Liam and Brian made it down to the winner’s podium, where the Lockwood celebration was in full swing. He watched in awe as Colby realized her dreams. He was so damn proud of her. Colby radiated a beauty that still took his breath away.
She took to the podium and lifted the trophy high up into the air just as she had said she would. Cyrus found Liam in the crowd and placed an arm around him. He had the same awestruck look in his eyes as he watched his baby girl live in her moment. He spoke through his smile. “At some point soon, we have to talk about this thing between you and my daughter.”
Liam grinned and nodded in agreement. “My intentions are more than honorable. I love her.”
“Just like that?”
He nodded. “Unexpected, but it fell on me like a ton of bricks.”
Lila and Brian were near enough to hear the exchange. Brian pulled her into his side. “I know the feeling.”
Cyrus looked back at them. “You too?”
Lila laughed and blushed.
The crowd quieted down for Colby’s interview. The announcer asked the question everyone wanted to know. “Ms. James, how does it feel to hold that trophy in your hand?”
Colby could barely get her words together. She was overcome with emotion. “It feels like . . . a long time coming, but I didn’t do this alone. I didn’t get here by myself.” Colby glanced out into the crowd. “Today’s win couldn’t have happened without so many people who invested in me.” She glanced up heavenward and screamed his name. “Rodney James!” Colby pumped her fist in the air. “This one is for you!” Her friends cheered even louder at the mention of his name. “My dad. He’s the best crew chief in the business. Cyrus James and my Lockwood family, thank you for riding with me since well before I could legally drive.” She pointed out into the crowd. “Lila, I love you. Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement.” Colby placed her trophy down on the platform. When she stood, she brought her hands together as if in prayer. “Thank you, Brian Lockwood, for believing in me and being willing to put the best driver on the course. And finally, but certainly not least, Liam Lockwood.” Her eyes softened. “Thank you for your encouragement and for pushing me to be my best. For loving a girl with grease underneath her nails and a need for speed.” She mouthed the words, “I love you.”
He placed his hand over his heart. “I love you back.”
Colby wasn’t prepared for the announcer’s follow-up question. “What are your thoughts regarding the video that emerged of your fellow teammate, Asher McKay, and Lorene Greene conspiring to get you out of the race. It appears the massive pile-up caused by McKay was the same type of illegal move discussed in the video. I’m hearing sanctions are coming. Possibly even life-time bans and criminal charges.”
“Video?” The shock on Colby’s face was evident. “I wasn’t aware of a video.”
“It’s gone viral. It was just released within the last hour.”
Colby took a moment to process what she’d heard before speaking. “Nothing is more important than the safety of the drivers. As you know, I have personal experience with illegal moves as I lost my brother to those same types of aggressive maneuvers. I would expect NASCAR to punish any driver who used them to the fullest extent, no matter which team they drive for. If the acts were criminal, I would also expect charges to be brought against them. Since I haven’t seen the tape, that’s all I have to say for now.”
After the interview, NASCAR handlers came to whisk Colby away to the media room. Before she took another step, Colby hopped down from the podium and ran over to Liam. She jumped into his arms. He wrapped them around Colby, and they kissed as if no one was watching. It was full of hope, promise, and passion.
Colby pulled back slightly. “You have anything to do with that tape?”
“I told you. I always have more than one plan.”
She exhaled. “Finally, justice for my brother.” She could now truly put the past behind her. The corner of her mouth turned up in a half-smile. “You know, I’ve got to go do this thing.”
“You mean that little thing called a press conference?” Liam teased.
“Yeah. Something like that.”
Liam turned serious. “I’ll be right here when you’re finished.”
“Promise?” Colby gazed lovingly into his eyes. “It’s going to be a wild and crazy ride.”
He held her a little tighter. “I’m not intimidated. Promise.”
Colby slowly slid down his body until her feet touched the ground. She could see the truth in his eyes. For the first time since the death of her brother, she was full of hope. Colby was ready to tackle her life both on the course and off, full throttle.
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for reading FULL THROTTLE. Every time I’m feeling the pressures of this industry, you all step up and remind me of my love of crafting these wonderful characters and stories!
If you enjoyed Colby and Liam’s story as much as I enjoyed writing them, please leave a review on Amazon
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INSPIRATIONAL PLAYLIST
Available on Spotify, Youtube, and Tidal
So They Say – Lalah Hathaway
Follow The Sun – India Arie
Drive and Disconnect – NAO
Teddy’s Jam – Guy
Love No Limit Remix – Mary J Blige/Puff Daddy
Before I let Go – Beyonce
Butterflies – Michael Jackson
You Like Me Don’t You – Jermaine Jackson
About Him – Alex Isley
Under - Mac Ayres
Juicy Fruit – Mtume
Say So – PJ Morton/JoJo
Wild Thoughts (cover) – J-Sol/Meron Addis
Love Saw It – Babyface/Karen White
Closer – Rej Archi
Intoxicated – Rej Archi
A Muse – DVSN
Spell – Raveena
Love You More – Rej Archi
System – JD Reid/Sinead Harnett
If You Let Me – Sinead Harnett/GRADES
Body – Sinead Harnett
Mirror – Lalah Hathaway
Soul Sista – Bilal/Raphael Saadiq
Alone In The Universe – Tei Shi
Good Lovin’ – Ludacris/Miguel
Shoulda Known Better – DeAndre
Dealing – Eric Roberson/Lalah Hathaway
Since You’ve Been Gone – Day 26
Neva Felt This Way – Tweet
Anything For You – Ledisi
Inhale – Bryson Tiller
Fallin’ – Toni Braxton
Adore You – NAO/Abhi Dijon
Ain’t Nobody – Chaka Khan
Crown – CHIKA
Relax Your Mind – Boys II Men/Faith Evans
OTHER BOOKS BY LASHAWN VASSER
SNOWBOUND
Novah Bankston's days are long, her nights are lonely, and her world is getting much too small. Still, her life isn't a complete dumpster fire. She has great friends. One in-particular makes her feel safe and protected, even if a bit sexually frustrated!
The thought of settling down has never appealed to Aiden Lawson. At least it hadn't until he met the smart, sexy, and utterly irresistible Novah Bankston. Every time she is around, crazy thoughts of forever pop into his head. It’s too bad that she is off-limits.
No one could have predicted that a shared vacation among friends would turn into a fight for survival. The threat of death forces Aiden and Novah to confront their very real desire for one another. With temperatures dropping well below zero, and no shelter in sight, will the heat of their passion be enough to keep them alive?
LOVING GINA-The Elusive Enchantress (The Elusive Series Book 1)
There are two things I know for sure, the world is cold and men are bastards.
All of them.
A man I once idolized taught me t
hat.
Another man I thought I loved reinforced it.
Then Brody Windham walked into my life, threatening to flip shit upside down. I was more than tempted until I remembered how impossible it was to mix The Family and love.
Love makes you stupid and vulnerable.
And The Family. . . Well, it’s a whole other beast. One my father had led with an iron fist for over 30 years.
I have plans for my father and The Family.
I’ve played by their rules my entire life. That is all going to change. And, if all goes well, maybe I can have a little taste of Brody too.
That’s right. It’s My Game. My Rules. So, Let the Games Begin!
LOVING BRODY – The Elusive Enchanter (The Elusive Series Book 2)
I touched bliss for a little more than twenty-four hours before the chaos of my life turned it all to hell.
My head was spinning; to think I could have a future that included acceptance and love was ridiculous. Not when it was all-out war for control of my father's empire and what remained of my tarnished soul.
A coldness swept through me as I made plans for the final showdown. I’m preparing to do whatever it takes to keep those around me safe including the unthinkable!
I once told them it was my game, my rules. They obviously didn't believe me. I'll just have to show them.
A STORM IS COMING (The Storm Series Book 1)
A Storm Is Coming is about a beautiful and tough as nails corporate attorney, Braylee Hinsdale, who must use every trick in the book to keep the handsome and powerful Alexandro Manchetti from losing everything. Alexandro is powerful, handsome, ridiculously sexy and has just suffered an unimaginable loss. He needs her skills as a ruthless attorney to win a case that he's being told is unwinnable. It is unlike anything Braylee has ever faced and will demand everything from her. Some have said they can sense when A Storm Is Coming, but neither was prepared for the storms ahead.
A PERFECT STORM (The Storm Series Book 2)
A death and the potential loss of Manchetti Enterprises brought powerhouse attorney, Braylee Hinsdale together with Alexandro Manchetti. She managed the impossible - saved his business and his sanity. In turn, he was able to pierce through her tough armor and gently remove an intractable mask concealing deeply hidden wounds. While their attraction was immediate, each fought to protect their fragile hearts from hurt and harm; but instead found strength and love.
Just as Alexandro and Braylee seemed on the path to happily ever after, they found themselves in the middle of a storm. A powerful storm. A Perfect Storm. And, it had the name Gina Lee Xiou written all over it. Who was she? A lover from his past? What did she want? More importantly, could she blow up their lives with just a few words? And, would she dare? Find out in A Perfect Storm.
REMINGTON’S SKY
Sky Kirby is independent, arrogant, emotionally closed off, and owns it. She doesn’t need anyone to fix or save her and makes no apologies—even when her choices may explain why love has been so elusive. Remington Kneeland is Sky's mirror image—only he is done with love. Cynical and bitter, he focuses on the one person that means the world to him—his daughter. When a terrible accident brings him and Sky together, fate steps in with a different idea. Find out what happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force—the results are soul-stirring, heart-pounding, and orgasmic.
Magnetic Pulse (The Hot Voltage Series – Book 1)
Magnetic Pulse is an action-packed, heart-pounding romantic thrill-ride. It wasn’t a chance encounter or love at first sight that brought Bo Stratton and Austin McKenzie together, but fear, desperation, and need. That trio of emotions kept them close. Close enough for Bo to realize that Austin makes her heart race . . . her blood boil . . . and her body pulse. Unfortunately, she can’t stand him. As a matter of fact, she would like to be as far away from him as possible. There was just one small problem . . . calamity has forced them together. Maybe there wasn't just one problem - her dislike for Austin McKenzie could only be rivaled by her attraction. Magnetic Pulse is book 1 in the Hot Voltage Series. Follow the events that lead Bo and Austin on an unbelievable journey as society begins to unravel and they fall in love. For mature audiences only.
Magnetic Attraction (The Hot Voltage Series-Book 2)
Where was Austin McKenzie? Was he dead or alive?
Everyone wanted to know, and Bo Stratton was determined to find out. But what would it cost her?
Austin was last seen protecting the people he loved from a serious threat, but when that threat was gone . . . so was he.
Falling in love while the world suffered a cataclysmic attack the likes of an apocalypse wasn't really the best timing, but for Austin and Bo, their passion could not be denied. Bo's false sense of safety exploded in dramatic fashion--only to be overshadowed by the loss of Austin. As more threats appear, she's not sure what's more dangerous; her new reality or the appearance of Logan Miles.
The sexy Logan Miles was rugged, handsome, and had an irresistible charm. He also helped to save the lives of Bo's family. For his reward, Logan wanted her. There was just one problem--Bo's heart belonged to Austin McKenzie. But would it always? Can Bo fight the magnetic attraction that seems to be building between them?
Find out that and more in Magnetic Attraction, Book 2 in the Hot Voltage Series.
Magnetic Heat (The Hot Voltage Series-Book 3)
Bo Stratton barely has enough time to recover from the most recent attack on her compound when an incredible flash of blinding light appears in the sky followed by a mushroom cloud. For most, that could qualify as one of the worst days of their lives. For Bo, it barely ranks in her top five–not when an act so despicable happens and almost destroys her very soul. After an EMP reduces the world into a society where only the fittest survive, Austin McKenzie has only one goal. To protect his family and the woman he loves at all costs. His mettle is being tested, not only from strangers but from friends and foes alike. Austin and Bo will face the challenge of their lives. Will they survive? And if so, will they survive it together? Find out in Magnetic Heat – the FINAL book in the Hot Voltage Series.
The Right Side of My Pillow
Cricket Anderson and Cole Thornton were throwaways. The outside world didn’t have room for them. Yet, from the tender age of nine, all they had was each other…until they didn’t. Not only were promises broken but so was Cricket’s heart. Focused and driven to create a life made of dreams, Cole Thornton succeeded only to be left feeling empty and alone. Ten years later, a chance encounter brings him together with the one person he’s ever felt connected to – an angry, disconnected, and broken woman. They say time heals all wounds. But, can two damaged souls discover love and mend their hollowed hearts? Find out in The Right Side of My Pillow.
CREE
Cree Jacobs has ever only loved one man, and for years she’s worked two jobs, sometimes three to support his dreams. Her entire world centered around Cameron Jacobs. What happens when his world no longer revolves around her? Distance has kept them apart for so long that they’ve become virtual strangers. Feeling lost and alone, Cree realized his goals were her goals. His dreams were her dreams until tragic events forced a path of self-discovery. Sometimes you have to stop, regroup, and find your center. Will that center lead back to love? The Stranger Next to Me
Tasha Stevens and Sabrina Links-Horne have been best friends since high school. Everyone always wondered how their friendship stood the test of time. Especially since they were polar opposites in every way, except for one thing. They were both in love with Tim Horne . . . Sabrina’s husband. Although they’ve seen each other through the best and worst of times, one decision will change the course of their lives forever and leave them both wondering who is The Stranger Next to Me?
Out of Nowhere (Book 1)
He is the CEO of CkR International, Inc., a billion-dollar company. She is a struggling single mother working for his company in customer service. What happens during a chance meeting in his company’s elevator will cha
nge their lives forever. Take the journey with Vicky and Jason as they fall in love. Will they overcome past hurts, society’s demands, and family expectations?
NEW BEGINNINGS (Out of Nowhere Book 2)
Just when billionaire Jason Kincaid Rutherford was on the cusp of living happily ever after with the only woman who’s ever lit a fire within him, tragedy strikes. Will it leave her so broken that her heart doesn't have room for him? Not if Jason can help it. Continue on with the journey of Jason and Vicky as they face their biggest challenge yet. LOVE, LIFE, and VOWS (Out of Nowhere Book 3) Jason and Vicky have fought hard for their relationship. They've overcome differences in culture, race, and social status. They've withstood an almost unimaginable tragedy and come out on the other side stronger than ever. Or, so they thought. Follow along as Jason and Vicky's love is pushed to the breaking point after life takes a devastating turn. Will they ever find their happily ever after?
Love, Life, & Vows (Out of Nowhere Book 3)
Jason and Vicky have fought hard for their relationship. They've overcome differences in culture, race, and social status. They've withstood an almost unimaginable tragedy and come out on the other side stronger than ever. Or, so they thought.
Follow along as Jason and Vicky's love is pushed to the breaking point after life takes a devastating turn. Will they ever find their happily ever after?
This is the final book to Out of Nowhere and New Beginnings.
Pieces of Me (Book 1)
Their plane crashed in the South Pacific. It was a struggle to survive. Why after their rescue did life become more dangerous? Davis Chatham wasn’t supposed to be on this flight, but a crisis with Chatham Industries demanded it. There was always a crisis—granted none like this, but his name was on the building, it was his problem to solve . . . right? Being an admitted workaholic was what destroyed his marriage—leaving him broken, bitter, and wishing he’d handled things differently. Life had not been kind to Nicole DonLeavy and the last year had been particularly brutal. She wanted a fresh start—a new beginning. When the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself, she jumped at the chance and all thanks to the man who made it possible—a man she'd never met—Davis Chatham. One fateful night changes the course of everything. Get to know Davis and Nicole as they fight to survive on and off an island paradise. Emotions collide, danger lurks, and ghosts of the past return. Prepare yourself; this is not your typical love story.
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