Coming Home: (Contemporary Christian Romance Boxed Set): Three Stories of Love, Faith, Struggle & Hope

by Debra Ullrick

  Cars battled around her. An orange Camaro charged after her, but Audra gunned her car out of the Camaro’s way. “Catch me if ya can, Hotrod!” Audra drove like a mad woman, dodging every attempt that aggressive woman with the lead foot and several others made.

  Off to her side, Audra spotted Olivia’s purple ‘66 Chevy Malibu with the white number 1 on the hood and doors.

  Audra’s lips curled into a smirking grin as the temptation to ram into her friend for talking her into this guzzled over her. Before she could follow through with her wicked scheme, a black Studebaker crashed into Audra from behind. “Whoa. That could’ve really hurt.” Audra jammed the gas and popped the clutch to get out of the woman’s way.

  Minutes later, after ramming and being rammed by several more vehicles, only Audra, Olivia, and the old Studebaker remained. The other twelve cars had their flags raised, indicating they were out.

  Once again, Audra avoided the black car’s attempt to attack her.

  Olivia hit it.

  “Way to go, Liv.” Audra fisted the air.

  Metal mashed against metal, crunching and denting both the cars until they looked like wreckage in an auto salvage yard.

  Olivia backed up, obviously positioning herself to hit the stalled Studebaker in front of both Audra and Olivia again.

  Dirt spun as Olivia shot toward the side of the black car straight ahead of Audra. Audra decided to join her in sandwiching the car between them. Bracing herself for the impact of the collision, she squinted, bunching her face.

  All of a sudden, the old Studebaker lurched forward.

  Audra slammed on her brakes, but it was too late.

  She and Olivia hit head on, and her engine quit.

  Steam rolled out from under the hood of both her and Olivia’s derbies.

  Audra tried starting the Chevy. “C’mon now. Start. Please,” Audra pleaded with it as if it could understand her. Gas-fumes wafted through the car’s interior, but Audra refused to let that stop her.

  She glanced at Olivia’s car. It hadn’t moved yet either.

  Movement at her side caught Audra’s eye. She turned in time to see that big ole black Studebaker charging straight for them.

  Audra cranked the starter over and over, glancing at the Studebaker every other second or so. She put the car in neutral, took it out of neutral, held the gas petal to the floor, and still nothing.

  Only yards away, the oncoming beast raced toward her at full throttle.

  The scene before her reminded Audra of a movie she’d seen a long time ago. In the movie, the guy’s car stalled on a railroad track. Only feet away from the man was a fast-moving train headed straight toward him.

  The film shifted into slow motion.

  Right before the locomotive was about to hit him, the guy’s arms flew up to cover his face.

  Audra held her breath.

  Bam!

  Crunch!

  Just like the train in the movie, that old Studebaker rammed into Audra’s door. Her body barely shifted from the impact, but her insides rattled like the tail of a rattlesnake ready to strike.

  It backed up, no doubt to ram Audra again.

  For the twentieth time, Audra cranked the starter of her Chevy, and still nothing. The thing was deader than a mummy.

  Not about to get bashed into again, Audra thrust her flag up.

  The Studebaker switched directions and headed straight toward Olivia.

  Audra cringed as the car slammed into Olivia’s passenger’s side door.

  Olivia’s flag went up, and just like that the demolition derby was over.

  That ole black Studebaker, with very few dents in it, had won.

  Well, Audra would get her next time. Wait! What was she thinking? There would be no next time. Or would there?

  Audra unbuckled her harness and climbed out of the window. After she removed her gloves, helmet and mouth guard and tossed them onto the seat, she shook out her long hair, enjoying the coolness the movement created.

  She turned around and saw Olivia sprinting toward her with a huge smile on her face and her hand poised in the air.

  They high-fived each other.

  “So, what did you think? Did you like it? Were you scared? It’s a rush, isn’t it?” Olivia’s turquoise eyes and smudged face gleamed.

  Audra raised her hand. “Whoa! Whoa. Slow down there, Hotrod. Questions overload.”

  “Get over it, Audie, and just answer them.”

  “Boy, are you bossy.” She rolled her eyes all dramatic like. “Okay, okay. You were right. It was fun.” She hooped her arm through Olivia’s and the two of them strolled over to Erik who was making his way down the bleachers. “When can I do it again?”

  “I knew it!” Olivia jerked free from Audra’s grasp and faced her. “I knew you would like it. Admit it, I was right.”

  “I just did.” She wrinkled her nose at Olivia. “So, when can I do it again?”

  “We have one every week during the summer. Is next week too soon? I’ll make sure Erik has another car ready for you.”

  “No it’s not too soon, but what’s wrong with the one I just used?”

  Olivia glanced toward the ’57 Chevy, then back at Audra. One eyebrow curled into a horizontal question mark. “I think that car has seen better days.”

  Audra looked over at it. One rim was bent, steam trickled from the engine, and it had so many dents it looked like a bad case of cellulite explosion. “I think you’re right.”

  They both laughed.

  With a spring in their step, they all but skipped toward Erik.

  “One more fear conquered. Yes!” Audra yanked her fist toward her body.

  “Why you find it necessary to confront everything you’re afraid of is beyond me. We all have fears.”

  “Yup, we sure do. But, I’ve seen too many people whose fears have kept them from enjoying the life God has for them. I don’t want fear to control me. Besides, I love anything that challenges me spiritually, physically and emotionally. There are still a few more challenges and fears I wanna overcome.” One in particular, however,… Um, not so much.

  “I shudder to think what they are.” Olivia’s eyes darted to the sky. “Still, you’re right. Where would I be if I hadn’t overcome my fear of loving people?”

  Audra shuddered too thinking about where Olivia would be today if she hadn’t overcome her fear of love.

  Olivia had lost her parents and grandma at a young age and had been forced to live with a wicked, evil aunt she didn’t even know existed. One who had gone behind Olivia’s back and had sold her parent’s home and every single memento Olivia had of her parents and grandmother. Then her fiancé died in a plane crash. All of those things had not only left Olivia paralyzed with fear of loving but with an ocean load of guilt. Thank God, the power of love had defeated all of that.

  “Oh, by the way, I like that you’ve gone all natch-ur-elle again,” Olivia said, winking at her friend.

  “Huh?” Audra blinked and looked at Olivia. “What do ya mean?”

  “You’re hair. Black looked good on you. The pink, purple, green and yellow, well, enough said. Your natural auburn color looks the best. Same with your eyes. Why you wear all those different colored contacts when you have such beautiful hazel-gray eyes is beyond me. I mean, it’s not like you need them or anything. You have perfect 20/20 vision.”

  “I know, but I wear them ‘cause I can.” She raised her chin in a teasing, haughty gesture. “And I like being different.”

  “Oh, you’re different all right.”

  “Hey.” Audra gave Olivia a playful elbow-nudge.

  “So how was it, Audra?” Erik asked as he stepped up to them.

  “Oh my goodness.” Audra gave a little hop. “It was so-o-o much fun.”

  “She wants to do it again,” Olivia chimed in.

  “That can be arranged.” Erik slipped his arm around Olivia and kissed her.

  Audra was used to their public displays of affection. It warmed her heart seeing he
r friend so happy. Erik was a prince amongst princes.

  If only there was a prince out there for her. But her abilities to find a nice guy and to hear clearly from the Lord on that subject were sorely lacking. So much so, that she no longer trusted her judgment where men were concerned. Especially after her last relationship with her ex-boyfriend Neil Jetts—liar extraordinaire. Just thinking about him and what he’d done set her blood to boiling. She needed to cool off. A walk to the concession stand across the way would do her good. She turned to her friends. “I need something to drink. I’ll catch y’all later.” Without waiting for their response, she whirled and stormed over to the food stand.

  *~*♥*~*

  Barrett Camden followed the driver of the ’57 Chevy with the numbers 777 on the door to the concession stand. He stood behind her in line and waited for her to order. As soon as she did, he stepped alongside her. “I’m paying for the lady’s food.”

  She turned and looked up at him in surprise.

  His breath hitched. Frown and all, she was even more beautiful up close than she was at a distance. A man could easily get lost in those hazel gray eyes of hers.

  “Thanks just the same, but I can pay for my own meal.” She handed the man behind the counter a twenty, pocketed her change, and without saying another word to him or even giving him a second look, she headed toward the stands.

  Not one to be brushed off, while he ordered a corndog with chili and a Coke, he kept his eyes on her as best as he could so he would know exactly where she went. Her long hair swished back and forth against her swaying hips.

  She stopped and talked to a woman and a crying boy. A blob of pastry lay on the ground at the boy’s feet. She said something to the little boy and then handed him her funnel cake.

  Barrett couldn’t believe it. Not only was the petite woman pretty as a princess, she was compassionate too.

  Determined even more than before to get to know her, he quickly ordered another funnel cake, and as soon he got his order, he strode to where he last saw her.

  He scanned the bleachers until he spotted her seated on the second row from the top.

  Barrett climbed the bleacher steps two at a time. When he reached her, he looked down at her and asked, “Is this seat taken?”

  She slurped the food off the side of her finger. “No, but there are plenty of other empty seats, I’m sure you can find one.”

  Feisty. He liked that in a woman. Showed she had spunk. And he loved that Southern accent of hers too. Not one bit deterred, he grinned, and then sat down behind her on the top row.

  She twisted sideways in her seat and looked up at him, frowning.

  “Name’s Barrett.” He lowered himself next to her.

  “Didn’t ask.” She scooted away from him, but that didn’t discourage him one little bit.

  Nope. Barrett loved a challenge. It was game on. He scooted closer to her.

  Her eyes narrowed, and her lips puckered. “Excuse me.”

  The urge to kiss those lips drove through him. It took every ounce of willpower he possessed not to. “So, you going to tell me your name or not?”

  “Not.” She took a bite of her slaw dog, which left a piece of cabbage clinging to her lower lip.

  He took his napkin and brushed it across her full lips. Lips that were soft even under the napkin.

  “Uh, excuse me, what do ya think you’re doing?” Her southern drawl snapped with all the attitude of a diva, but this woman who had just raced like a hotshot was definitely no diva.

  Or at least he didn’t think she was. The divas he knew didn’t race derby cars. “You had slaw on your mouth, so I did you a favor and wiped it off.”

  “I can wipe my own mouth just fine, thank you very much.” Using her own napkin, she did so with a vengeance. “Why don’t ya go bother somebody else?”

  “Am I bothering you?”

  “Yup.”

  “Why?”

  “’Cause. I know your type. That’s why.”

  “Oh yeah, and just what type am I?” He couldn’t wait to hear her answer.

  “The type that thinks he’s God’s gift to women.” She sipped her drink through a straw, her hazel gray eyes gazing up at him, daring him to deny what she’d just said about him.

  Well, deny it he would. Plus, he’d show her. “I’ve met your type before too.”

  She lowered her drink. “Oh yeah, and just what type do you think I am?”

  “Beautiful. Stuck on herself. Thinks she’s too good for anyone else.”

  “Well.” She slammed her drink on the seat. “Of all the nerve. You don’t even know me. I am not stuck up!”

  “Prove it. Go out with me.”

  Her big eyes widened. A smirk slowly curled her lips. “You’re on, Hotrod.”

  He sat back, pleased with himself. “Good.” He took a bite of his corndog to put a stamp on it.

  Her eyebrows curled with skepticism. “That’s it, just ‘good’.”

  Barrett shrugged and lifted the corndog to his lips again. “What else did you want me to say?”

  She rolled her eyes and put a half-frown on her face. “Audra.”

  “You want me to say Audra?”

  “No. That’s my name.”

  Audra. He liked the sound of that.

  “Audra what?”

  “Audra Darron.”

  Barrett held out his hand. “Barrett Camden.”

  She glanced at his hand then shook it. He was amazed how strong her grip was for such a tiny little thing.

  Now that he’d accomplished what he’d set out to do, before she changed her mind, he stood, gathered his food and glanced down at her. “Seven o’clock. Here.”

  Turning back to the track, she shrugged. “Whatever. See ya then.”

  He set the funnel cake on her lap, nodded and strode down the bleachers. He couldn’t wait until seven o’clock.

  ~**~

  The last thing Audra Darron wants is another disastrous relationship.

  When the persuasive Barrett Camden challenges her to a date, she accepts his challenge. It doesn’t take her long to learn under all that macho exterior is a kind man with a tender side. A mystery man full of secrets, something she detests. Does she dare trust him when he asks her to without knowing his past and risk her heart?

  Barrett Camden is a man with many names. It’s been seven years since he went into hiding. When he sees the gutsy little beauty wipe out her competitors in a demolition derby, he’s determined to get to know the feisty woman. The only problem is, she’s not interested. Not the least bit discouraged, he pursues her, but soon discovers his past may very well keep him from catching her.

  Purchase CATCH ME IF YOU CAN on Amazon

  Also Available From Debra Ullrick

  THE BRIDE WORE COVERALLS

  Racing Series, Book 1

  (Barbour Publishing)

  Can bitter rivals come to love each other? Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and even her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy. Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too. When Camara's vehicle is sabatoged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?

  CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

  Racing Series, Book 3

  The last thing Audra Darron wants is another disastrous relationship. When the persuasive Barrett Camden challenges her to a date, she accepts his challenge. It doesn’t take her long to learn under all that macho exterior is a kind man with a tender side. A mystery man full of secrets, something she detests. Does she dare trust him when he asks her to without knowing
his past and risk her heart?

  Barrett Camden is a man with many names. It’s been seven years since he went into hiding. When he sees the gutsy little beauty wipe out her competitors in a demolition derby, he’s determined to get to know the feisty woman. The only problem is, she’s not interested. Not the least bit discouraged, he pursues her, but soon discovers his past may very well keep him from catching her.

  FOREWARNED

  A Contemporary Christian Suspense Romance Novel

  He loves her... but can he save her from her own mistakes?

  After a near fatal accident in the Colorado wilderness, the pain Jasmine Moore lives with has made her a recluse. To fill the void the harsh Steamboat Springs winter brings, she goes online seeking companionship. Her loneliness overrides all caution, bringing with it a deadly peril.

  Jackson Warren has loved Jasmine for years. When he discovers she’s talking to strangers on the Internet, his internal alarms blare. Especially after strange and suspicious incidents occur close to home. Can he convince her to heed his concerns before it’s too late?

  A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS

  ~ ~ ~An Inspirational Romantic NOVELLA~ ~ ~

  Can the Christmas season bring two young hearts together?

  Ranch owner Callie Gentry needs help. When a certain cowboy she’s always secretly loved comes to her rescue, she struggles to keep her feelings in check. While she’s happy he’s back, her heart isn’t. After all, how can she trust the cowboy who left her like her father did?

  Dustin Lockwood thought he’d never see Callie Gentry again. Then his friend asks him to work for him over Christmas vacation at Callie’s cattle ranch, and Dustin jumps at the chance to see her again. How can he convince the woman who’s lost all faith in men that he will never leave her again?