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Chapter 47
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2022-04-29 14:06:38Related chapters
Hot Shots Chapter 48
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
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 1
Part One: Body CheckMatt Vorchak finished cleaning out the rest of the stuff from his locker and zipped up the duffel he'd brought with him. Then he sat on the bench for a long minute just looking around. A combination of exhilaration, sadness and rage bubbled inside him. The excitement of winning The Cup didn't completely soften the fact that this was probably the last time he'd be doing this, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. He'd given his life to the game, in more ways than one, and he had been struck with a single purpose in life. But Fate had apparently decided he'd had too much fun and given him the finger big time."You about ready to leave?"Matt looked up at the sound of Coach Mason Courage 's voice and saw him standing just inside the door.He nodded and pushed himself to his feet, doing his best to ignore the damn twinge in his knee. It was a constant reminder of how his future had fallen apart."I've got everything. Locker's empty for the next person." If his
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 2
When it came time for college, Matt applied only to northern schools that had ice hockey programs and with the help of his coaches, managed to score a scholarship to the University of Michigan. He worked his ass off, spending every hour in the workout room to build up his muscles and his strength. His focus was so intent on playing, his obsession and single-minded determination so strong, he had no room in his life for anything else. Just The Game, always capitalized like that in his mind. Again, as he thought about it now, unbelievable arrogance.When he was drafted he was sure he was on his way to a championship team and The Cup. But unfortunately life doesn't always go the way you wanted it to. Somehow after a quick start, he fell just short of first team status. He spent so many years in the minors he wondered if he'd ever get to realize his dream. Would he, in the end, be left with nothing? For a while there the prospect actually gave him a scare, but he refused to give up. O
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 3
"With pleasure. We're leaving so you can be alone with your best friend. Your ego."She had stormed out of his room, taking his parents with her and they'd fled back to San Antonio. He had plenty of time to feel sorry for himself in his apartment while he healed. He refused to ask anyone to drive him to rehab after he was released. His teammates were all busy with friends and family now the season was over. He was pretty sure they didn't want to be saddled with hauling his ass around. Besides, he didn't need them lecturing him about how to get on with his life. Instead he became best friends with Uber. He liked the first driver enough that he scheduled him for pickup and delivery at the same time four days a week. None of it, of course, improved his disposition, especially when all the rehab still left him with a slight limp. If he went home to his place in San Antonio at least he could avoid running into any Rage fans.But then what? Did he even have anything waiting for him the
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 4
"We did it, Liz."Dara Flynn high fived her partner as they collapsed on the couch in Lizzie's office. They had just returned from Delfina's, an upscale restaurant on San Antonio's south side where they'd overseen a bridal luncheon for one of the city's best-known television reporters. Going into it they both knew that a major success here could take their business to the next level. Conversely, a screw-up could easily trash their reputation and destroy their fledgling business, Wonder Works, that had just celebrated it's one-year anniversary. They'd both put in a lot of hard, slogging time at the largest event planning firm in the city, Affairs to Remember. Starting her own firm had been a risky venture for them, but their former boss had actually encouraged them and referred some smaller events to them."San Antonio needs more firms like this," Margot Shanley, owner of Affairs to Remember, told her. Liz (she hadn't been Lizzie for a long time) reached into the pocket of her skirt
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 5
A few years ago, knowing San Antonio was still the place he wanted to put down roots, Matt bought a large townhouse in the northwest area of the city. It was furnished in what one woman had called industrial male. So what if everything was steel and leather and monotones. The couch was comfortable, the flat screen television huge, and he spent most of his time in the third bedroom anyway, which he'd set up as a gym. Off-season was devoted to developing his upper body strength and getting laid. In his very large bed with the leather headboard."I think you're missing your sensitivity gene," one woman teased him after a night together.He hadn't asked her what she meant. He hadn't really wanted to know. But he'd discovered on the long drive from New Orleans that if he took a good look at himself, he didn't like much of what he saw. He was furnished much like his apartment - without warmth or emotion. Now, with his career so abruptly ended, he had two choices. He could turn into a very
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 6
"Is that The Cup?" Matt's father pointed. "Dora, don't make him stand there all day. Let's bring it in the kitchen.""Here." Matt lifted it and handed it to his father." How about you holding it for a while."A grin split his father's face as he took the large icon from Matt's hands and carried it into the kitchen. There he set it on the table and ran his fingers over it with reverence. Matt's dad had become a big hockey fan since Matt got drafted, so he knew The Cup's significance. He looked at his son now with pride."Good job, kid." Then he sobered. "But you know we love you whether there's a trophy or not, right?"Something Matt was just coming to realize, to his chagrin and dismay.His mother couldn't seem to stop hugging him. Finally he eased himself from her grasp and sat down in one of the chairs. "Are you alright?" she asked. Then she bit her lip. "I probably shouldn't ask, right?"That made him feel bad. When he was raging in the hospital room, he'd told them in no u
Last Updated : 2022-04-29Hot Shots Chapter 7
Liz St. John unlocked the door to their tiny suite of offices at nine o'clock on the dot. Dara had texted she'd be late because she had a stop to make to check on some decorations for an event that weekend. That meant Liz was on phone duty. Their budget didn't yet extend to a secretary, even part-time. She hung up her jacket in the little room in the back that was a catchall for everything and fixed herself a cup of coffee from their single serving machine. Setting the mug on her desk, she booted up her computer and opened her calendar to see what her list was for today. They had four events coming up - she did a little mental jig - and she wanted to make sure everything was in order. Then she planned to call the people who'd given her their cards and see what kind of event they had in mind and when.She had just taken her first sip of coffee when there was a knock on the office door. She frowned. No one ever knocked. Especially since on the frost glass it said Please come in. "It
Last Updated : 2022-04-29
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Hot Shots Chapter 48
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
Hot Shots Chapter 47
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,
Hot Shots Chapter 46
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.
Hot Shots Chapter 45
"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
Hot Shots Chapter 44
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
Hot Shots Chapter 43
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
Hot Shots Chapter 42
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
Hot Shots Chapter 41
"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
Hot Shots Chapter 40
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
