by Kaylee Ryan
“Aubree, you didn’t do anything wrong. You fell asleep on a long-ass car ride. There is no wrongdoing there.”
“I don’t think I can do this. He’s not my biggest fan and has made it clear that he doesn’t want me here.”
She nods. “I can see how you would see it that way. Want to know how I see it?”
“There is no other way, Ashley.”
“Oh, but you’re wrong. I’ve known Blaine for years and never seen him be this… prickly.”
“It’s me. I’m telling you, he hates me.”
“Maybe,” she muses. “Maybe he doesn’t. Maybe he’s attracted to you?”
“Right.” I laugh. “Thanks for trying to make this better, but you’re way off base. You don’t see the way he looks at me.” Although I don’t believe her, it’s still nice to hear that maybe he really doesn’t hate me like I think he does.
“That’s just it. I do see it. I see how he looks at you when you’re not looking.”
“Like he wants to strangle me?”
She laughs. “Nope. Like he wants to kiss the hell out of you.”
“Are we talking about the same person? Tall, dark hair, scruff on his face to accompany his permanent scowl? That guy?”
“One and the same. You’ll see. I know these things.”
This causes laughter to burst free. “Thank you for cheering me up. I needed that. I still think I should go back home.” My stomach quivers at the thought. What will Jonah say if I leave? Will I lose my job?
“It’s been a few hours we’ve been cooped up in here.” She looks around. “Give it time. Trust me.”
“As mad as he was, I won’t be surprised if he tells me to go, at the very least that I’m relieved of my duties when we get back.”
“Come on, we’ll help Robin set up the T-shirt trailer.”
“I’m not familiar with any of this. I’m like a fish out of water.”
“Stick with me. I’ll have you up to speed in no time. I’m glad we’ll get this week to hang out. I can show you the ropes, that way, when it’s just you and the guys, you’ll be more prepared.”
“Ugh, can we not talk about me and just the guys.”
She laughs. “Come on.” She stands and, reluctantly, I follow her. It’s a better option than sticking around for the wrath of Blaine. We walk past the guys standing at the end of the trailer. I keep my head down and keep on walking. Lay low, that’s my new motto. Robin and Brian greet us with open arms, and we spend the next couple of hours setting up the T-shirt trailer.
“Do you sell a lot of these?” I ask as I’m wiping down the counter.
“We usually sell out at big events like this,” Brian tells me.
I look around the trailer and all the T-shirts we just organized in bins by size. “There must be five thousand shirts here.”
“Close.” Robin grins. “We brought seven thousand this year.”
“And you sell out?”
“Blaine’s kind of a big deal,” Ashley says with a smile.
“That explains the ego,” I mumble.
“Oh, he’s always been that way. Focused that one is.” Robin laughs when she sees the pink in my cheeks from being overheard. “No need to be embarrassed. We know how he is. But I’ll let you in on a little secret.” She leans in close. “His bark is bigger than his bite.”
“Exactly!” Ashley says. “I’ve been trying to tell her that. He’s been not so… nice to her in their limited encounters. He’s really not that bad. He just has to warm up to you, that’s all.”
“If he becomes too big of an ass, you let me know,” Brian says. “I’ll talk to him.”
“No.” I rush to get the words out. “Please don’t. That will just make it worse. I get it. I’m a stranger tagging along for the season, an outsider in his world. I plan to just lay low, be here if any of you need me, and watch the days and the miles tick by. You won’t even notice I’m here.”
“Nonsense. You’re here and you’ve been a big help to us today.”
“Then I’ll hang out with you and he won’t even notice I’m around.”
“I doubt that,” Brian and Ashley say at the same time.
“Come on, let’s go round up the crew and have some dinner. We’re all set here,” Robin suggests.
I want to argue and tell her that I’ll just hang out here in the Blaine-free zone, but I know I can’t do that. Instead, I help them close up shop and follow along behind them.
“Hey.” Ashley bumps her shoulder with mine. “Relax. Just be you. Don’t worry about Blaine. He’s stressed about this race. Well, all races really. He wants to win this championship. He wants to make history.”
“Thanks, Ashley.” I offer her a smile. She links her arm through mine and begins to tell me how this event works. Qualifying and hot laps, heat races. It’s a blur, but I’m determined to learn it all, to fit in with them. I make a mental note to google Dirt Late Model Racing later tonight.
I’ve managed to avoid her most of the afternoon. Mom and Dad have her and Ashley helping out in the T-shirt trailer. Not that I was checking up on them. Kevin told me. I don’t know what it is about her that has me so on edge. Little Miss Aubree gets under my skin like no one ever has.
“Ash just texted me. They’re done and ready to eat. I think we’re all good too,” Kevin says, wiping his hands on a shop towel.
“Yeah, the car’s good.”
“Have you decided if you are going to run in the event Wednesday night?”
“Nah, I know the fans love it, but no way am I risking tearing something up.”
“This isn’t a points race, Blaine.”
“Regardless, it’s not worth the wear and tear on the car or the engine.”
“Then why in the hell are we here on Monday?”
“To get a good pit spot. You know how this place fills up. I thought we could all kick back and enjoy the racing Wednesday night. Be fans for once.”
“Checkmate, you being nice to us?” He smirks.
“Don’t get used to it.” I toss a rag at him, which he catches easily.
“Speaking of being nice, you know you could ease up on Aubree.”
“What? I am nice.” I’m not, I know this. I’ve been a dick, but I can’t seem to keep it in check around her.
“Right. Try a little harder.” I roll my eyes, but don’t have time to reply as they approach us.
“We’re all set,” Mom says.
“Thank you.” I lean in and kiss her cheek.
“Now we’re starving.”
“I’ll fire up the grill,” Dad says, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze and heading for the outdoor kitchen that’s in the toter home.
“Wow,” Aubree says when she opens the door that conceals the kitchen. She walks over toward Dad. “This is really cool.”
“You act like you’ve never seen an outdoor kitchen before,” I smart off, unable to control it.
“That’s because I haven’t.” She doesn’t look at me as she watches Dad fire up the grill.
“How is that possible?”
“Well…” She turns to face me, crossing her arms over her chest, pushing her tits up and on display for me in that tank top of hers. “I’ve never been camping.”
“Never?” Rick asks.
“Nope, we, uh… didn’t really do much when I was a kid. Like I said, never been out of the state of Tennessee.”
“Well,” Dad says, “how about you be my sidekick and I’ll show you how this thing works?”
She turns sideways to look at him. “I’d love to, Brian. Thank you.” Her smile is wide, and her green eyes seem to sparkle when she smiles like that.
Instead of sticking around to watch the show, I head inside and wash up. After I grab a couple of cans of baked beans and throw them in a pan, and collect a couple of bags of chips, I head back outside. Mom is already setting up the table with plates, napkins, and condiments from the outdoor fridge. “Here’s some chips. I’m going to take these beans over to Dad.”
/> “Got some room for baked beans?” I ask, walking up behind my dad and Aubree.
“You know it.” Dad takes the pan from me and lights the side burner. “Aubree was just telling me she’s never been to a race.”
“Don’t get out much, huh?” I ask dryly.
She shrugs. “I work a lot, and when I’m not working, I’m at home. I’ve worked hard to have a nice place and I enjoy spending time there.”
“Nothing wrong with that, darlin,’” Dad tells her. “Working hard for something makes you appreciate it more. Kind of like Blaine and racing. He knows how much work it is to win week after week. He stays focused, sometimes too focused. It’s like winning that race is all he can see.”
“I’m standing right here,” I remind them.
“Oh, I know that. But when I remind you to live a little, you don’t listen, so I figured you wouldn’t be now either.” He smirks.
“I’m doing just fine, Dad. I just happen to be focused on my career.”
“Too focused if you ask me,” Mom chimes in. “All work and no play isn’t good for anyone. Both of you”—she points at me and then to Aubree—“should remember that.”
“My work is play,” I say in defense.
“Uh-huh,” she says with a chuckle. “How long until we eat? I’m starving to death, and poor Aubree looks like she might just keel over from starvation.”
“Me too!” Rick yells out.
“Order up!” Dad hollers, handing Mom a disposable aluminum pan of grilled burgers and hot dogs. “Just another minute or so on these beans and I’ll bring them over.”
“What can I do?” Aubree asks.
“You can head on over and make yourself a plate. I’ve got this,” Dad says.
I watch her as she hesitates then makes her way over to the table. Her long auburn hair is blowing in the wind, and she laughs as it tickles her nose before she can remove the offending strands from her face.
“She’s a looker.” Dad bumps his elbow into mine.
“Really, Dad?” I can’t help but shake my head at him.
“What? Just because I’m happily married doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a beautiful woman.”
“What would Mom think?” I goad him.
“Pfft. Have you heard her talk about those books she reads, and the covers? Son, we love each other, and we both have trust… you know that feeling deep in your gut that the other will never stray.”
“Trust.” I try the word out. “Seems like too big of a risk.”
“Listen to you.” He grins. “You drive that car around in a circle at high rates of speed with a dozen and often more other drivers just like you. You trust that you have the skill to keep it on the track and make it to the front. That son of mine is a risk taker.”
“It’s my job,” I remind him.
He nods. “I get that. But what you don’t understand, Blaine, is that loving your mother, that’s my job.”
“Love shouldn’t feel like a job.”
He lowers his head, giving it a gentle shake before looking back up at me. “Blaine, until you open yourself up and let someone in, you’re never going to understand what I’m talking about. Loving your mother is my job, but, son, it’s not work. It’s the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. One day, you’ll understand.”
“Dad, come on. You’re not making any sense.”
“I get it, Blaine. You love racing. It’s in your blood. Since you were a little boy from go-karts on up, you were hooked. However, racing can’t give you what the love of a good woman can.”
“Sure it can. I’m happy. My life is good. I’m healthy. What more could I ask for?”
“How about someone to warm your bed at night?”
“Come on, Dad, we both know that’s not an issue.”
“What about someone to come home to?”
“I like my space.”
“I don’t know where these… barriers came from, the ones that you keep built around your heart, but, son, I’m telling you it will be a lonely existence if you don’t lower them.”
“Dad…” I place my hand on his shoulder. “I’m happy. This is what I want, racing the circuit. You and I both know that it’s hard to make relationships work living this lifestyle. I want racing more.”
“Let me ask you something. When you’re out on the track, let’s say you’re in turn three and the car starts heading toward the wall, what do you do?”
“I cut the wheel and trust that we’re going to make it through the corner.”
“Do you slow down? Do you lift your foot from the accelerator even the slightest bit?”
“No. You know I don’t.”
He nods. “Exactly. You trust that even though the car is pushing that you’re going to make it around that track. So, why not do the same when it comes to the walls you’ve built around you? When the right woman comes knocking, I want you to do something for me. I want you to trust the push, Blaine. Take a chance. You risk your life daily out on the track. Why not risk a little pain to find happiness?”
“Dad, I get it, but not everyone finds what you and Mom have. I’m not unhappy.”
“I get that, I do. I also know what the love of a good woman can bring into your life.” He turns and grabs the pan of beans and shuts off the burner. “Trust the push, son.” With that, he walks over to the table, sets the beans down, and kisses Mom on her temple.
I think about everything he just said, and I don’t have walls. I’m realistic. Traveling is hard. I see how miserable Kevin is when Ashley can’t travel with us. I’ve seen other guys’ marriages crash and burn from the strain. Why would I put myself through that? This is what I want. I’m focused on becoming the youngest driver to win three back-to-back championships. One day, once I’ve met my career goals, sure I’d like to settle down, but right now, this is what I want.
I wait until everyone has a plate before making my way over and grabbing one for myself. I’ve just finished piling it high with a burger, hot dog, chips, and baked beans when I sense her next to me. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her. She reaches in front of me to grab a napkin.
“Sorry,” she says softly. She quickly grabs the napkin and scurries away back to her seat.
She acts as if she’s afraid of me. Sure, I’ve not been the nicest, but afraid? That’s crazy. I’m just about to call her out on it when Jacob asks her what she does for fun. I can tell he’s interested. That shit is not happening. We all need to stay focused. We are winning this championship, even if I have to tell KHP to kiss my ass.
Tingles race up my spine when I reach in front of him. Why? Why now? I’ve gone all this time doing just fine on my own, and my body decided that now is the time to be attracted to someone. Not just someone, but Blaine “Checkmate” Bishop. He’s egotistical, smug, and he’s an asshole. Well, at least he’s all that to me. I don’t know what it is about me that he doesn’t like, but my body doesn’t seem to notice. Nope, traitor breaks out in goose bumps when it’s eighty-eight degrees outside. Just because I was close to him.
Just my luck.
I make it back to my chair and keep my head down, that is until Jacob asks me what I do for fun. I hate to be rude, and everyone has been so nice and welcoming, all of them except for Blaine. “Uh, not much really. I work a lot.”
“Yeah, but fun, girl, what do you do for fun?”
“My best friend, Maria, she and her husband have me over for dinner at least once per week.”
“That’s it?” Jacob asks.
“Like I said, I work a lot.”
“Don’t mind him,” Ashley says. “He wouldn’t know fun if it hit him upside the head. Some friends and I do this thing each month, we have a few drinks and just catch up. You have to come with us next week.”
“Oh, I don’t want to impose.” She seems sincere, but the last thing I want is an invite because she feels sorry for me. I’m in a good place. I have everything I need, and that’s saying a lot considering where I come from.
“Never,”
Ashley says adamantly. “The more, the merrier. You’ll get along great with Beth, Susanne, and Lisa.”
“We’ll see,” I concede.
“So, you don’t go to bars or anything like that?” Jacob asks.
“Did you not hear her the first time?” Blaine asks him.
“Oh, I heard her. I’m just baffled that a young, gorgeous girl like her sits at home all alone.”
“She never said she was alone. Drop it. It’s her life. If she wants to sit alone, let her sit alone.” Blaine stands and tosses his plate and water bottle in the trash. “I’m going to go check out the track.”
“Good idea, son. Aubree,” Brian says, “why don’t you go with him? You’ve never been to a race before, and this place will be crazy tomorrow with all the racers coming in and the fans too. Blaine can give you a tour so to speak.”
“No, really I’m fine.” I’m quick to shoot down the idea. Blaine doesn’t want to spend time alone with me anymore than I want to spend time alone with him.
“Great idea, honey,” Robin says. “Make sure you take her through the tunnel.” She grins.
“Tunnel?” My brows dip in confusion.
“The Love Tunnel,” Rick chimes in.
“Uh….” I’m not sure what to say to that. Luckily Brian helps me out.
“There’s a story there, and not what you’re thinking, at least not at first,” he says with a laugh. “Blaine can fill you in. He knows the story.”
I’m ready to decline yet again, but Blaine beats me to it. “You coming?” His voice is gruff and I can tell he wants me to say no.
“I should help clean up.”
“Nope. We’ve got it. Go on. You’re going to be with us for the season. It’ll do you good to learn some of the history and the ins and outs of what goes on behind the scenes,” Brian encourages.
“It’s up to you, but I’m not waiting around.” Blaine turns to walk away.
“Go!” Ashley nudges my arm.
Reluctantly, I climb out of my chair and follow after him. As if he can sense me behind him, Blaine slows his pace, allowing me to catch up, which surprises me. We walk in silence until we reach a turn in the track.
