Sex Drive (Country Roads 1)

“I thought they were getting along great.”

“They were,” Luke said. “Until Billy said he didn’t have to listen to him. He told Rex he wasn’t his boss and didn’t sign his checks.”

“I’ll take care of Billy,” she assured him, heading for the stairs. “Tell Rex to leave Billy to me from now on. We can’t afford to lose him. The women love him. He has endorsements all over the place. He’s so popular with fans that when race followers see him, they immediately think of MMHPG and vice versa.”

“Lucy, hang on a minute.” Luke disappeared in the bathroom and came back with a clean face. “You have to make a decision here. You should do that today since your team has a big event tomorrow. You can’t have it both ways. You’re either in or out.

“Rex can’t earn respect if you’re constantly overriding him. Tomorrow, when the infield is crowded with other racing professionals, Rex needs to appear well. Otherwise, the world of sports will know why he’s in his position in the first place.”

“Which is?”

“Let me put it to ya this way. You don’t want to give up racing, and you shouldn’t. You wanted Rex to step in because—and this is only my opinion—you want him to be a dominant force in your life. I’d like to think you feel the same way about me.”

“You know I do.”

“That’s good, Lucy, but at the same time, you’ll sacrifice a lot if you don’t hang tight to the control you gained in your professional life. You’re a powerful lady, a right you earned and a right you should keep.

“There’s nothing printed in black and white that says you have to be a submissive in business. You shouldn’t be. You should keep your career separate from your personal life, regardless of how much you care about me or Rex.”

“He doesn’t want the racing team.”

“Hell no!” Rex bellowed, entering the bedroom. “I’ve had it with some of those yahoos. And their women? Good God, if you acted like some of them, I swear I’d keep a ball gag in your mouth. Lord have mercy. I’ve never heard so much bitching in my life.”

“You’re running a tight race with some of ’em,” Luke pointed out.

“You’ve met Melinda, I see,” Lucy said.

“And Stephanie, and Laura, and—”

“The gang is all here then,” she announced proudly.

“Divas,” he sang. “That’s what they are. Divas who’ve been spoiled and pampered and wouldn’t raise a finger to help anyone.”

“That’s not true. Some of the wives are very active in charities. And they don’t live the pampered lives everyone thinks. They have it rough.”

“Rough you say? Like hell. What stress do they have?”

Luke chuckled. “Don’t knock the bimbos. I agree with Lucy. It’s not easy trying to decide if one should travel by first class or private jet.”

“Ha. Ha,” she said. “I hope you haven’t pissed everyone off out there, Rex.”

“Not yet, I haven’t. I’ve held my tongue, but that crazy Billy had his hauler bring his car over here. He jumped in the car and sped off the back of that truck and almost plowed over my fucking horse!”

Lucy covered her mouth to keep from laughing outright. “Don’t worry about Billy. He’s a hothead, but he’ll come around and apologize later.”

“He’d owe me more than an apology if he’d broken Midnight’s legs!” Rex shouted, pacing. He ran his fingers through his short hair. “I’m not a quitter, Lucy. I swear I’m not, but by God, this is more than I signed on for. These drivers are like children. Their women are infants, and their kids? Oh dear God, I’ve never seen such a mess. Your house is demolished.”

She smiled from ear to ear. She couldn’t help herself. She walked over to Rex, looped her arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear. “Thank you.”

“For what?” he asked, pulling her forearms away from his body.

“For this,” she said, slipping a quick kiss on his lips. “I know what you’re doing.”

“You do?” he asked, arching a brow, resisting a smile.

Luke waggled his brows. “He’s not much of a race fan.”

“I’m really not.”