the nervousness she felt when it came to racing again. "Well, don't blow us off the map with that led foot of yours."

Lora rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Jesse.

"If you win Saturday - we party. If you lose - I'm taking a grand out of your ass."

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"You don't really think Dom will kick my ass, do you?" Lora whispered to Jesse, shuffling a deck of playing cards between her fingers. He looked up at her slowly - a small smile creeping to his lips. "I don't know. He's got a lot of money on that race."

Lora swallowed hard.

With a laugh Jesse pulled her towards him - scanning the surroundings for any interruptions. Everyone else had retired into the house - leaving them alone at the picnic tablet; illuminated in the soft light of the hanging lanterns and the few tiki-torches that kept the bugs away. The cards slipped from her fingers as Jesse turned her face to his and brushed a few strands of hair from her eyes.

"Trust me. I've lost a lot of races that Dom had money on. He get's over it." Lora nodded, still a little worried about the idea. Surely Dominic wouldn't hurt her physically but the thought of her make shift family being taken away from her was even scarier then that. She didn't want to lose the only friends she'd ever really had. With a sigh she smiled, turning her full attention to Jesse.

"Plus, I'd kick his ass if he tried anything." He assured after a moment, causing a laugh to escape her. No offense to her sweet nerdy Jesse but Dom was three times his size. "What? You don't think I could take him?" Jesse leaned back and showed off his arm muscle - which lacked seriously on his skinny body. With another laugh Lora pulled him back towards her and kissed him, somewhat off guard.

The sweet moment quickly turned into something more as Jesse found her hair, holding her face to his as he deepened the kiss - bringing her towards him in an attempt to get as close as possible. Suddenly her perfume was overwhelming as he clung to her and she pulled away gasping - studying each other for a long moment. After a beat they resumed their makeout session - discarding the deck of cards without another thought.

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"There's your T66 turbo, performer EPS intake, carb Naxos rear muffler and Altezza tail lamps."

Lora looked up at Jesse slowly; overwhelmed at all the parts laying on the garage floor. "English, please." She assured quietly - glancing towards Leon and Vince who were hard at work on her Supra.

"This is basically your car in, uh... part." He corrected with a laugh. "I bet I'd have a better chance at winning if all this," She gestured towards the parts on the floor. "...was in here." She assured, pointing to the Supra.

"This is nothing. It'll be done by Saturday."

Lora thanked them for their hard work and disappeared into the diner to talk to Mia. Leaving Jesse and the others to finish their work.

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Jesse stared down into the engine - trying to concentrate on the task at hand. He was use to his mind slipping because of the ADD but deep inside he knew it was more then that this time. He wanted this car to be perfect. He had to make sure everything was right so nothing happened when Lora was driving it. That was something he didn't think he'd be able to handle.

"Yo, Jess. You all right?" Dom asked, walking out of the office and into the garage. "I don't know. I can't think straight today." He growled, running a hand through his hair. "It's her." Dom assured, throwing rag towards Jesse so he could clean his hands. Jesse looked up - spotting Lora in the diner, laughing with Mia. Her whole face lit up when she smiled; sapphire eyes sparkling.

"I don't know what to do, Dom. I want to tell her how I feel but knowing me I'm just going to screw it up."

Jesse sighed at the thought, sitting down on the hood of the Supra.

"You gotta take that chance, Jess. What could you possibly lose?"

Jesse looked up at Dom's words then back to Lora, "Everything."

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- Friday, After Dom's Race -

"Dom always wins," Mia assured, sitting down on the edge of her bed. "You'd think they'd get tired of partying every weekend but nope, it's been this way for as long as I can remember."

Lora turned to look at Mia and smiled. "Gives them something to look forward to. Dom's the best - I know I'm nervous as hell about tomorrow night." Her voice trailed off quietly, "I don't want to piss Dom or the other's off."

Mia laughed out loud. "You'll win. Dom's bark is a lot worse then his bite. Most of the time." Lora gave her a look and glanced into the small vanity in her room. She looked a lot happier then she had in a long time. "Come on, let's go find the guys." Mia assured, taking Lora's hand as they left her bedroom and made their way downstairs to the party.

People, like every weekend since she'd shown up - were dancing, laughing, drinking - having a good time all around them. A random guy grabbed her arm, attempting to dance with her but she shrugged him off - loosing Mia to Brian quickly. She made her way towards Dom and Letty - forcing a smile. Usually Jesse was by her side but she hadn't seen him since they got back from the race.

"Lora," Dom stated loudly, glancing around the room before meeting her eyes. "Hey. Have you guys seen..." Lora's voice fell as her gaze fell on Jesse from across the room.

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Lora choked on her rage as she made her way through the thick crowd towards Jesse, who was standing in a corner with the trashiest girl she'd ever seen. The girl was barely dressed with orange blonde hair and black roots, giggling and clinging to Jesse's chest. If that wasn't enough by the time she reach them they were making out - arms wrapped around each other.

"Lora! Just... calm down." Letty tried, chasing her through the crowd as they closed in on the couple. "Don't do something you'll regret." Lora ignored her - standing dangerously close to white-trash girl. "What the fuck, Jesse?"

"Lor, hey... this is, uh..." Jesse laughed to himself, obviously wasted out of his mind as he desperately tried to remember the girls name. "He's had way to many, Lora. Stay calm. I know you care about him." Letty pleaded, standing behind her incase she snapped.

Lora continued to ignore Letty - showing real control as she tried to keep her voice calm. "Who the hell are you?" She finally asked the girl - glaring at her. Letty took a step back; Lora might have been half her size and twice as short but right now she was pissed off and the white-trash girl needed to realize that. "Vanessa. Who the hell are you? Jesse ain't got no girlfriend - he's fair game."

Lora remained quiet - turning her attention to Jesse.

"I thought..." She shook her head, stopping her words quickly. She should have known better then to think Jesse liked her. He was a guy and all guys were assholes. She never should have forgot that. Lora turned to leave - eye's filling up with tears as she looked at Letty. "Lora - I'm sorry." Jesse grabbed her shoulder and turned her to face him - taken back at the tears that suddenly fell down her cheeks. "I don't want to hurt you..." He continued, reaching to touch the tears that fell. Lora snapped her head away from Jesse's reach and glared at him. "Fuck you."

They stared at each other for an intense moment - both unable to walk away. "Come on, Jess. You don't need this skanky bitch when you've got someone like me." Vanessa assured suddenly - bringing Lora back into the moment. The look on her face could have been priceless - as if her heart had broke in half. She turned her attention from Jesse to his company.

"What the fuck did you call me?" Lora growled, low in her throat - taking a step towards Vanessa. The embarrassment and hurt she felt suddenly turned to rage and it wouldn't take much to rip this girls head off in Dom's living room. That thought - being in Dominic and Mia's house - sobered her enough to unclench her fists. "Save it for the races, chica. Come on." Letty assured, taking Lora by the arm to guide her away. "Be glad I won't disrespect my friend's house, bitch." She assured - giving Jesse one last heart breaking look before she turned and stormed out of the house.

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"What the hell, Jess?" Leon demanded, pulling Jesse away from Vanessa and towards the kitchen. He never gave the white-trash girl another look as they made their way to the table. "Where's Lora?" He asked, trying to focus on his friend.

"She's long gone, man. Mia went after her but I heard that Supra pull out doing a hundred. She probably won't get far - most of the tires is on the road out there." Jesse didn't laugh at the joke attempt. "I thought you liked her, man?"

He didn't answer.

"I gotta go. I gotta find her." After a minute Jesse stood on shaky legs - groaning as the room began to spin violently. He made an attempt towards the living room - only to have Dominic grab his arm before he fell violently to the kitchen floor. "Jess - you need to sleep this off. I don't know what your trying to pull - I know you like this girl."

Jesse jerked his arm away from Dominic quickly - straightening himself up to glare at his friend. "I love her, Dom. I fucking love her and I ruined any shot I had at her loving me back."

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"Lora?" Mia murmured, stepping out of her car quickly. The Supra was parked along the deserted beach and Lora sat quietly on the hood - staring out into the ocean. "Are you okay?" She asked, only to receive a shrug in response.

"He's drunk, Lor. I know that doesn't change anything but he doesn't want to hurt you. Jesse's not like that."

Lora turned her head and sighed, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "It doesn't even Matter, Mia. I should have known better then to trust him. When I met him that day at the gas station I should have turned and ran the opposite direction."

Mia frowned at her words - trying to think of anything to comfort her. "I really thought he was going to be different, Mi..." She whispered, allowing her friend to wrap her arms around her as she cried, assuring her that everything would work out.

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"Hey, Jess. You feelin' better?" Dom asked, peeking his head into Jesse's room the next day. They'd all had a few to many and had slept it off through out the day. Jesse never took his eyes off the computer screen - just nodded, drumming his fingers against the desk. "We're getting ready to leave for the races in a few." Dominic went on, rubbing his head in anticipation.

"All right."

Jesse's voice was low and emotionless.

"What's goin' on in that head of yours, Jess?"

Dominic sat down on the small bed and frowned, resting his elbows on his knees. Jesse was a brother to him - a strong part of their team and he couldn't have him moping around over some girl. Even if that girl could possibly be the best thing thats ever happen to him. "I don't know," Jesse started - blinking before turning his eyes to his friend. "I fucked up last night. Lora probably won't talk to me tonight." After a moment he turned back to the computer.

"You gotta tell her how you feel, Jess. You can't keep this kinda emotion inside - it'll eat at you. Lora's a good girl for you - don't let her get away." Dom advised - slapping Jesse on the back before walking out of the room. "Racin' in twenty minutes."

Jesse sat staring at his reflection in the computer screen for a long moment - finally pushing the keyboard away as he stood up and paced the room.

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- Saturday's Race -

"Life ain't a game, no no no." Hector sang to himself, slapping some guy on the back as he made his way towards his car. "I hear Toretto's putting a girl on the street tonight. A snow girl!" The small gathered crowd laughed loudly at the thought. "They say she ain't never raced this street before and she's got a riced out Supra!"

The crowd's laughing slowly faded as Dominic and his team pulled onto the street one by one. There was no new rider in sight - just the usual Toretto klan. "I'm not losin'." Hector assured, walking towards them.

"Yo, where's the chica Dom?"

Just then a spectacular blue Toyota Supra pulled onto the street - revving the engine loudly as it slid into a spot beside Hector. Lora stepped out of the car quickly - flashing her brightest smile towards Dominic. "Not smart showing up to the races late - Lora." Dominic growled, "..you're makin' me nervous."

"Fashionably late." She assured quietly - keeping the strained smile plastered to her lips. She was nervous too. It was going to be hard enough winning this race without the thoughts of last night so fresh in her mind. Lora watched Dom hand over a large wad of money to Hector - eyeing her as the mexican took the money. "One large on the minor races. Who's in?" Hector yelled through the crowd - causing them to cheer. An Asian man walked into the small circle slowly, keeping his eyes on Lora.

"I'm in."

"You got the money?" Dom asked, raising an eyebrow to the man who pulled out the pink slip to his car. "Let's go take a look." He nodded towards Jesse - who hadn't made it to the circle yet as they made their way to the black Eclipse with flame decals on the hood. "Nice," Jesse assured - trying not to stop and beg for Lora's forgiveness then and there. He held his composure and began inspecting the car - standing on his heels after a moment. "You drive with a lead foot you'll kill us all." Jesse looked up at Dominic. "There's at least five NoS tanks hooked up here."

"Let's do this." Lora assured quickly - eager to get this race over with. More then anything she wanted to win. Jesse finally looked her way - taken back at what he saw. His usual jeans and t-shirt beauty was wearing something straight out of Letty's closet - tight leather pants, high boots and a silky red halter top that clung to her thin frame like a second skin. He tried to ignore the remarks around him but his fists clenched at his sides anyway.

"Yo baby, you can't beat this machine. You might as well forfeit." Hector yelled over the crowd, causing cheers of approval. "Fuck you, papi. You're mother can't beat this." She yelled back - now standing beside the Supra. The crowd roared with laughter - causing Hector to slink back into the darkness.

"Lora, you don't have to do this."

She looked up at Jesse slowly and the smile she held so dear to her heart fell. A look of pure torture filled her eyes. "I'm doing this Jesse." Was all she could say before the infamous Vanessa stepped into her view. "Yo, bitch!" Jesse turned quickly to see who the intruder was and sighed; anyone but Vanessa and her skanky friends.

"You think you can have whatever you want, bitch? Whatever guy you want? Well I'm here to show you what it's like to lose!"

Before Vanessa could finish her rant Lora was in her face. "Fuck you, bitch! We're on the street now - I'll fuck you up!" Suddenly she felt Dom's strong hands on her arm, bringing her away from the girl. "Yeah? Like I fucked your man up all night long"

Lora's arms fell slack at Vanessa's words. That bitch knew how to throw a low blow. "Save it for the races, chica. If you in I need to see cash. One large." Dom growled, demanding the money. "I've got something even better." Vanessa assured, pulling the slip to her car out of her pocket. The team looked at her in disbelief then towards the fire orange Mustang GT parked a few spaces down. Dominic nodded towards Jesse who reluctantly moved towards the vehicle.

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"Nice way to take the girls mind off the game, Jess!" Hector yelled with a laugh as he slammed the door to his ride. He watched quietly as Lora pulled up to the line and revved the Supra's engine.

"She's going to win," Dom assured himself - swallowing a nervous lump as Jesse checked the walkie's and Leon assured they were clear for a race. "All right! Let's race!" Dominic yelled over the motors - walking to the front of the cars. Lora, Vanessa, Hector and the black Eclipse Asian were chomping at the bit to race.

"Hope you like the smell of NoS in your face, bitch. I'm gonna blow you away like I did Jesse last night!" Vanessa yelled towards Lora - "Goddamnit." Lora opened the Supra's door, ready to put this bitch in her place for good but luckily for her Dominic was bigger and he pointed with a father's authority for her to get back into the vehicle.

Jesse watched Lora flip Vanessa off and rev her engine - waiting for the magic word.

"GO!"

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Lora pulled out quickly - spinning the back tires as she gained speed against the other three racers. Hector hit his NoS button to soon and spun past her only to be left behind a few seconds later.

"What the fuck..." Dom muttered as Mia pointed to Vanessa's car. Everyone watched as she swerved, trying to get Lora off the street. "Bitch!" She yelled as Lora hit the NoS and flew down the road at 160mph. Vanessa did the same and smacked the Supra hard in the back bumper just as it passed the finish line.

The team watched in horror as Lora's car spun of the track, flipping once before smacking the side of a stone building. "Lora!" Mia began to scream - chasing after Jesse who was halfway down the track.

"Lora! Lora! Get out..." Jesse pleaded, running up to the Supra that now rested on its top. Smoke rose from the tires and all was quiet on the street. "She had to be going 150mph, Jess! Oh god..." Mia began to panic - watching as Jesse fell to his stomach and tried to peer into the car. "Lora! Please..." The emotion in his words was heart breaking. "Lor?" He yelled again, fanning the smoke away as he reach inside the driver's window and grabbed a hold of her.

"Fuccck.." A groan came from inside the car as Jesse leaned in and pulled her out by the waist. "Are you okay?" He begged, brushing the hair from her face to inspect it. A long jagged cut went down her forehead and her bottom lip was bleeding freely but other then that she seemed all right.

"Hey girl, at least you won - right?" Vince assured, smiling down at her as she looked up, trying to clear her head. Lora took in a breath, finally focusing on Jesse. He looked so scared. "Are you okay?" He demanded again, relaxing a little when she nodded.

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The orange Mustang rolled up beside the wrecked Supra slowly - two girls inside laughing as they passed. Before Jesse could grab her Lora had jumped to her feet and had cleared half the parking lot. "Get the fuck out, bitch!" She screamed, beating her fist against the windshield. "Get out or I'll pull you out!"

Vanessa looked up quickly, narrowing her eyes.

"I'm about sick of this bitch." She assured her friend, emerging from the Mustang. That was her first mistake. "You just mad cause I bumped your car, bitch! If you were a real racer you would have controlled in instead of driving into a wall!"

Vanessa assured with a laugh - only to be cut short by Lor's fist connecting to her face. The crowd roared and in seconds Lora had Vanessa on the ground beating her senseless. "You want to fuck with Jesse then fuck up my car?" Lora screamed - slamming the skank's head into the pavement before delivering another punch to her face. Finally Vanessa kicked Lora away from her, scrambling to her feet. "You stupid bitch!" Was all she could yell because Lora was back on her again - straddling her to the ground.

After a few minutes Jesse and Dominic stepped in - grabbing the dark haired girl around the waist to pull her off the blonde. "Come on, scrapper. You made your point." Dom assured in Lora's ear - laughing as she swung towards Vanessa again only to miss as he pulled her back and towards the Jetta.