At twenty-three, I shouldn’t be wanting babies and a husband, but the truth is I want it all: my career and babies and a husband. I want him and I don’t know quite how to make it happen.
The race gets underway, and Rowe handles the introductions. The hostile looks I am getting from everyone on the crew tells me that come tomorrow, they’ll all be out of a job. Tex is what’s most important now. He needs honest, skilled people to have his back and I intend to make that happen. I put my headset on. When I was hired, I told them that I only have one rule. I’m the only voice in the driver’s ear. Anything else is too distracting. They agreed or I wouldn’t be here now. Over the roar of his engine, I can hear him singing Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and it warms my heart. Smiling, I catch myself humming a few bars right along with him.
“How are you doing out there?” I ask.
“Doing good. Will need fuel soon.”
“Come on in when you’re ready. Will fix you up in a jiffy,” I assure him.
“See you soon, doll,” he says going back to singing. “Brown Eyed Girl” this time. I can’t believe he noticed my eye color. Or, he could just really like Van Morrison. I roll my eyes and tell myself to get a fucking grip.
Also, I think I should be offended that he calls me doll, but I’m so not. I love it. I have to pinch my forearm in order to stop myself from daydreaming any further about him calling me that while pounding into me. Fuck, my panties are useless. Completely drenched and ruined.
Eventually, he comes in the put during a caution flag. A gas up is all he needs since the tires are still good. He’s off again before the green flag.
He’s in second place and gaining on the lead spot. Austin is doing good too, I think. I want to say that she’s in third place, but I’m so focused on Tex, that could have changed. I’m a terrible sister. I alternate watching him on the big screen and the tablet in my lap. My chief perch gives me the advantage of seeing over the wall, but not much else on the track. I wait with bated breath as he takes over the first-place position just as another caution flag is waived. He tells me is coming in. I hop down and grab an ice-cold water and a long straw. While he’s getting new tires and his final fueling, I pull the net down on the window and flip his visor up. Putting the straw to his lips, he drinks. His throat muscles working audibly. Damn. I’ve never been so turned on before. I have to grab the car just to keep on my feet. Can he tell? I think I’ve performed this very task hundreds of times for Terry McConnell, but it never made me sweat before. Never made me yearn before.
“Thanks, doll. I wasn’t kidding about that kiss,” he says winking at me. I lean in closer after pulling the water bottle out of the way.
“You win, you can have whatever you want,” I say sassily.
If kissing him was out of my realm of comfort, offering anything more is downright unheard of.
Who the fuck am I right now?
Chapter Three
Tex
Did she just offer me what I think she did? Her sweet pussy has me more determined than ever to win this thing. Austin Mayer, my teammate is in second and with only four laps to go, we’ve got this cinched up for Wellington Racing.
There are no words as I cross the finish line under the checkered flag. I’ve won this race and suddenly I am superstitious enough to know that’s it’s all because of Bristol. I have never had that kind of reaction to a woman before and I need to explore it further. Victory is sweet as I make my way to the winner’s area. I am known to be an asshat when I win, so I park backward, getting the Wellington logo in the shot. Austin bounds towards me. I know this is the first time she has come in higher than tenth place, so I am sure she wants to celebrate, but when she runs right past me into Rowe’s arms, who kisses her like the world is fire, I think good for her.
I am not prepared for Bristol. She comes out of the crowd and crashes into my chest. Lifting her up, I kiss her this time. All tongue and teeth, the crowd cheers.
“You won,” she says as I let her down.
“I did,” I say, winking at her. Next to us, Austin and Rowe are still making out like they are teenagers at the drive-in.
“Austin!” Bristol shouts and moves over to her.