by Dena Blake
Feeling the chill of the night air, she pulled her sweatshirt over her head and headed to the pool. She kicked one of the metal chairs as she passed, winced, grabbed her foot, and flopped down into one of the lounge chairs.
* * *
“Sam, you in here?” Brad gave the door a light knock as he pushed it open.
“I was just coming to find you.” She mustered an energetic smile, hoping he wouldn’t ask where she’d been all day.
He brushed past her. “Have you seen my belt?”
“It’s over there.” She pointed to the chair. “Where are you going?”
“To the bar.”
“Oh.” She noted his neat appearance, laced with heavily scented cologne. “I was hoping maybe we could just hang out here tonight.” She pressed herself against him and began to unbutton his shirt. “You know. Have some nice, quiet alone time.”
He moved her hands and refastened the buttons. “I’m meeting some of the guys. We’re going out.”
After the thoughts she’d been having about Drew, she deserved his infidelity, but it still hurt.
“Fine.” She shrugged, letting her hands drop. “Go do what you want, but don’t come back here half-lit expecting me to entertain you.” She whirled around and took off out the open door. Sprinting across the balcony and down the stairs, she slowed before hitting the pool area, flopping down into the lounge chair next to Jade.
“Hey,” Jade said.
“Hey.” Sam noticed she was holding her foot. “What’d you do?”
“Fucking chair got in my way.” She held her toe momentarily, as if waiting for the pain to subside.
Sam relaxed back into the chaise and stared up at the stars. “What are you doing up this late?”
“Can’t sleep. There’s a jackass in my bed.”
“Mine’s going out.”
Jade’s face twisted. “I just don’t understand it.”
“Understand what?”
“You’re beautiful,” she blurted, producing a momentary flash of awkwardness in Sam. “Why don’t you find yourself someone who treats you better?”
Sam took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m not good with commitment.” She stared up at the second floor and watched Brad come out of her room, go a couple of doors down and into his.
“Then why does it bother you?”
“I don’t know.” Untrue. She knew what it was. She couldn’t stand the fact that she wasn’t enough.
“You’re not in love with him.”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Then get out of it.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Sure it is. You have to look out for number one, Sam.”
They watched as Brad came out of his room and slipped on a black leather jacket.
“Where’s he going?” Jade asked.
“Bar hopping.”
“You’re way too nice,” Jade said. “And your brother, what’s up his ass today?” Her voice rose. “I just want to hang out with him, and he keeps pushing me away. I’m so tired of dealing with men who only think what’s on the outside is important.” She popped up and swung her legs to the side of the chair. “You must have to deal with your own challenges.”
Sam immediately thought of the hurdles she was constantly jumping to earn the respect of the male drivers.
Jade glanced down at Sam’s ample cleavage. “Like getting someone to see beyond the rack.”
“Jade.” Sam shook her head. “Just because you work with these guys doesn’t mean you have to talk like them.”
“Sorry.” Her tone dropped to a whisper. “But you know what I mean.”
“I do. I can also understand where Tommy’s coming from.” This wasn’t a discussion she wanted to have, but she’d promised Tommy she’d give Jade a fair shot, and she had to be honest.
“You can?” Jade pulled her brows together. “Then would you please explain it to me?”
“You know that Tommy was engaged at the time of his accident, right?”
Jade nodded.
“Has he told you anything about her?”
“No. He doesn’t like to talk about her.”
“She didn’t handle it well.” Sam shook her head. “She came to see him only a few times in the hospital, and within six weeks she was gone.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.” Sam shrugged. “I think she liked the idea of being with a famous racecar driver.” She smiled and let out a short breath. “And then, of course, there was the sex issue.”
“Are you kidding me? I’ve never had a kinder, gentler lover in my life.” Her voice sounded deflated. “I mean, I don’t think there’s anything he won’t do to please me.”
Whoa! Too much information. Discussing her brother’s sex life wasn’t on the top of Sam’s to-do list. Sam smiled and glanced away briefly, trying to avoid Jade’s searching eyes.
“You have to believe me. He—”
Sam raised a hand to stop the next string of intimate details set to spill out of Jade’s mouth. Apparently, she wasn’t giving up, so Sam shifted sideways in her chair to face her.
“Listen, Jade. I really do like you, but if you’re not planning to stay around, you need to leave before he falls in love with you.”
Jade rolled her eyes and let out a heavy breath. “What about me?” Her voice rose quickly. “Doesn’t anybody care that I may have already fallen in love with him?”
“Have you?” Sam asked pointedly. Jade hadn’t been around long enough for the thought to enter Sam’s mind, but she could see Jade was dead serious. It was never about the hair, the tattoos, or even the piercings. Sam’s only concern was her brother.
“I don’t know.” She let her face drop into her hands and rubbed her eyes. “He’s so funny and kind…and…so many other things.” She hesitated. “But he just won’t open up to me.” She let out a low rumbling growl. “He’s so frustrating sometimes.”
“I think he’s afraid you won’t always be satisfied with him.”
“You know there’s a lot more involved in loving someone besides fucking. I’ve been with a few men in my life. Some good, some bad. Tommy’s different.” Her eyes softened. “I connect with him in a way I never have with anyone before.”
Sam smiled at her conviction. She wished she had such passion in her life.
“Sex is more than an action. It’s a state of mind, a reaction to someone who brings out the best in you,” Jade added.
Sam was just now beginning to realize that fact since she’d met Drew. Her attention strayed as she thought about the night they met. She’d offered herself freely to Drew, and then even after having second thoughts, Drew hadn’t taken advantage of the situation. She’d been gentle and understanding. Nothing at all like Brad. He would’ve continued without the smallest thought or concern for her.
“I know you’re just playing the good sister, but I’m not going anywhere.” Jade reached over and shook the chair. “All I want is to make him as happy as he makes me.”
The jiggle of the chair snapped Sam’s attention back to the conversation. “I’m sorry, Jade. I think I may have misjudged you.” She gave her hand a firm squeeze. “You’re not like every other woman out there.”
Jade’s eyes began to well. “You must think I’m a babbling idiot.” She swiped at her face, drying the moisture from her eyes.
“Not at all.”
“Hello, ladies,” Drew said, standing behind them curling her fingers around the top bar on each of their lounge chairs.
They both stared over their shoulders at her. Sam flushed before she darted her gaze back to Jade. She could see the lightbulb flashing in Jade’s head. The woman surely knew now whose room she was coming from the morning she’d run into her on the steps.
“Guess we’re not the only night owls around here,” Jade mumbled.
“Mind if I join you?” The metal scraped against the concrete as Drew pulled a chair over.
“Hotel pool. You’re a guest.
Can’t do much about that,” Sam said, letting her less-than-eager tone show through. The woman was becoming an absolute pain in the ass. Showing up everywhere Sam went. Flashing that smug, egotistical grin at her. Making her react in ways she didn’t want. Making Sam have a good time in spite of herself.
Drew smiled amusingly and turned to Jade. “Any objections?”
Jade gave Sam a curious look. “By all means. Have a seat.”
“Where’s that Neanderthal boyfriend of yours?” Drew flopped down into the chair.
None of your business. Sam wasn’t in the mood for twenty questions again.
“He went out,” Jade said when Sam didn’t answer.
“Without you?” Drew rolled his eyes. “The man’s a fucking idiot. I wouldn’t leave you alone for a minute.” Drew was using that playful tone again, but this time Sam refused to let her guard down.
“Funny.” Jade smiled at Sam. “We were just talking about that.”
Traitor. The compassion Sam had felt for Jade a few moments ago vanished.
Jade shrugged and gave Sam an innocent smile before she caught her bottom lip between her teeth and jumped up. “Well, on that note, I think I’m going to hit the sack.” She feigned a yawn. “I’m sure Tommy’s wondering where I wandered off to by now.” She put her hand on Sam’s shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. “You two have fun.”
Jade glanced back at Sam and winked. She would make her pay for this later.
Drew chuckled, and Sam peered up into her dark-chocolate eyes. Her stomach flip-flopped. Maybe the penalty wouldn’t be too stiff.
“Guess she didn’t like my company after all.”
“Imagine that,” Sam mumbled.
“You want to go do something?”
“It’s a little late for miniature golf, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but alas, I can think of other things to do in the moonlight.” Drew leaned forward, engaging Sam in an eye-scorching stare.
“Like?” she whispered uncomfortably, expecting Drew’s mouth to impact hers at any moment.
“Come on,” she said, grabbing Sam’s hand and catapulting her out of the chaise.
“Wait a minute!” Sam pulled free. “I can’t just take off in the middle of the night.”
Drew raised her brows. “You have someone to answer to?”
Sam thought about her earlier encounter with Brad. By now he was off seducing one of his little track groupies. She pulled her hand across the back of her neck before turning her attention to Drew. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” Drew smiled, taking her hand and towing her along beside her.
This was turning into a bad habit—letting Drew take her on these little adventures, giving her the impression she would go anytime, anywhere she wanted. Sam was asking for trouble.
* * *
Drew drove across the peninsula to Marin County and took the Lucas Valley exit. After taking the winding road into a heavily wooded area, she veered off the main road onto a well-driven dirt path. Even with the high beams on, all Sam could see were huge redwoods surrounding them. As they drove deeper into the darkness, she wondered what she’d gotten herself into. Then she saw the lights illuminating from within the forest.
“What the hell is that?” A chill ran down her spine and she leaned closer, grabbing Drew’s arm as random thoughts swirled in her head. Was she going to be abducted, whisked away in a spaceship, never to be heard from again?
A sneaky smile crept across Drew’s face. “Mud racing. I hope you don’t mind getting a little dirty.”
Sam widened her eyes with excitement. “Are you kidding me? I’d love it.”
As they pulled in, people clad in all colors of racing leather quickly surrounded the Jeep.
“Drew,” a tall, curly-blond-haired man shouted. “Haven’t seen you here in a while.”
“Been a little busy lately, Joe.” Drew hopped out, walked around to the back of the Jeep, and took out a couple of helmets. “I brought some new competition,” she said, tossing one to Sam.
Joe gave her the once-over and smiled. “Not bad.”
“Does she know the rules?” a knockout brunette asked, slipping in next to him.
“Don’t worry, Kate. I’ll fill her in.”
“Rules? I thought these races didn’t have any.” Sam said.
“It’s not really a rule. It’s just something between Joe and me. I’ll explain after we get going.” Drew walked around to the other side of the Jeep.
Kate eyed Sam suspiciously. “You don’t seem like her type.”
“And what type would that be?” She raised an eyebrow at the petite woman dressed in tight, black leather.
Kate’s thick, full lips curved into a smile. “That would be me.”
“Oh.” Sam’s tone was low and even. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said flatly, amused that the woman thought she was competing with her in any fashion other than the race.
“You do that.” Kate’s voice rang with irritation.
Sam caught up with Drew and Joe as they were coming back from the makeshift entry booth set up in the back of an SUV. “Who are we racing?” she asked as she surveyed the variety of people and vehicles lining up. She saw everything from sixteen-year-old boys in Honda Civics to women in their fifties driving Baha Bugs.
“Kate and Joe,” Drew said, reaching into the Jeep and pulling the custom-installed shoulder straps from behind the passenger seat.
“Imagine that.” Sam looked up and smiled as Kate threw her a two-fingered wave.
“We never lose,” Joe said.
Sam shivered. The way he’d said it, along with his stare creeping up her body, made her skin crawl.
“There’s a first for everything.” Sam climbed into the Jeep and pulled the straps free on the driver’s side.
“I like a woman with fire.” Joe tilted his head slightly. “She’s driving, right?”
“Yep.”
He swiped his hand across the fender. “She’ll be a pretty trophy.” Joe’s smile broadened. “Definitely the prettiest one yet.”
“I wouldn’t get too confident if I were you.” Drew chuckled and stuck his hand out. “Good luck.”
“You too, buddy.” Joe slapped his hand to Drew’s.
“Sounds like your friends are pretty good.” Sam watched them walk back to their Jeep. “Or at least think they are.” She climbed out of the Jeep and headed Drew’s way. “Did I hear something about a trophy?”
“It’s more of a status symbol than a trophy.” Drew met her at the back of the Jeep. “Wrong side.” She motioned. “You’re driving.”
“Me first?” Slipping the helmet over her ears, Sam suspected there was something more involved in this race.
“You can do it. Go-carts, race cars, mud cars—the basics are all the same.”
“But this is going to be a lot more fun.” Sam smiled, pushing her curls back out of her face before tucking them up into the sides of the helmet. Sliding into the driver’s seat, she fastened the shoulder harness and started the engine.
“See those two big stumps.” Drew pointed just ahead. “That’s the start.”
“What’s my first turn, right or left?”
“The track goes up and to the right, then zigzags through the trees and back around to the left.”
“How long is it?”
“Only about three-quarters of a mile, so we take two laps.”
“Why two people in the Jeep? Wouldn’t it go faster with less weight?”
“Yes, it would, but you wouldn’t want to drive this track alone.”
Joe pulled up next to them, giving Sam a wink before sliding across to the passenger seat. Kate climbed into the driver’s seat, looked over at Drew, and blew her a kiss.
“What’s that about?” With her foot flexing hard against the accelerator, Sam quickly shifted her attention from Kate to Drew as the engine raced.
“History. Oh yeah,” Drew shouted over the engine. “I forgot to tell you that one rule.” She ga
ve her a sly grin as she grabbed the roll bar, bracing herself for a quick start. “If you lose she gets my Jeep.”
The flag went down, and Joe let out a screaming howl as Kate took off like a bat out of hell.
“What?” Sam shouted, popping the clutch.
“You heard me. Now get moving.”
Jamming her foot to the gas, Sam gripped the steering wheel. They flew over the first hill and around the turn with ease, but the zigzag through the trees was a little more difficult to maneuver. Mud spattered up into the Jeep, they were trailing, and it was almost impossible for Sam to see through the windshield. Drew turned on the wipers and pressed the washer-fluid button. The mud swished back and forth across the windshield in front of her.
“I can’t see!”
“Hang on. I’m gettin’ it.” Drew pulled a jug of water from the back and poured it over the top of the glass, clearing a small, murky area for her to see through. Now she understood why she needed a passenger. No way in hell was she taking her hands off the wheel.
As she took the inside line around the curve, the rear of the Jeep in front of them slid across the mud. Sam took the opportunity to move ahead. Downshifting, she heard Drew let out a wail as she bumped her way past them and shot out in front as the second lap began. Going into the zigzag in the lead gave her a definite advantage.
At the last curve, the Jeep slid out, coming close enough for Drew to touch the massive redwood timbers. Bracing for impact, Drew grabbed at the roll bar. Sam pulled it back to the inside track and made it out of the trees without a scrape.
Sam gripped the steering wheel, trying to keep in tight around the last curve. She maneuvered the Jeep skillfully, holding the rear just in front of Kate. When she hit the straightaway, Sam double-clutched, threw it into fourth gear, and they flew across the finish line.