Undeniable Rush

by S. C. Stephens

  Izzy’s face instantly shifted expressions. Stopping in her tracks, she looked back at Hayden and Rodney. “Hayden, you are not buying my daughter another dog.”

  Hayden raised his hands. “Every kid needs a dog, Iz.”

  “Yes, one dog. One.”

  “Mom,” Antonia sighed, as she walked back to her. “Sundae needs a friend.”

  “Sundae has you, Antonia.”

  Felicia and I continued walking forward as Izzy, Antonia, and Hayden discussed adding another puppy to the family. Well, Antonia and Hayden were discussing it. Izzy was just repeatedly saying no while Rodney laughed. Felicia shook her head as she looked back at them. “Hayden’s always had a thing for dogs.”

  “Yeah,” I laughed. “He keeps trying to talk me into one, but I don’t know. We’re gone so much…” Felicia nodded in understanding. “So…” I slowly began. “Rumor has it you’re the new face of Ashley’s Intimates.”

  With a groan, Felicia stopped and face me. “Are you angry?”

  “Well, that depends…rumor also says you agreed to do some ads that are a lot…sexier than mine. Is that true?”

  Felicia cringed. “Yeah…that was part of the deal. Now are you mad?”

  I stared at her a second, then shook my head. “I’m only mad if Keith forced you into it. If this was your idea, great, I hope it works out well for you. If this was his idea, and he’s bullying you into it, well, then I’ll probably stop by his office after lunch.”

  Felicia laughed. “Really? You’d pester Keith for me?”

  Smiling, I shook my head. “I’d do it for any of the women in this sport, if they were being coerced into something like that. Especially when they’re one of the best racers I’ve ever seen.”

  Felicia looked genuinely moved by my response. Then she sighed. “While I’d give just about anything to see you go off on Keith…no, he didn’t coerce me or bully me. They approached me with the idea and I thought it sounded great. Rodney is ridiculously excited about it,” she added with a laugh.

  “Good, I’m glad to hear it.”

  She tilted her head at me, confusion on her face. “You’re really not mad that I’m working with them?”

  Shaking my head, I told her, “I turned them down… I didn’t want to do it. I can’t hold anything against you for saying yes when I said no.”

  She brightened. “Good. Because… I think it would bother me if you were mad at me.”

  I had to raise my eyebrows at that. She laughed again. “Yes, I know how that sounds, but it’s true. You’ve proven yourself to be pretty amazing, on and off the track. I’m glad we’re friends. Or…getting to be.” She shrugged and cringed, like she knew I hadn’t instantly forgotten last year or anything.

  I gave her a soft smile, then nodded. “I’m glad we’re…almost friends too.”

  Rodney ran up to her then, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her into the air. The expression on her face was utter joy, and a flash of jealousy raced up my spine. Not because of Ashley’s Intimates, not because she was a damn good rider, and not because she was heads over heels for Rodney—I was actually thrilled about that. No, the momentary jealousy was because her life seemed so…simple. All she had to do was ride. All she had to worry about was whether she could work off the extra calories from the ice cream she just ate. Those problems felt so surmountable, while mine often felt too large to tackle.

  But I knew that was an illusion. Everyone had more problems than they let on. And Felicia had certainly had struggles in her life. Her lonely childhood, her fear of loving someone too much, walking away from Hayden out of that fear, and then everything she’d gone through last year, when she’d wanted Hayden back but hadn’t been able to steal him away from me. None of that had been easy for her.

  Every last trace of jealousy vanished as I watched Rodney and Felicia bond. Sure, I’d been having a rough couple of years, but it was nothing compared to what she’d been through. And if she could come out of her darkness with that much hope and optimism, then I had every confidence I’d come out of mine feeling equally positive. All I had to do…was make a decision and stick to it, come hell or high water.

  * * *

  Once the dog decision was firmly decided—with a resounding no from Izzy—Izzy and Antonia made their way home, and the rest of us returned to work. Hayden was grinning the entire way back to the track—Antonia’s news had lifted his spirits. It had lifted mine too, but still, as I walked down the hallway to my office, the indecision over what to do about Richard was like a boulder on my back, hunching me over with its weight.

  Like he could somehow feel the heaviness of my burden, Richard called me almost the moment I got inside my office. I considered letting my phone go to voicemail, but I knew no good would come from that, so I picked it up, almost angrily swiping right to connect. “Hello… Richard, how are you?”

  “I’m doing very well, Kenzie. It’s been a couple of weeks, I was just wondering if you’d made a decision about my offer.”

  Wearily, I ran a hand down my face; I felt heavier with every breath I took. “Um…actually… I haven’t reached a decision yet. I was hoping I could decide sometime after the last race…so I could just focus on riding for the rest of the year.”

  “You could just focus on nothing but riding every year, Kenzie, all you have to do is say yes.”

  “I know,” I said with a sigh. “But this is a hard decision for me… I hope you understand I need more time.”

  He was quiet for long seconds. Then he finally said, “All right. I can give you more time, Kenzie, but not an endless amount. At the final race of the year, I want an answer. Deal?”

  My eyes were so heavy, they closed on their own accord. “Deal.” The line disconnected, and I felt a weight around my heart as I set my phone down. That was it. About a month, and I’d have to tell him if we were moving forward together as a team, or if I was moving on alone. Either answer felt devastatingly solitary.

  I heard a small knock on my door while I still had my eyes closed. “Kenzie?” I opened them to see Dex standing there, peering around my open door. “Is this a bad time?” he asked.

  Waving him inside, I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. What did you want to talk about, Dex? I know it’s not the tire order.”

  Dex frowned as he looked me over. “Kenzie… I…” Pausing, he shut my office door. My brows drew together in confusion and concern as he approached me. “I think something bad has happened, and I think it’s all my fault.”

  Tilting my head, I tried to guess what he might be talking about. “You told your dad I didn’t enjoy running a business? That’s s okay, Dex. It’s not a great secret. Every single one of my guys could have told him the same thing.”

  Dex shook his head. “No…that’s not it.”

  Anxiety and fear began to tickle my belly. Had he somehow betrayed me? “What did you…? What are you talking about, Dex?”

  He swallowed what must have been an enormous lump in his throat. “I introduced you to my father, told you he could help you… I trusted him to not go after you, and I shouldn’t have.”

  My veins filled with ice and lead. “Why shouldn’t you have trusted him? What has he done?”

  Dex’s eyes floated to the ground. The piercing blue was duller today, shadowed by guilt and regret. “The things your sponsors wanted from you…that wasn’t typical. And… I overheard Hayden telling the guys about…about Burger Barn’s request, about why they dropped us. I don’t have any proof, but I’m fairly certain they never asked for that. I’m almost positive my dad lied to you.”

  Heat flared through my veins, burning away the icy dread. “What? He…lied? Burger Barn never asked my guys to cheat?”

  Dex cringed, then shook his head. “I really don’t think they did. That’s not their style, and… I was talking to a friend of mine who is on the board. They were completely satisfied with Cox Racing, with you, until my father ended things on your behalf.” I was so stunned, all I could do was gape
at Dex. He cleared his throat and added, “And even Ashley’s… I’m 99 percent certain Dad told them you’d do racier ads, got them excited about it, then later told them you were out. I’m willing to bet everything I have that they were as shocked as you.”

  My mind spun, barely working. “I don’t… That doesn’t… Why would your dad make sure both sponsors left me? Make it seem like I was leaving them? Burn bridges?”

  Dex’s cringe grew. “To make you desperate enough to sell. That’s where you are right now, isn’t it? My dad is your only hope to save the business?” I weakly nodded, and Dex sighed. “Yeah…he gave you a taste of the good life, then snatched it away, because this right here is what he wanted. You…needing him to bail you out.”

  My stomach tightened in a ball of righteous anger. “So…he planned this?”

  Dex sighed, then nodded. “I’m afraid so. He wants Cox Racing, so he tried to crush your spirit, so you’d sell. I’ve seen him do similar things, with other businesses.” His expression hardened. “It’s one of the many things Dad and I disagree on.”

  Some of my anger fizzled as I stared at him. “By telling me about this, you’re kind of destroying your dad’s plans. Why would you do that?

  Dex’s eyes avoided mine. “I…he was supposed to stay away from you. Help you with sponsors, legitimately, no funny business. He promised me.” Grudgingly, his eyes lifted to mine. “He knew…how I felt about you,” he quietly said.

  Unease danced in my stomach. “Dex…”

  Half-smiling, he shook his head. “I know, Kenzie. I know your heart is with someone else. And I… I like Hayden. I like how happy he makes you.” He paused to inhale a deep breath. “I…respect what you guys have, and there’s no way I’d interfere with that. But I’d love it…if you and I could be…friends. Do you think that’s possible?”

  I gave him a genuine smile. “Of course, Dex. I’d love that.”

  A look of relief crossed his expression. “Good, because what matters to me now is keeping Cox Racing alive. I don’t want to see my father hurt anyone here. Everyone has become really important to me. You guys…you’re my family now.”

  “Thank you,” Dex,” I said, awed by his commitment to the team. “Knowing everything you just told me, well, that makes my decision a hell of a lot easier.”

  He smiled, his pale eyes glowing with happiness. Then his expression grew serious as he locked eyes with me. “Say no to my father, Kenzie. There’s another way, he’s not the answer.”

  I inhaled a big breath, then nodded. No, he definitely wasn’t the answer. Not if he was intentionally undermining me. I would fight to the death to keep Cox Racing from him now. But even as I felt that decision sliding into place, I knew… I’d never been going to sell Cox Racing to him. Cox Racing was mine, and it always would be. Struggle or no struggle.

  ***

  CHAPTER 19

  Now that my decision was made, time surged forward, and before I knew it, we were in New Jersey, getting ready for the last race of the year. It was overcast, and the ominous clouds above us were heavy with moisture. They looked like they were going to open up on us at any time, delaying the race or postponing it all together. I hoped the bad weather held off. I was ready for speed, ready to finish this.

  Nikki was here, going over my bike while Dex looked over Hayden’s. I hadn’t been too surprised when Nikki had given Maria to her mom for the weekend, so she could be with us for the final event. As much as she loved her daughter, Nikki’s heart and soul yearned to be at the racetrack, same as mine.

  Even though no one had any idea what was going to happen next season, everyone was in bright spirits. The shock of losing Burger Barn and Ashley’s Intimates had worn off, and they all had faith that I’d be able to make something happen soon. I hoped that too.

  But in order to do that, I knew I would need all the help I could get. It was time to truly forgive and forget. “Dad…can I talk to you a moment?”

  Dad had been surveying the garage, looking for something to do. And it was only just now that I realized he’d been doing that all year—searching for a way to be helpful, but without stepping on anyone’s toes. I’d kept him at arms’ length, and for the most part, he’d let me. “Of course, Mackenzie,” he said, walking over to me. “What is it?”

  “You and I…we’ve had our ups and downs.”

  Dad let out a dry laugh. “Yes, you could say that.” With a sigh, he shook his head. “I fear most of that was my fault. I tried controlling you, instead of understanding you.”

  Now it was my turn to agree. “Yes, yes you did. But in the end, you came around, you did the right thing. But instead of moving forward, I held on to my bitterness. I’ve tried so hard to keep everything going, and I had a huge resource in you, but I refused to use it. My pride got in the way, and I’m sorry for that.”

  “What are you saying, Mackenzie?” he asked, hope on his face as he scanned my eyes.

  “I’m saying… I need your help. No… I want your help, with the business end of things. I just want to focus on racing.”

  His lips cracked into a smile. “It would be an honor to help you. It’s all I ever…” Shutting his mouth, he gave me a sheepish smile. “Yes, I would love to do that for you.”

  A weight lifted from my shoulders as I nodded at him. “Good, there’s just one tiny detail I should probably mention.”

  Dad lifted an eyebrow in question. “And what is that?”

  Smiling, I looked over at Dex. “I’m going to hire Dex to manage the business. All your expertise will go to him. He’ll be your…well, he’ll kind of be your boss. Think you can be okay with that?”

  Dad frowned as he looked over at our temporary mechanic. “Are you sure that’s wise? Are you sure you can trust him?”

  My nod was firm, precise. “I’m absolutely sure…he’s proven his loyalty to me. Plus, he’s good at this stuff, and he likes doing it. But I’d still appreciate your help, your input. This was your baby for years, and… I want you to be part of it.”

  Dad gave me a smile that was full of warmth. It was an expression that I still wasn’t used to seeing on his imposing face. It didn’t last long, and a split second later, he was frowning. “What about Richard Covington? There are rumors around the garage that he has offered to purchase Cox Racing. I’ve been wanting to ask you…if that was true or not.” The disapproval on his face was clear. He didn’t like that thought any more than me.

  A flash of guilt washed through me as I nodded. I should have talked to Dad about the offer, but I knew what he’d say—don’t do it, you’ll regret it, Richard’s a snake—nothing I didn’t already know, nothing Dex hadn’t unequivocally revealed to me. “Yes…he made an offer on the business.”

  Dad’s lips firmed, but he was calm when he responded. “And have you decided what you’re going to tell him?”

  A slow smile spread over my lips as I nodded. “I have…and he’s not going to like it.”

  Dad’s pleased smile matched my own.

  * * *

  Richard showed up just after qualifiers. Not too surprising, since he wanted an answer before the race began. Dressed in an all-black suit, he strolled into the garage like he already owned Cox Racing. His pale eyes swept over the everything he believed was his asset, before falling on me. “Kenzie, congratulations on your excellent placement for the race. I have no doubt you’ll do well today.”

  I forced myself to smile at him. “Thank you, Richard.”

  He gave me that creepy smile he was so good at, the one that made my skin crawl. “So…have you come to a decision?”

  Hayden came up beside me. Richard didn’t even bother to look at him. He’d dismissed him as important, both personally, and for the business. Heat raced up my spine. “I have…and the answer is no.”

  I felt people behind me and glanced over my shoulder to see my dad standing there, along with John, Dex, Nikki, Myles…everyone. My entire team was backing me up. Richard’s eyes flashed to Dex before returning to me. “No
? You’re turning down my offer to pick you up, dust you off, and get you back on your feet?”

  My fingers fisted. “You’re the reason we fell. You’re the reason the sponsors left in the first place. You manipulated them, and you manipulated me.”

  His lips pressed into a fine line, and his eyes again flicked to his son. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  I saw Dex stiffen under his father’s steel gaze, then he stood a little taller. “I told her everything, Dad, so don’t bother trying to deny it.”

  Richard’s eyes narrowed dangerously at his son. “You told her what? What exactly do you think you know…son?” The inflection on the word was laced with contempt. Siding with me on this just might cost Dex everything.

  I answered Richard before Dex could say anything. “He told me what I already knew. That going into business with you would be a mistake, that selling Cox Racing to you—to anyone—would be a mistake. One that I would regret for the rest of my life. I have enough regrets… I don’t need another one, so I’m saying no, and ending this partnership.”

  Richard’s fiery gaze turned to me. “Fine. I’ll just wait for Cox Racing’s inevitable failure. Then I’ll swoop in and pick up the pieces. Regardless, in the end, Cox Racing will be mine.” He spun to leave, then stopped and looked back at Dex. “I hope you understand just what you’ve done today, son. Just what you’ve…sacrificed.”

  Dex swallowed, then nodded. “I do, and I’d do it again. You gave me your word, Dad.” His voice was just as contemptuous as Richard’s had been earlier.

  Richard shook his head as he continued on to the exit. Once he was gone, I turned to Dex. “What did he mean by that? What did you sacrifice?”

  He gave me a sad smile. “I’m fairly certain when I wake up in the morning, my trust fund will be gone.” My eyes—and the eyes of everyone around me—widened in surprise. Dex looked at all of us, then held up a hand. “It’s okay, I didn’t need it or want it. I’m doing what I want to do. I’m happy here.” He frowned as he looked at me. “Assuming I still have a job next season.”