“Bad news.”
Heather didn’t know what to think. He had called, despite truly believing she’d heard the last of Chance. Not because she was bad luck or anything silly like that, but because she was sure the team didn’t have the money to put the car back together.
She tried not to sound too eager. “Yeah?”
“I’m not going to be able to pay for dinner.”
“Yeah.” She laughed. “I got that impression. Please tell me you’re alright.”
“I’m alright. Still want dinner?”
Heather held her breath and nodded, forgetting that they were on the phone. “Yes, I do. As long as you’re really okay. I’m not a doctor, so if you pass out at the table, I can’t help you.”
Chance laughed, but Heather could hear the depression. “I’m fine. The car, on the other hand, not so much.”
“Where should we meet? I want to hear what happened, if you want to talk.”
She didn’t know what to expect. Some small part of Heather’s fantasy imagined that Chance would take her to some fancy restaurant. She would have been severely underdressed if that had been the case, but luckily she was severely overdressed.
The place was just a few steps above a dive. It was dark, generic, and TVs plastered just about every wall. That’s not why Chance took her there, though. Before they even went inside, Heather knew why he had taken her.
Outside, rotating above the neon sign was a race car. Just about every inch of the place was lined with racing memorabilia. Signed photos, helmets, gloves, car parts, and even another full-sized race car inside. Heather ran her hands down the side of her dress, wishing she had worn jeans, instead.
He turned to her. “Sorry, I wanted it to be a bit of a surprise. You don’t mind, do you?”
“No. This is great.” She wasn’t lying. There was something simple and earnest about it. Besides, she was the one paying, so if they had gone to a fancy restaurant, the bill would have been going on her already swelling credit card.
“Chance. Haven’t seen you in a while.” A middle-aged waitress came up to them, giving him a more than friendly smile. Heather tried not to give her any side eye. “Sorry about today. We were all listening when it happened.”
“Thanks, Viv.”
She barely even looked at Heather. “What’s the news?”
“Down, but not out.”
“Good. We wouldn’t have it any other way. What can I get you?”
Heather couldn’t help but feel a sting of jealousy. This woman was leaning over the table, practically elbowing Heather out of the way to get closer to Chance. Now she knew what it was like to be out with a celebrity.
“Why don’t we just get started with a pitcher of Killian’s?”
Viv nodded. “You got it. I’ll be back.”
Heather tried hard to keep the snark inside, but it was too powerful. “Well, she was nice, wasn’t she?”
Chance gave her a little smile. “Easy, girl. I used to work here. Viv is like my mom. That’s how I see her, anyway.”
“I don’t think she views things quite the same way.” Heather looked away, upset with herself for getting jealous.
Reaching a hand across the table, Chance took her hand in his. “Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I’m pretty sure Viv has Hepatitis A.”
Heather’s laugh came out of nowhere, and she quickly covered her mouth with a napkin. “That’s not funny.”
“And you’ve got a twisted sense of humor. Really, though. Nothing ever happened, and nothing ever will. My first job was busing tables here. Union Jack’s is legendary among racers and fans. I met Mario Andretti just over there.” Chance pointed to a table currently hosting three bikers.
“Really?” Heather had heard that name thrown around a fair amount at the race track. She knew the Andretti name was synonymous with the track.
“Yup. I’ve met him, Parnelli Jones, Al Unser, Arie Lyundyk, and a bunch of other old men whose names you don’t know.” He laughed, picking up on Heather’s dumbfounded look.
Chance looked around. “I used to work here on Memorial Day, watching the 500 on the TV, barely getting any work done. I’d dream, and on my breaks, I’d run outside to hear the engines filling the sky.”
Before Heather could respond, her favorite waitress came back. She believed Chance, but wanted to mark her territory, just a little bit. Leaning in, she pushed her shoulders together, letting the low-cut dress do its thing. She laced her fingers in his and gave him a sultry look that couldn’t be mistaken.
Viv must have seen it, because her attention was on Heather this time. “Have y’all decided on what you want?” The older woman’s tone barely qualified as friendly, but Heather didn’t care.
She smiled to Chance. “What do you think about pizza?”
He shrugged, giving her hand a squeeze. “You’re buying, so I’ll leave that decision up to you.”
After a quick glance at the menu, and maybe a bit of stalling to irk Viv, Heather ordered some food and handed the waitress the menus.
As Viv walked way, Chance’s jaw was on the table. Heather looked away. “What?”
“Damn. You are vicious, you know that? Remind me never to cross you.” He laughed as he poured two beers from the pitcher.
“Can do. So you were going to tell me what happened on the track today.”
Chance took a long sip of beer. “It doesn’t take much to upset these cars. They have enough downforce gluing them to the track that they could drive upside down, but a little crosswind at the wrong time, and your day goes from good to bad in a millisecond.”
“That’s what happened?”
“Yup.” He nodded. “With the car trimmed out for qualifying, there’s no room for error. The suspension is tighter, steering input is more sensitive, and the tires are at a higher pressure. It’s all or nothing, and today came up nothing for me.”
“It was terrifying to watch.” Heather’s voice dropped. She could feel a lump growing in her throat. She could almost see the accident happening again in front of her eyes.
Chance’s eyebrows shot up, then back down. “It was terrifying to ride along.”
“Really?”
“Are you kidding, Heather? I’m not invincible.”
She looked away. “You’re not all fearless?”
“God no. It’s better than it used to be, but we lose friends to this sport. Justin Wilson died just a few years ago, and that haunts me. We’re not fearless. Foolish, stupid, adrenaline junkies, yeah, but not fearless.”
Viv set a tray down and lowered a steaming pizza onto it. “Need anything else?”
Chance shook his head. “I think we’re good. Thanks, Viv.”
“You got it.” She gave Heather a quick glance, then turned and left.
“To be completely honest,” Chance leaned in. “Part of me was hoping that was it. Part of me was ready to quit when the car came to a stop.”
“But you’re not going to?”
“If they can get her back together, we’ll start from dead last. It might be my last ride, but at least it’ll be a good one.”
Heather didn’t know what to say, so she raised her glass. “To one last ride.”
“To one last ride.” Chance did the same.
She tapped her glass of deep red beer against his and threw it back.
An hour and a second pitcher later, Heather’s fingertips were tingly, and she could feel how red her cheeks were. It wasn’t just from the beer, but that was a definite factor. She was having a great time with Chance. He wasn’t pushy, although he had moved seats so they were both sitting on the same side of the booth.
The place was starting to fill up with the late night crowd, and the pair could laugh louder without worrying about anyone noticing them.
His arm around her shoulder felt comforting and exciting. Her hand on his thigh felt dangerous and exhilarating.
The two of them were close, Heather leaning against Chance’s body. She could feel the muscles in his arms, willing her to touch him more. Sure, she was a little buzzed, but Chance was a good guy.
He looked at his watch and almost spit up the last of the beer. “Good god, it’s nearly one in the morning.”
“Are you serious?” Heather was over enunciating her words. “You’re not serious. I have to be at work by six.” Despite how serious she sounded, Heather burst out laughing.
“I’m a little too far gone.” Chance shook his head. “I can’t drive.”
“No shit. I don’t want them waving the yellow flag to come pick us up.” She poked at his side, using it as an excuse to feel his abs. Heather was a sucker for a six-pack.
“Look at you, I thought you didn’t know anything about racing.”
She turned away after a coy look. “What can I say, I’m interested.”
“Oh yeah?”
She nodded. “Think we should get an Uber?”
“That’s a great idea.”
Chance ordered a car while Heather paid the bill. Viv had long-since headed home, and some closer took the check. With Chance’s arm around her waist, the two headed out the door.
Their ride pulled into the parking lot, and Heather couldn’t help but throw a little fire Chance’s way. “Let’s hope this guy drives better than you,” she said with a wink.
His eyes went wide, but more out of shock than anger.
Chance’s hand was quick, slapping her hard on the ass. Heather burst out laughing, loving how playful Chance was. She was giddy with excitement as they climbed into the black SUV.
It wasn’t long before their hands were all over each other. Neither cared about the driver just in front of them. Chance pulled Heather in, and their lips met.
She closed her eyes, drinking in the moment and his power. Chance’s hands were so strong and they directed her body with such control. Heather’s chest was pounding, blood rushing to her cheeks as the two kissed. When they pulled back, Heather could see the streetlights shining in Chance’s eyes. He looked so strong and fired up.
Chance laid one hand on Heather’s cheek, a bump in the road bringing them back together in a fit of passionate laughter. Heather glanced to see that the driver was calling someone on the phone, paying the two in back no attention at all. She took it as a sign.
Unfastening her seat belt, Heather swung a leg over Chance’s lap and straddled him.
He pulled her body against his. “You’re bad,” he whispered in her ear so close that Heather could feel the air on her skin.
“Shut up and kiss me.” Heather’s breaths were coming fast and sharp, charged by the passion between her and Chance.
She could feel the heat radiating from his body, like the hood of a car after a road trip. Heather wanted to tear the buttons off his shirt right there, but she had to restrain herself.
The trip to her apartment seemed to take forever, but when she felt the SUV bump its way into the parking lot, she pulled herself from Chance’s lap and hardness.
“Thanks,” she called back, halfway out of the car already.
Heather had Chance’s hand, dragging him up the stairs to her place. She was desperate for him, dying for his touch, and aching to get him naked.
She fumbled with the keys, not helped by the fact that Chance was sliding his hands up from her stomach to her breasts. Heather’s knees went weak, and she dropped the keys onto her worn welcome mat.
When she reached down for them, Heather squealed as Chance’s hands pulled her dress up and grabbed her ass. “Oh my god. Hands off.”
“Look who’s talking. Unlock the door, or I’m going to break it in.” There was grit in his voice, and Heather knew he was serious. Chance’s eyes were focused on her like nothing else existed; not even racing.
She threw the door open, and as soon as the two stepped inside, she had her legs around him. Chance didn’t even waver when she threw her weight into him. He stepped into her living room as Heather fumbled for the light switch. Her keys and purse fell to the floor next to the front door as Chance kicked it shut. She didn’t care. They were casualties to the night.
“Bedroom.” Chance growled the word against the soft skin of Heather’s neck.
She turned away, moaning when he kissed her flesh. “Down there.”
The lights came on, and she could see that Chance’s cheeks were flushed. Heather could feel the heat at her own face, but there was a much deeper, more resounding heat between her legs screaming out for relief.
Chance moved around the furniture, his lips never leaving Heather’s skin. Hoisting her higher, he buried his face between her breasts as Heather wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders.
Heather was experiencing the touch of a real man for the first time in far too long. She moaned and cried out with every touch. Her eyes went wide when Chance lowered her down onto the softness of her bed.
Heather watched as Chance lowered himself down to the foot of the bed, taking one of her legs in his hand. She bit her bottom lip as she watched him pull the western button-down shirt over his head. There were those irresistible ab muscles, twisting and turning with each movement. Heather’s mouth watered.
She shuddered in anticipation as Chance began to kiss his way up her leg. Shaving had been worth it that morning. Heather could feel his lips and scruff against the softness of her leg, and the quiver that shot down her spine was intense. Every inch of her body was on fire.
Her hands grasping at the sheets, Heather writhed as Chance drew closer to her knee. He was taking his fucking time, driving her absolutely crazy as he did. Heather held her breath, feeling his finger ever so slightly drawing over the sensitive skin on the back of her knee. His climb up her leg continued.
The light from the hallway poured into the bedroom, but it wasn’t enough for Heather. Using every bit of mental strength she had, Heather reached over and turned on a soft reading lamp on her bedside table. The expression on Chance’s face was one she’d remember for the rest of her life. It was a twisted mixture of power, hunger, and greed. She loved it.
Heather was about to say something very sexy, but before the words could leave her mouth, she saw Chance’s tongue slide down to her thigh. Her head fell back into the bed in pleasure. She shook and felt Chance’s grip on her leg grow stronger. He was getting closer…
She spread her free leg as he inched up. Heather didn’t want a single thing standing between Chance and…her pleasure.
Heather didn’t know if she could take the torture much longer. If he slowed down any more, she would hike up the dress herself and get to work. For a second, she considered doing it. That might show him just how bold she could be. Instead, Heather tried to relax, because if he was as good as she hoped, the two of them would be in for a long night.
His hand found the hem of her dress. Another powerful shiver took Heather over. She was dying for his touch, and Chance was making her wait.
“Please. God, it’s like you are trying to drive me absolutely insane.” Her voice sounded weak. She gave him what he wanted, the feminine surrender. Heather just hoped it would be worth it.
Chance smiled at her, leg still in his hand. His lips glistened from the kisses he had been planting on her leg. He was halfway up her thigh; close, but still so far. “What?”
“The foreplay has been going on since the second pitcher of beer. I need you to get to work.”
“And what if I’m a leg man?”
Heather whined, “They’ll still be there in the morning, I promise.” Heather wrapped one leg around Chance. “See?”
He let Heather pull him against her. She could feel the thick hardness just beneath his jeans. Chance pulled her dress up over her hips, his eyes drawn to that sacred spot between her legs. Heather’s heart stopped for a split second.
His hands slid up her thighs to her hips, brushing over her panties as he did. She twitched, yearning to be touched more than ever. Chance’s fingers dug into her hips as he pulled Heather to the edge of the bed.
Heather gathered the strength to pull herself upright. Her hands fought with Chance’s jeans, but she managed to get the belt undone and the fly down. He pulled her back to his lips, and as they kissed, Heather yanked Chance’s jeans down his legs.
Kicking them off, Chance climbed into bed over Heather. “You’re fucking gorgeous, you know that?”
She looked away, embarrassed for no real reason. Heather didn’t hear things like that often, and it made her blush.
Chance leaned down, his hand sliding behind her to the zipper of the dress. It loosened its grip, Heather’s breasts set free. She pulled one arm from the dress, then the other. Chance drank in her body as she slid it down her body, where it fell to the floor with the rest of Chance’s clothes.
“Quit looking at me like that.” She said as she gave him a playful shove.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re about to die.”
He laughed. “I just might. It’s a hell of a way to go, let me tell you.”
She kissed him, half out of desire, half to make sure he didn’t say anything else to make her feel so girlish and shy. She closed her eyes and felt his fingers slip between her legs. Chance ran his fingers down her slit, making Heather buck forward.
The touch that she had craved was almost too much. All of the kissing and fantasizing about kissing had Heather halfway to one of those exhausting orgasms that she lusted after.
Chance’s fingers found the entrance to her womanhood, and Heather shifted her hips to help him slide inside easier. As he did, she worked her hands down his body. He wasn’t pumped up like a football player, but every muscle on his body was toned and defined. He looked more like a marble statue than a jacked athlete.
She wrapped her fingers around his manhood, loving the warm throb that emanated. As Chance stretched Heather, she began to stroke his cock. The tip was wet, eager for action. She loved it. She loved the look on his face and the sounds he made.
Curling his fingers inside of her, Chance found her g-spot. Heather sucked in a sharp breath just as Chance filled her mouth with his tongue.
He began to slide in and out, matching time with her strokes. As they stimulated each other, their eyes were locked, staring deep into their souls. Heather felt the pressure building.
“My clit. Press against my clit.” She spoke with eyes closed, never confident enough to tell her partners what she needed so soon. There was something about Chance that she felt comfortable with. He wanted to please her, and she wanted it, too.
He did as she asked. Dragging his fingers between her folds, he rose up to her clit, using two fingers to circle it and press against it. As he began to work Heather closer and closer, she tried hard to hold off. Her orgasm was coming hard and fast, maybe too fast. There was no stopping it. Heather thrust her hips up to add to the pressure. The motion was perfect, and she felt her muscles tighten.
Her eyes went wide, and her back arched. A silent scream poured from her open mouth as the orgasm took over her body. Heather had no control as Chance pressed her hips down into the bed. She thrashed from the carnal release, finally letting out a high-pitched but quiet cry of ultimate pleasure.
Heather saw stars floating around in Chance’s eyes. His skin seemed to glow, and the smile on his face made her orgasm soar to new heights. She loved how into her he was. It was refreshing and freeing.
Her head fell back into the sheets, and Chance kissed his way up to her neck. A sudden worry about a hickey flashed into her mind, taking her all the way back to high school when those problems first arose. She started giggling.
“You ok?”
She nodded. “Clearly, but we’re not done here, mister.”
Chance spread Heather’s legs. “You know, I was hoping you’d say that.”
She felt him at her entrance. His thick cock pressed ever so slightly against her, teasing her with the promise of feeling full. Their eyes met, and as Chance leaned down to join lips with Heather, he thrust inside.
Her legs clamped down around him, indulging in the feeling of satisfaction. Heather cried out, the scream muffled by Chance’s kiss. His body was slamming against hers, rattling the bed against the wall behind them. Heather’s body was his, given over in a trade for pure pleasure.
She barely managed to get the words out. “Oh my god, yes. Give it to me.”
Heather arched her back, meeting Chance’s thrusts. He felt incredible, lifting her to a new level of bliss that she didn’t know was possible. His body fit perfectly with hers, like two paintings that meant little apart, but looked stunning when placed next to each other.
Chance’s tongue was at Heather’s neck, flicking and sending pulsing sensations down her spine. Heather reached around and dug her nails into his back. His reaction was to ramp up his speed and groan his approval.
When Chance flipped Heather over, she barely registered what happened, but in one fluid motion, she was on top, bucking her hips back and forth against him like a wild cowgirl.
Heather rode Chance like he was the Pony Express, her hands pressing down on his chiseled chest as she did. He was one hell of a man, and she had a perfect view of him below.
The plateau of pleasure was swelling inside of her, and Heather knew a second orgasm was coming shortly.
“I hope you’re getting close, because it would be a shame to waste my orgasm.” Heather leaned down and nibbled on Chance’s ear. He groaned back a response and grabbed onto her hips.
With strength she didn’t know he had, Chance began to thrust upwards, pounding into her with all of the manliness he possessed. She cried out in agonizing pleasure, the orgasm inching ever closer.
She could hear Chance’s breaths. They were shallow and rapid. He was almost there. Throwing her hair back as she sat up, Heather reached down and dragged her nails down Chance’s chest. His eyes rolled into the back of his head, then she saw his stomach muscles tighten.
The mutual orgasm swirled around her as her center clenched down around him. She felt so tight, and he felt gigantic as the two lovers came simultaneously.
Unable to stay upright, Heather collapsed forward onto Chance’s gasping chest. Not only could she hear his heart beating, but Heather could feel it pounding. Her mouth was dry, and the tingling in her fingers made her burst into a fit of giggles again.
The two laid together, recovering and rejoicing in the magic shared between them.
Heather was going to say something sweet, but when she raised her head, she saw Chance’s eyes closed. He was beginning to quietly snore.