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Riot jumped on it. “Why don’t we grab dinner tonight? I’ll answer any questions you have.” His stomach tightened as he thought about the questions Ben might ask him. But a deal was a deal, and he would honor it.

“I have more questions than one meal could cover,” Ben replied, then he laughed and pointed to the headset as he repeated River’s speed. “One sixty.”

She was either holding back or something was off with the bike. River rarely held back no matter what or where. But what did he or Ben know about bikes? They were car guys. If things went the way Riot hoped, they would be both soon.

“Why are you so interested in River’s performance and superbikes?” Ben asked as he watched River head down the track.

Riot knew that question was coming. “Fine. Here it is. I’m working on building my own division under D&T Racing. I want River wearing my brand. I have my eyes on a few other riders that are coming up in the ranks who could use the sponsorship, so don’t think she’s the only one.”

“Let me remind you of a few things. River is temperamental, rude, a scrapper, and does not—let me reiterate that, she doesnot—follow the rules. Hell, she won’t even give you a say in anything to do with her racing. What makes you think you can change any of that?

“Because it’s me.”

“The fuck you say? Don’t you remember Cypress always wanting to kill her? She takes too many chances and doesn’t care one damn bit who’s on the sidelines worrying about her as she flies across the track and hits the ground. Are you willing to stand here just like this and watch her when she wins and when she loses?”

“She never turned from me when I was racing.”

“According to all the news hype, she walked away from you when you were recovering. I know it’s bullshit, but the question is: do you?”

Riot didn’t know what was true and what wasn’t at that moment. All he knew was he needed racers for the new team, and he wanted River on it. Yes, he also wanted her in his bed, but he wouldn’t admit that to anyone. For now. “I’m not looking to have a relationship outside of a business deal with her.”

“Liar. Meet me at Stanley’s at eight p.m. and to bring your wallet.”

Riot continued watching River running the track and thought about what Ben had said. Did he believe she had walked away from him? No one could blame her. Riot had been a grade A asshole to her the last time he saw her. He remembered screaming at her to get out of his room and told her not to come back. Riot never believed she would stop coming to see him or calling to check in with him. But she had, one hundred percent.

Seven years had gone by, both of them had grown, changed. This was a business opportunity for both of them, and they would be crazy not to put hurt feelings aside. Now he just needed to convince himself he could put his broken heart behind him.

***

An hour on the track and the bike still ran like a tank. Fuck it, she was done. Pushing the bike into the pit, River listened as Mal fussed at her about taking too many risks while she was testing the adjustments made on the bike. She nodded her head and Mal slapped her ass, telling River to stop placating her.

“River, do not forget you have that party at the country club this weekend.”

“I was really trying to forget about that.”

“Listen, we need sponsors. Especially if you’re thinking what we know you’re thinking.” Mal looked at her meaningfully. “Are you thinking privateer?”

“Yes.” So much for talking about it at dinner.

“Why?”

River rolled her shoulders. She figured the best thing to do would just explain the situation. She couldn’t keep going down this road, relying on others to keep promises made in the heat of excitement. Worrying over how she would pay for everything kept her awake more nights than she would admit too.

That’s why they needed sponsors. They had to put together a team, and to do that she needed the money. Hell, she needed money to pay Mal and Dan, and eventually she would have to payallof them. She didn’t want her racing to turn into a weekend thing where she busted hump at some dead-end job just to put rubber on the track. Mal told her flat out that she needed to attend Jason’s party. River couldn’t keep anything from Mal and Dan. She didn’t want to go alone, so she asked if the couple would accompany her. She even said “please” to sweeten the request. She had been working out all the details over the past few weeks while healing and working on the bikes. It all came down to the money.

“We were already planning on going if we have any chance of getting sponsors. Let’s be honest, you aren’t the best at getting people on board,” Mal said.

River switched subjects. “Do you remember Keith from back in the amateur days?”

“Yes, he was always bumming around us. What about him?”

“I ran into him in Fontana at the speedway. He seems to have gotten his shit together. He married Cherri and they have kids—as in plural. Driving a nice pickup… like eighty-grand nice.”

“Keith?”

“Yes!”

“He probably forged his paycheck stubs.” Mal laughed.

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