Page 18 of Driving Force

Arriving at Martinsville, I’m both excited and nervous. Getting our passes and heading to Ryan’s hauler, a wave of emotions comes over me, and as if Grace senses it, she grabs my hand, giving me a silent, “Relax, it’s going to be fine.”

Walking up to the massive rig, Brad meets us at the door just as he is coming out. “Hey Tinley, Ryan’s just getting ready. Go on inside. I know he’s been waiting to see you before the race.”

“Thanks, Brad.”

Stepping into the hauler, I see Matt sitting on the couch, scrolling his phone. “Tinley,” he says, jumping up to give me a hug, “it’s great to finally meet you in person.” Letting out a small whistle, I see him look over my shoulder to Grace. Laughing a little, I step out of the way. “And who is this angel with you?” he asks, making his way to Grace.

“Yeah, bud, I’m going to stop you right there cowboy, I promise you can’t handle all this ,” Grace says.

Laughing at the interaction between our two best friends, I head toward the back to find my man. “Hey, driver,” I say before wrapping my arms around his midsection.

“Hey kitten, I missed you. Are you ready for your first race by my side?” he asks.

“Yeah, I guess, but honestly, I’m nervous and just want to make sure that I don’t do anything dumb that’s going to end up in the paper.”

Trying to play it cool when Ryan asks me to stay with him during the pre-race, but my insides are freaking out with all the attention. I seem to wince at each flash or camera click, but Ryan reassures me each time and holds my hand as we walk from place to place. Grace, however, is in her element, soaking up each minute. Other than her having some back-and-forth banter with Matt, that’s turning into something hilarious as the day goes on. But there’s also there’s something that I can’t put my finger on—and that’s one nut I’m going to crack soon because she does not want to talk about him. I think she seems to enjoy the day.

I ask so many questions during the race that I think the crew may be getting sick of me, but I finally understand how stages and points work. So. There are four stages in each race most of the time. Some only have three depending on the number of laps, and they can get points in each one to help with a run for the championship.

By the end of the day, I’m dreading leaving Ryan. I loved having his attention directed at me, and watching him on the track was such a rush. That suit he wore had me hot. Who knew something so simple would turn me on? But by the time midnight rolls around, I know we need to head back to school, even with the race being on a Saturday. Saying goodbye will be the one part of this relationship I’m going to hate. Kissing Ryan is starting to be one of my favorite things.

“Tinley, come to Vegas next week. I know you’re busy finishing up school, but it’s one of my favorite towns. I’ll fly you out. You can stay a day or two with me, and we can have some us time while I’m not at the track.”

Looking into those green eyes, keeping my heart and head in check is getting harder. “Can I let you know in a few days? I need to make sure that I’ve got my schoolwork done for the week.”

“Sure, of course,” he says. And with one last kiss, I head to meet Grace outside the hauler so we can make the drive back to school.

* * *

The following weekend, I’m on a plane headed to Las Vegas. Never in my life did I think I would be here, that I would be a driver’s girlfriend. Am I his girlfriend? We haven’t said those words yet or put a label on what we are doing. I wouldn’t have gotten onto a plane and flown to Las Vegas to watch him if I didn’t think it was going in that direction, right?

I sit up in bed. Ryan booked us in a room at the Paris hotel, a few miles away from the track in the heart of Las Vegas, just so that we are able to have time to ourselves. Scanning the room service menu, deciding on fruit and yogurt just so that I have something on my stomach because my nerves are getting to me this morning. Being the first time I’ll be alone at the track I need to get used to it if this is the life I’m going to have with Ryan. Jumping in the shower while waiting for breakfast to arrive. I should finish getting dressed and then head to the track to see Ryan.

I text Ryan, letting him know that I’m headed to the track with him and leaving early this morning because, apparently, he has a routine on race day, and with me along for the weekend, it also included him giving me orgasms. And let me tell you, that was one hell of a way to wake up. Rounding the corner to the garage, I see Ryan standing beside his crew chief, John, talking animatedly.

John smiles and says, “Hello, Tinley, enjoying Vegas?”

“Well, from what I’ve seen, it’s great. I’m not a gambler, so I’m okay to miss that part.”

Grabbing my hand, Ryan brings it to his lips for a quick kiss. “Hi kitten, did you sleep well?” he asks with a twinkle in his eye because we both know we slept little. When I finally did fall asleep, he woke me again, but I’m not complaining.

“I slept great, Mr. McKenzie, thank you,” I say, winking at him.“So, what’s the plan for today?”

Brad comes around the corner with two coffees. “Good morning, Tinley. Here, I picked up a coffee. Thought you might want it,” he says.

“Wow, thank you so much. It’s like you read my mind. I was just asking Ryan what his schedule looked like and where I needed to go.”

“Well, we have a meet and greet today, and that’s it before the driver’s meeting, so it’s a slower-paced day for once.” He laughs.

“Okay great, then I think I’ll head back to the hauler to get some final items checked off for school, then meet you later, if that’s okay.”

“You sure, kitten? You can hang around here as I get things completed with my car,” Ryan says.

“No, I’ll let you do your workday process so your head is where it needs to be. I’ll see you a little later.” I kiss Ryan and head back toward the hauler to work just a little.

I can’t believe this is my life lately, but I’m getting so used to it and falling more for Ryan the longer we spend time together.

* * *

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