by Day Leclaire
Jamie grinned. “If he wins the NASCAR Championship, he’ll have to stay, won’t he? He’ll own fifty-one percent. How can he walk away from that?”
“I don’t see how he can.”
More than anything in the world, she prayed he wouldn’t. Because if he stayed, it gave her hope, hope that one day they’d be able to work through their differences. And when he found out about the contract and how she’d handled the loophole? a small voice asked. She didn’t have a clue how he’d react to that. Maybe he’d understand. She closed her eyes. Or maybe not.
KELLIE FOUND she couldn’t allow Lucas to run the last race of the season without talking to him first. Though they’d engaged in any number of business discussions since that disastrous night in Richmond, not once had they touched on the personal. The one time she’d tried had been met with such a stony silence that she hadn’t dared bring it up again.
She found him beside his car, all alone, for a change. “Do you have a minute?” she asked.
“Sure.” He lifted an eyebrow. “What’s our latest problem?”
“This isn’t about business.”
“Kellie—”
She wouldn’t let him brush her off. Not this time. “This won’t take long.” She gazed up at him, opening every bit of herself and holding nothing back. “You’ve accused me of blindsiding you. You’ve said that you can’t trust me. And I understand why you feel that way. I have blindsided you. I have betrayed your trust. I’ve put you in the wall, and I’ve done it on more than one occasion.”
“Including recently.”
That stopped her. “Recently?” Her brow furrowed. “You mean since Richmond?”
“Cole told me our contract was invalid. My lawyers confirmed it.” He cocked his head to one side. “I assume once this race is run you’ll hand me my walking papers.”
She could feel the color drain from her face. “I’d never do that. Never,” she stressed.
A sardonic smile played at the corners of his mouth. “And I’m…what? Just supposed to trust you?”
“I don’t know how to answer that.” Hurt and frustration ripped through her voice. “And there’s not time to convince you otherwise. There’s only time to tell you what I came here to say. And it has nothing to do with our contract or HRI or even Jamie.”
“Then get it over with.”
She stepped closer and fisted her hands in his uniform, not caring who was watching or how many cameras were focused on them, or what conclusion they might draw from her actions. “I love you, Lucas. I fell in love with you as a reckless seventeen-year-old child. And then I fell in love with you all over again as a thirty-five-year-old widow. I fell in love with you at a time when I thought the possibility for this depth of emotion had passed me by. You don’t have to love me back. But I refuse to keep pretending that I don’t feel it. I spent more than eighteen years doing that, and I won’t let another minute of another day go by without telling you how much I love you.”
WITH EVERY WORD the muscles in his jaw and across his shoulders tightened. “How am I supposed to trust you after Jamie?”
“You’ll have to figure out the answer to that. Do you love me enough to forgive me, or don’t you? It’s that simple, Lucas.”
“The contract—”
She simply stared at him. And then she turned and walked away.
The instant she did, he knew.
She’d honored the contract. Somehow she’d closed the loophole. He knew it as sure as he knew that as a frightened seventeen-year-old she hadn’t told him about her pregnancy because she loved him and thought she was doing the right thing. And that she’d kept that secret because she’d been trying to honor her commitment to Jinx and the family bond they’d created.
And Lucas realized something else. He loved her as much now as he had before he’d found out the truth about Jamie, possibly more. Because not two minutes ago he’d seen the true heart of this woman, a woman he’d wanted for as long as he could remember.
There was only one way he could think of to prove it to her. But in order to do it, he’d have to win the race.
THE HOMESTEAD race got off to a clean start, the progressive banking unlike any other NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing venue. Kellie had made one last-minute change while the cars took their warm-up laps. Instead of assuming her usual position on top of Jamie’s war wagon, she sat next to Dipstick and accepted headphones and a microphone so she could listen and talk to her drivers. She didn’t know if anyone told Lucas, but she wanted the rest of the NASCAR community to see and understand that she was throwing her full support behind the man she loved. What Lucas might make of it, she’d no doubt discover after the race.
“Hutch has taken the lead,” Dip reported. “That’s five bonus points.”
Kellie shrugged it off. “I’m not worried. If we’re going to take this thing, it’ll be with a win.”
Dipstick keyed his mike. “Watch Turn Two, Bad. I’m seeing drivers washing up the track right in front of other cars. Ellis almost got put into the wall.”
“Yeah, I saw it. Listen, I’m a tad loose. Let’s think about an air pressure adjustment when I come in.”
“You got it.”
Through it all, through lap after lap, Kellie watched and waited, and worried. She didn’t want this to be her last race with Lucas, but his reaction when he eventually found out what she’d done regarding the contract filled her with apprehension. Would he ever trust her? Based on her last conversation with him, it seemed doubtful.
And most important of all…would he ever love her?
“BOYCE?”
Lucas grimaced and keyed his radio. “Get the hell off my frequency, Whaling.”
“Relax. We’re under caution. Just listen to me for a second.”
“I said get the hell off my frequency or I’ll report you to NASCAR.”
“Could you shut up for two seconds? There’s something you need to hear. Switch over to Jamie’s radio.”
Damn it! “What’s going on, Whaling?”
The other driver laughed. “I’m being the good guy for a change. People listen in on our radio communication, you know. I tell you to stick your ears on Jamie and it helps you, I come across as Mr. Wonderful. Now haul on over there so people can love me again.”
It took every ounce of self-possession to take instructions from Cole. But something about the urgency underscoring his teammate’s voice had Lucas switching to Jamie’s frequency.
His son’s voice crackled through his headphones. “No way. I don’t care what it costs me. It’ll cost Lucas more. He’ll lose the championship if I win.”
“Listen to me,” Kellie’s voice cut in. “You have a serious shot at winning this race. You can’t worry about Lucas.”
“You heard me,” came Jamie’s stubborn reply. “My mind’s made up. I’m not going to change it no matter what you say.”
“Do you think that’s how Lucas wants to win his eighth NASCAR Championship?” Impatience edged the question. “By default? If that’s what you believe you don’t know your father very well.”
“And you do?”
Lucas winced. Ouch.
“Yes, I do,” came her calm retort. “I’ve loved that man more years than you’ve been around. And I can tell you with absolute certainty that the only way Lucas wants to win that championship is through his own skill and talent. Isn’t that how you’d want the win?”
There was a prolonged silence, and then, “Yes, but he’ll also lose controlling interest in HRI.”
“Is that why you’re doing this? So he’ll stay at HRI?” she asked in disbelief. “Listen to me, Jamie. Lucas won’t lose a thing. There was a loophole in that contract Jinx signed with him. It’s not valid. At least, it’s not unless I choose to enforce it.”
“What? What are you going to do?” Anxiety rippled through the airwaves. “You can’t cut him out now.”
“I signed off on the entire fifty-one percent. It’s his as of yesterday.”
There was a m
oment of silence, and then, “He owns majority interest in HRI?”
“Yes. Which means he doesn’t lose a thing other than the NASCAR Championship if you win this race. Now pay attention. You get up on that wheel and drive the tires off that thing. You understand? If you don’t do everything you can to win, I can personally guarantee that the minute Lucas hears about it, he’s going to terminate your contract. You got that?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I need to talk to Cole before the restart. You okay now?”
“I’m fine.”
The instant Kellie switched off, Lucas spoke up. “She’s right, you know. If you think I want the championship because you’ve thrown the race, you don’t know me very well.”
“Bad?” Jamie sounded shocked. “You heard?”
“Every word. Now listen up. No son of mine throws a race. You got that, boy?”
“Got it.” There was a brief pause, and then, “Sorry, Lucas. Looks like this is one race you’re going to lose.”
“We’ll see,” he said gruffly.
There wasn’t time for more conversation after that. The flagman gave the signal for one lap to go. The instant they took the flag, Hutch Matheson, the points leader, jumped high and passed three cars, falling into third behind Jamie.
Lucas had never felt so torn. More than anything he wanted that eighth championship, to be the first NASCAR driver to ever achieve such a feat. But he discovered he wanted something else just as much. He wanted to see his son win his first race.
His jaw tightened. He’d just finished telling Jamie he wouldn’t want to win because another driver had thrown the race. That meant he had no choice but to give his son the same respect. It was time to do what Kellie had said. Time to get up on the wheel.
“How many laps?” he asked Dipstick.
“Eleven.”
Driving flat out, he pulled up alongside the sixth-place car and passed him as though he were standing still. With ten to go, he grabbed fifth. It took another full lap to catch up with the fourth-place driver. Just ahead, he could see Hutch in third, with Jamie still in second.
If he wanted to get to his son, he’d have to take chances. The cars swept into second and Lucas went three wide. Jumping on the gas coming out of the turn, he darted into third. He could feel the angry push from Hutch right behind him, feel the other driver’s frustration. He didn’t look back.
Up ahead, Jamie was running side-by-side for first. It slowed him just enough for Lucas to catch up. And when Jamie completed his pass, Lucas followed right behind, taking second.
Static sounded in his ear, and then Dipstick said, “White flag. White flag’s in the air.”
Lucas motored down beside the Number 56 car and battled his son into the first corner. Jamie washed up ever so slightly, his inexperience showing.
“How far back is Hutch?” he asked Dipstick.
“You have to finish first. You hear me, Bad? Second is no good.”
“Got it.”
By Turn Two, Jamie had gathered up his car again and charged the corner door-to-door with Lucas. They hit the backstretch with only inches separating the two cars. In Turn Three, Lucas edged ahead by no more than a bumper. But Jamie didn’t give up. And this time he didn’t lose his focus. Keeping exquisite control of his stock car, he dove into Turn Four and came out in the lead.
Ahead of them, the checkered flag was out and the two cars flashed across the start/finish so close it was impossible to tell who’d won. Lucas could hear shouting in his headphones. And then his spotter clicked on.
“Careful, Bad. They’re crashing behind you. Stay high when you come back around.”
“Who won?” he demanded.
“Jamie. Jamie took it. Sorry, man.”
It was the oddest sensation, feeling the punch of disappointment vying with the thrill of knowing his son had just won his first race. “Got it. Thanks, guys. This has been the most amazing season. I couldn’t have asked for any more from any of you. I’ll see you on pit road.”
He drove up beside the Number 56 car and rubbed his car against Jamie’s, scratching a donut in his door in a time-honored way of congratulating the winner. Dropping his window net, he gave his son a thumbs-up before leading the cars that hadn’t been caught up in the crash down pit lane. He could see Jamie doing an impressive burn-out in his rearview mirror, the sight filling him with a peculiar sensation—fatherly pride.
Parking his car, Lucas wriggled out of the window. He’d barely gained his feet when he saw Kellie running in his direction. Shoving past the various reporters and cameramen swarming his car, he raced toward her. Reached her. Swept her up in his arms. And then he kissed her, kissed her like there was no past, only a limitless future.
After an endless minute, he pulled back a scant inch. “Let me say this before we get interrupted. I love you, Kellie Hammond.”
“I love you, too,” she told him between a flurry of kisses.
He caught her precious face between his hands. “Why did you do it? Why did you give me controlling interest when I hadn’t earned it?”
“You heard?” Tears flooded her eyes. “You earned it and then some. You earned it by working with me even when I’d betrayed you. And you earned it by trusting me when I didn’t give you any reason to.”
He shook his head. “Tomorrow we contact the lawyers and we tell them to amend that contract.”
Her mouth formed a stubborn line. “I’ve made up my mind, Lucas. I won’t take the fifty-one percent.”
“No.” He smiled down at her. “But you will take fifty. It’s what I was going to do, anyway, if I’d won the Championship.”
Her tears overflowed. “Now that I may agree to.” She looked around in confusion. “We have to get to Victory Lane. Where’s Jamie?”
“MOM! LUCAS!” Jamie came flying across pit road, throwing his arms around them. “I did it. I won my first race.”
“What are you doing here?” She gave him a fierce hug. “You’re supposed to be in Victory Lane.”
“Not without you two. I want my family with me.” He pulled back, beaming at them. “I won. I really won.”
Lucas slung an arm around his neck and knuckled the top of his head. “Congratulations, Jamie. That was one of the best races I’ve ever been a part of. There’s not another driver out there that I’d rather lose to.”
With undisguised jubilance the three of them crossed to Victory Lane where a crowd awaited. The instant they appeared, cheers erupted. Someone opened a bottle of champagne, spraying it in great arching loops until they were all drenched.
Jamie held off the reporters and officials and searched the jumble of friends, team and press until he found the one face he’d been looking for. Grabbing hold of Stephanie’s hand, he pulled her into the circle of his family. And then he fulfilled the dream of a season.
Sweeping her into his arms, he kissed her, kissing her with all the passion of a man who’d found true love. “I’ve been planning this for a long time,” he told her when they broke apart.
She laughed up at him. “What? Winning your first race?”
He shook his head. “Kissing you in Victory Lane.” Her blush made his heart swell. “I don’t think this moment could be more perfect.”
A reporter thrust a microphone into his face. “Jamie, how did it feel to beat your father?”
Reluctantly, he put his game face back on. “As Lucas said to me, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather race to the checkered flag. I’m just sorry it cost him the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship.”
The reporter’s eyes widened. “You don’t know?” She turned to her colleagues. “He doesn’t know!”
“Know what?” Jamie demanded. He grabbed her arm. “Hey, what are you talking about?”
“Boyce won the championship. Hutch crashed on the last lap. Bad won by three points.”
He doesn’t know, Jamie realized in shock. “Dad!” He pumped the air with his fist as his father looked over at him. “Hutch crashed. You won. You won
the NASCAR Championship!”
It took an instant for the information to process. Once it had, Lucas leaned into Kellie, holding her close. “Did you hear him?”
“Yes, yes. Oh, my God, Lucas!” She threw her arms around him. “You won!”
“Not that.” He clamped his teeth together. “He called me Dad.”
EPILOGUE
“WELL, FOLKS, it’s finally here again. Another NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Race to the Chase has concluded at Richmond and we have our top twelve finalists.
“Cole Whaling returned to the Chase this year, and what a change there’s been for this current fan favorite, or Mr. Wonderful as he’s now known. First, he shocked everyone when he elected to renew his contract with HRI, apparently working out his differences with his fellow teammates and owners. With a new attitude—a new winning attitude—Cole has helped make the trio of HRI teams unbeatable this season.
“Last year’s champion, Lucas ‘Bad’ Boyce, is once again leading in the points and working on an astounding ninth NASCAR Championship. He’s had quite the year. Not only is he in a neck-to-neck race with his son, Jamie, but he also married longtime love Kellie Hammond shortly after winning this year at Daytona. The Boyces are expecting the latest addition to their family in early December. Cole Whaling let the cat out of the bag by giving us this exclusive…. It’s a boy! No doubt Bitty Bad will prove to be as big a NASCAR Championship driver as his father and big brother.
“And speaking of Bitty’s big brother…Jamie has also had quite the year. After his win last night at Richmond—a win that propelled him into second in the points, and puts all three HRI drivers into the Chase—Jamie proposed to the girl whose lucky locket he wears each week, Stephanie Farmer. Jamie presented her with a stunning emerald, no doubt to match his Food Basket colors.
“We wish everyone at HRI the best of fortune. Not that they need it. It’s clear that the jinx has been broken. And we couldn’t be happier!”
ISBN: 978-1-4268-0395-6
OLD FLAME, NEW SPARKS