“Do you think we can go down there?” I ask.
“Probably not, but we can try,” Jace says, standing and taking my hand.
I look sadly at my hot dog, but the chance to see Chief in action is far more appealing. We rush through the crowd, down the stairs from the grandstands, until we reach the railing that stops people from getting onto the tracks. I can see Chief up close now, and my eyes instantly find Tazen, who is rushing around barking orders.
He looks different like this. All his cockiness is gone, and he’s in a rugged, demanding state. He’s got on a pit uniform that has Jimmy’s sponsors’ logos all over it. His shirt is V-cut, showing a nice patch of bronzed skin on his chest. His pants look like black jeans and he’s wearing boots. He’s got a hat on that has racing logos all over it.
Damn.
“Look at him in action,” Jace breathes. “It’s just like the show.”
I nod, biting my lower lip. Tazen is waving his hands, barking orders, and then his head is under the hood, his hands working frantically at things. Skilled, mechanic hands. I shudder. That’s so damned hot it makes heat rush between my legs. There is nothing better than watching a man under the hood of a car, working with his hands.
“God,” I reply to Jace. “It’s amazing.”
“Give her more,” Tazen barks. “Put your fucking foot on it.”
The man in the driver’s seat gives it more gas, and Chief barks, grey smoke flying from her tires as the car trembles like it wants to shoot off.
“Right,” Tazen says, straightening and slamming the hood down. “I’m going to take her for some laps.”
“Fuck yeah!”
Jace screams this from beside me, and I step back in shame as Tazen’s eyes dart to us. Holy fuck, he looks amazing. His eyes take me in and he lifts a hand, crooking his finger at me.
“Oh my god, he wants you to go in there.”
“No,” I gasp. “He doesn’t.”
“He does, holy shit, Quinn! Get in there.”
Tazen keeps crooking his finger, then he yells out, “Come here, angel.”
Oh boy.
Jace leans down, lifting me without giving me a choice. He practically tosses me over the railing; thankfully I land on my feet.
“Bring your friend.”
“Fuck yeah!” Jace yells again, launching himself over the railing.
I walk closer with shaking hands, my heart swelling with anticipation. Boy oh boy, I’m about to walk up to world-famous custom car builder Tazen Watts in his element, with his awesome car.
“You know what I’ve got here,” Tazen says as soon as I stop in front of him.
My eyes are on Chief, and I know. I know exactly what he’s got.
“Chief,” I breathe, stepping closer to the car. “Custom built race car. Three hundred and fifty-eight cubic inches, which can produce upwards of six hundred horsepower. Amazing cam profile, keeping the intake valves open longer for exceptional power.”
“She’s been watching my show.”
“I love your show,” I say, without thinking. I’m too taken by the car.
“Good to know.”
I step up to the sleek, beautiful machine and I want to reach out and touch it. So badly.
“You want a ride?”
I turn, blinking rapidly. “What?”
“A ride,” he says, nodding at Chief. “I have to take her for a lap. You want in?”
“Is that … legal?”
He grins, big. “My car, baby. You in?”
“I’m in,” I cry so loudly Jace laughs.
Tazen turns and says something to his team. I have a helmet tossed at me, and I have to get into some protective gear. When I’m good to go, I walk over to Chief. My heart is pounding and my legs are shaking. I’m going for a ride in Chief. I’m. Going. For. A. Ride. I want to squeal with happiness, but I keep it together. I climb into the tight passenger side, and duck under the roll bars.
“Buckle up,” Tazen says, getting in the driver’s side.
“Do you, ah, know how to drive this thing?”
He flashes me a white smile. “Angel, I built it.”
I nod, swallowing. My palms get sweaty and I want to scream with joy.
“Ready?” Tazen asks, revving the engine.
Oh hell yes.
I nod.
He takes off.
A wicked scream leaves my lips as I’m shoved back into the seat as Chief takes over the track like she damned well owns it. Joy fills my veins and my screams turn to happy whoops as Tazen picks up speed. He’s at ease behind the wheel, taking corners like a pro. It suits him. I put my hands on my knees and cry out happily as the power holds me flat against my chair and the rumble fills my ears.
“Holy shit!” I squeal. “Holy fucking shit!”
Tazen laughs and switches gears. I close my eyes and put my head back, happiness flooding my body. I have dreamed of a moment like this my entire life. I love cars, I love everything about them. I love the old and the new. I love restoring them. I love fixing them. But this … this is the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt in my life.
I happily yell and cheer as we fly around the track for a lap. When Tazen pulls Chief over, I get out with shaky legs and throw my hands in the air, doing a happy dance. I pull my helmet off and turn to Tazen, who is wearing a smile that is so big his dimples are deep on his cheeks. “That was fucking epic. Holy shit. You are fucking amazing!”
“I think you’re the most enthusiastic passenger I’ve ever had.”
“That…” I clap my hands and close my eyes, squealing to the sky. “Was the shit!”
He laughs and comes over, taking my helmet. “Glad you think so.”
I turn to Jace, who is grinning big. “You fucking lucky bitch!”
“Oh Jace.” I clap again. “It was amazing.”
“Love to keep you guys down here,” Tazen says. “But we gotta get prepped for Jimmy’s race.”
I nod and my smile is still huge. Tazen winks at me, and in a husky voice says, “Later, angel.”
Oh boy.
This is proving to be the best day of my life.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The race went well into the night. It wasn’t a major race, but it was still amazing. Chief placed second, which was totally cool. Jace and I made our way back to the hotel, still pumped about being able to experience something so electrifying. High on life, I insisted we go out in the city because there is no way I can be cooped up for too long after such an awesome day.
I want to dance, party and have fun.
So we make our way back to the bar we were at the night before. After a few drinks, I step outside for some fresh air, adrenaline still high and pumping. I tilt my head back, and the wind tickles my skin as I breathe in the cool night air. We head back home tomorrow morning, so I’m taking a moment to relish how good this all feels. My tight black dress is a little too clingy, but at least it isn’t flapping around in the breeze.
“Hello there.”
I turn at the sound of a husky male voice and see a young man approaching me. He’s wearing a black shirt and a pair of faded denim jeans. He’s got a bit of a swagger, which tells me he’s drunk, or close to. His blond hair is messy atop his head and he’s got piercing grey eyes.