"Mattie." Brenna sighed. "Please stop shredding the napkins.""I can't. I'm too nervous." He crumpled up the debris and wadded it into a ball. There hadn't been enough time for them to get to either her place or his or even his parents' house in time to watch the noon news so she'd dragged him into y were sitting in a bar down the block from the jewelry shop. The little bag with the box containing the diamond ring he'd just bought was burning a hole in his pockets. He'd take it out and look at it except he didn't want to flash it so the whole bar could see it."You're driving me crazy," she told him. "I think I'm driving myself crazy," he muttered. "What if Dara can't get her to watch the broadcast? What if she thinks it's a dorky idea? Or what if - ""Will you stop with the what ifs? She didn't throw Chad out of her office. And Dara would have called if she'd gotten really angry about it.""I know, I know." He shook his head. "God. I' can't believe I fucked this thing up betwee
Liz liked the fact that instead of one large room for all the clients, Queen For a Day had created individual rooms that held one or two people giving the ultimate in privacy. Now lay in the chair in what one of the spa's "relaxing rooms" and told her body to do what the room was named for. She'd been wound up tight as a drum when they got there, so many conflicting thoughts whirling around in her brain and emotions clashing in her body that she felt like a rubber band pulled too tight. The very last person she had expected to appear in her life out of the blue was Matt Vorchak. In eight years she thought she'd managed to get past all the hurt and bury the emotions he'd left swirling around inside her when he went off to chase his dream. She thought she'd come to terms with it all, made a life for herself without him. Now here he came, with the shiny trophy he'd left her to chase, and doing things like writing bad poems and send Chad Hallowell with his autograph. How was she supposed
"Mattie, stop fidgeting." Brenna reached over and fiddled with his tie.They were seated on a couch in what the young man who'd come to fetch them in the reception are told them was the guest lounge. Matt pushed her hand away. "I can dress myself. I'm not a jerky kid any more."She laughed. "I'm not so sure about that." Then she sobered. "I just want you to look good for the television people. The nice woman who brought us in here said the sports guy would be along in a few.""You might not believe this," he told her with a wry grin, "but I've actually been interviewed for television before.""I know, I know." She shifted in her chair. "Maybe I'm the one who's nervous." She ran the tip of one finger around the edge of The Cup. "I want you to know how proud we all are of your part in this, Mattie.""Thanks. But could I ask a favor? Could you not call me Mattie in front of other people? It makes me sound eight years old.""Sure." She grinned. "Would you prefer Matthew?""I'd pre
"We're going to get those shots printed while you're on the air," Forteza told him. "We'll paper clip everyone's name to their photo. If you could take a few minutes before you leave to sign them that would be great.""Oh, of course. No problem at all. Happy to do it."And then he'd get the hell out of there so he was on time for the next phase of his plan.As soon as everyone was ushered out of the lounge, Rod gestured for Matt and Brenna to sit down again. Matt lowered himself to the couch again as Rod sat down in one of the armchairs across from them. He did his best not to appear nervous, but a lot was riding on this television appearance. More, in fact, than any one but Brenna really knew."Let's take some time to chat a little before we go into the studio, okay?" Rod asked.Matt nodded. "Sure thing. Whatever you need.""I've got all the usual stuff from our library and your agent. I want to know about the real Matt Vorchak. Especially about this big surprise thing you've go
Liz settled herself on the bar stool, carefully arranging her skirt. The dress Dara had insisted she buy was swirl of rose and cream, with a full skirt, tight bodice and spaghetti straps. It was so different than the severely tailored clothes she'd built her wardrobe around for the past few years. But once she tried it on she was sold. It was sexy and outrageous and demure all at the same time. Malone's was just beginning to fill up as people in the area left work. Many of them hit the bar for a quick one, giving the crowded Interstate time for the traffic to thin out. It was a welcoming place, with its dark paneling, it's old-fashioned bar with the high stools, and the etched mirror behind the bar. Dara insisted they sit in the middle of the bar so they had a good view of the television."I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Liz griped for the fifth time. "It's a waste of time. I haven't even heard from Matt since this morning. He's probably off with his buddies by now."
And there he was, tall and muscular, in a navy sport jacket, grey slacks, collared shirt and tie. Liz had to suck in her breath at the sight of him, pure male sex on the hoof."Easy, girl," Dara whispered softly. "And by the way, don't bother ever again trying to tell me he doesn't affect you. I'll point out what a big fat liar you are.""Sshhh," Liz hushed her and took a big swallow of her margarita, staring at the screen."Thanks for joining us today, Matt."Matt smiled at Rod and sat down in the chair next to hm. "Thanks for inviting me.""So let's talk a little bit about Matt Vorchak and his question for success in the world of professional hockey."Liz had her eyes glued to the screen as Matt told the story of seeing the movie Miracle on Ice, how it affected him, how he became obsessed with the game and why winning The Cup became so important. He even answered questions about the early years and his many struggles. As he talked and answered questions, Liz began to understa
Matt stood there, stunned, as he watched Liz catch the traffic light and race across the street to The Menger Hotel. He was still standing there when Brenna, who had offered to park their car, came rushing up to him, carrying The Cup."Was that Liz I just saw run out of here like her tail was on fire?"He nodded, still speechless."What happened? What did you say to her?""I - Hardly anything. She barreled out of here before I could get a word in." He continued to focus on the familiar figure hurrying toward The Menger."But she must have said something," Brenna insisted. "She said..." He scratched his head. "She said she can't do this. Can't do what?"Someone tapped his shoulder. He turned to see Dara standing there."Maybe I can help. But let's get out of he way here before the rest of he cocktail crowd mows us down.""Good idea," Brenna agreed. "Just let me get the rest of my drink. I'll be right with you." Matt, in a daze, let his sister lead him to a booth in the bac
Liz sat in a corner of the dark bar at The Menger sipping her margarita. She had started toward the valet stand in he garage to ask them to whistle up a cab for her, but decided she didn't want to go home by herself. She was trying to decide if she was being stupid or smart here. True, Matt had put himself out there for all the world to see. If he didn't get it right this time, hundreds of thousands of people would know about it. Women would be disillusioned by him and men would be pissed because their women were disappointed. She wanted so badly to give him this chance, but that little thread of fear still wiggled its way through her. Could she really trust him?Through the glass in the outside door she watched the crowd hanging out in front of the Alamo, kids playing, couples walking hand in hand. I want to be one of those couples. But I'm afraid.And there it was. If she moved forward with Matt she was terrified this was just a spur of the moment thing for him, a reaction to t
Kristin stood beside Andy Grant, watching the cars zip around the Darlington Raceway. She knew Josh had been exceptionally nervous about this race because it was where his career had come to a crashing halt a year ago. But so far so good. And last night, he had told her he finally had his mojo back, so his head was in a very good place. They had three laps to go, and he was currently in third place. She'd brought a small camera but was too nervous to do anything but watch."He's fine." Andy leaned down and spoke in her ear. Otherwise, it was hard to hear over the noise of the engines and the screaming of the crowd. "He was good on both pit stops, remember?"She nodded. Yes, he had been. Revved up but in control."He'll make his big play any minute," Andy went on. "Keep your eyes on the track."She and Josh and Andy had driven up from Atlanta a few days ago so he could do all his prerace things. He'd said they could move anywhere she wanted, but she loved his big house in a suburbs
Saturday dragged by with interminable slowness. He drove into Sparta and hunted up the track manager, apologizing to him for his behavior and promising the man he'd do some special promo for the track to make up for it. Then he drove into Lexington to have something to do so he didn't go crazy sitting around. He ate dinner there and headed back to Lucasville, where he got into bed and spent the most restless night of his life. He thought of every minute he and Kristin had been together, the lushness of her body, the selfless way she gave herself to him, and the erotic combustion of their lovemaking.He lay in bed, reliving every one of their moments together, so aroused he finally stumbled into the shower, turned it on hot, and stroked himself to completion. He'd never thought that, at his age, he'd be jacking off to get relief. And relief was barely a word to describe it because it, in no way, gave him a tenth of the satisfaction he got from Kristin's hands on him, her mouth on him,
Josh couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this miserable. He was lucky Antony was so understanding when he'd explained about who he was and what was happening. He'd listened to everything Josh said, nodding his head."So the crazy lady story was just that. A story."Josh nodded. "I'm sorry. I had to think of something real quick and - "Antony flapped a hand at him, brushing away his comment. "One question.""What's that?" Josh asked."Are you sure this is what you want? That you're ready to go back on the track?"Josh nodded. "Truth be told, I was nervous until I actually got behind the wheel of the car. But no panic, no fright, nothing but excitement and anticipation. The way it used to be.""Man. That's some story. More excitement than we're used to here in Lucasville." Antony shook his head. "So I guess you're finally over your demons. Or at least are managing them.""I hope so." He grinned. "I'm excited about getting back into competition. And about slaying my demons.
"Josh, what the hell is going on here?" Andy asked."Why don't you ask your photographer," he snapped."Because I asked you. Now come on. Give.""Miss Kitts has also been staying in Lucasville." He spat each word out like it was a rotten piece of fish. "When she met me, I guess she recognized me and made it her business to get close to me. That way she could get the real skinny. I'll bet this thing today is so she can sell the first pictures of Josh Nelson back on a track for a big fat bunch of money."Kristin's face was chalk white, and she clutched her camera as if it were the last item on earth. "That's not true at all, Josh. It's not. I had no idea who you were. Honestly. I - ""Yeah, right," he interrupted. "I'll say this. You should get an award for your acting. I hope I wasn't too much of a disappointment in bed because you sure had me fooled." He looked at Andy. "Let's get the fuck out of here."His manager, who knew him well enough not to argue, nodded. "Let me tie thing
Josh checked his seat belt and the fastening on his helmet. Andy had brought his fire suit - just in case. He'd grinned. Zipping into it had been, unexpectedly, like being with an old friend. Andy had cleared everything with the manager of Kentucky Speedway, and, this morning, there was a car for him to use, a pit crew, the manager, and nothing else. The manager had told him there might be a person or two wandering in who had business, but no media or anything like that. It was the best he could do. Josh would have to be good with that and block it all out of his mind.NASCAR tracks ran in length anywhere from half a mile to two-and-a-half miles. This one was one-and-a-half, a hair over Darlington - the scene of his famous flameout. He thought the extra length might be to his advantage."You all set?" Andy leaned on the door of the racecar.Josh nodded. "As I'll ever be."He pulled in a deep breath and let it out slowly, waiting for the familiar panic to take over. Nothing. Nada. S
Josh was working on a jacked-up track when the call came from Andy. He put down his tools, hollered he'd be right back in, in case anyone cared, and headed to the side of the parking lot to answer."It's all set for Thursday," Andy told him. "Day after tomorrow.""That soon?" Josh felt every one of his muscles tighten."Putting it off won't change things." Andy's voice was kind but firm. "If you're going to do this, putting it off won't help. And if it turns out you're done with NASCAR, well, then, we'll discuss all your other options."Josh blew out a breath and forced himself to relax. "You're right. As usual.""Listen. I want you to meet me in Lexington the day before. I'll text you the hotel reservations. We can have time to talk, think about options for your future no matter what happens, and get you ready for Thursday.""Okay. Yeah. Alright. Text me the hotel and time.""It'll be fine," Andy assured him. "No matter what happens."And Josh had to believe that.He did his
They were cuddled on the big four poster, naked and exhausted but unwilling to stop touching each other. Josh had thought he'd never find a woman who completed him the way Kristin did. Who gave of herself so unselfishly in bed. Who was both strong and undemanding. Didn't it figure the minute he found someone like that, he might be getting ready to walk away from her.Less than a month had passed since their first date, and he couldn't pinpoint exactly when the Just for fun had turned into something else. Neither of them had put it into words, as if saying it out loud might spoil something. But this was definitely way past casual."I need to tell you something." He kept his arm wrapped around her, stroking her with his free hand.Next to him, her body tensed."Is this something good or something bad?""Don't know yet. Might turn out to be good. I hope so. Anyway. But the thing is, I'm taking two days off from the garage next week. I have some stuff I need to do.""Oh?"If possibl
"Andy Grant here."Josh clutched his cell phone, stomach tightening the moment he heard his manager's voice."Hey, Andy. It's me."There was silence for so long at the other end of the connection he wondered if Andy had hung up."So you're not dead."Josh blew out a breath. Andy's voice was so flat and even he wondered if the man was going to tell him how glad he was Josh had surfaced or tell him to go to hell."Nope." He tried to lighten his voice. "Still walking, talking, and breathing.""You ready to come back to the land of the living?"Was he? Was he ready for this, even though he wasn't sure if he could drive? But he owed Andy a meeting, if nothing else."Only if you keep it between us for a little while longer."Another long pause."How long would that be?""Not very." He raked his fingers through his hair. "Andy, I'm real sorry I left you in the lurch the way I did. I know it was a rotten thing to do. But I was so fucked up after the accident, I didn't know if I'd e
This is either the best thing I've ever done or the stupidest.Kristin kept repeating it in her head over and over as she headed back to Lucasville. She should have rescheduled her appointment because she was so distracted she knew the pictures would come out looking like shit. The owners of today's horse farm were beyond gracious. Kristin was sure she came off as a bumbling idiot and would probably have to figure out how to schedule a retake.So much for her new outlook on life, her decision to forget about men, and her vow to focus on nothing but her job. She'd heard all about Murphy's Law, but Kristin's Law outdid it: If it is possible to fuck anything up, I will do it.She never should have agreed to the weekend at the bed and breakfast. But she'd thought, okay, just fun. Right? Lighthearted fun and lighthearted sex. Only it appeared with Josh Everett, sex was anything but lighthearted. It was intense and exciting and satisfying in a way she'd never known before. He hadn't left