Page 61 of Hook Up

“Still in New York. She’s a nurse practitioner and has to finish up with her patients.”

“I get obligations. Does she have any idea about the world of crazy she just married into?”

“Likely not, but now she’s trapped. Hell, my lawyer almost had a coronary when he discovered we didn’t sign a prenup.”

“Damn, you are in love.” Colton gestures to where Greg stands with a few other crew members. “What crew did you steal him from?”

“None, but he’s been around cars since birth. I came up racing with him. He was better than me, to be honest, but his family situation ended his chances of a career. He’s been an excellent addition so far.”

A frown creases Colton’s brow. “I’ve no doubt, but this is the big league. Maybe he should function as a backup for a few races. Get his feet wet.”

“He’s good to go.” Normally I don’t question Colton’s authority, but I know my friend.

He was born ready.

After finishing first in Saturday’s timed trials, I’m on top of the world.

Now if only my wife would get her sexy ass down here.

Grabbing my phone, I dial her number. Christ, I miss her.

“Hi, handsome.”

“I’m leaving you a ticket, just in case. I know you’re busy and have obligations, but I need my cheerleader.”

Greer stays silent a few beats, and I wonder if I’m pushing too hard. Let’s admit it—I’m used to getting what I want. “You know, if a woman was trying to surprise you, you would kill it every time. Focus on the race, Mr. Gray. Even if I’m not there in person, I’ll be there in spirit. I appreciate the ticket, though. Just in case.”

“Be forewarned after you get back here, I’m supergluing you to my side.”

I love her husky chuckle. The only thing better? That chuckle followed by her naked body straddling me. That’s the thing with incredible sex. Once you experience it, it becomes the most potent addiction in the world.

It becomes all you can think about.

She’s all I can think about.

Even my racing career dims next to her light. Greer has usurped racing in my heart, taking center stage and becoming the center of my world. The weirdest part is how fine I am with that concept.

Feeling for the small box in my pocket, a smile crosses my face. I had to pay a mint, but the jewelers worked overtime to get Gigi’s ring finished by this weekend. It’s a six-carat stunner, as flawless as the woman herself.

Time to slide this beauty on my beauty’s hand, locking her down for life.

Unfortunately, my beautiful woman isn’t here, and time is growing short for her to arrive before the race. As is custom for races held in Charlotte, the entire team shacks up for the weekend at a luxury hotel only a mile from the track. Such a hardship, I realize, but there is a method to our madness.

I may only live an hour from the track, but Charlotte is renowned for her snarling traffic jams. Not something you want to encounter when time is at a premium. Staying here allows us to hash out any last-minute issues and also be only moments from the track, should the need arise.

It’s a win-win.

Colton, Rylee, and I enjoy an early dinner discussing the next day’s race. She’s been a part of the racing world for years now by her husband’s side, but I see the relief in her face that he’s no longer sliding behind the wheel.

I know there are days when Colton misses the feeling of flying. Hell, racing is as much in his blood as mine.

Having a kid changed his mind. To hear him tell it, he knew he wanted to be there to watch him grow up. So, his priorities and position changed.

This is the best of both worlds for him. He gets to live amongst the sport he worships while going home safe every night to his family.

I’m not there yet. I still crave that adrenaline rush, although I admit that being with Greer is its own form of speed. For the first time, I understand Colton’s position.

After dinner, we stroll toward the elevator. Time to turn in and get some rest for tomorrow. I have a race to win.

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