Page 1 of Torqued

1

Rush

“Hell yes!” I yell, dropping my net and climbing from the car. My team hurries over as I stand on the window of the door. The stands are packed today, so I throw my fists in the air pumping them to keep them on their feet.

“Woohoo!” Someone hands me the checkered flag and I wave it above me. The team crowds around as I jump down slapping hands and thumping my back with congratulations.

I’ve been in a little slump the last few weeks; this is a solid win. We work our way over to the winner’s circle, where I’m hoisted up to the grandstand to get my trophy.

“Congratulations, Rush. After a bad run the last couple of weeks, you’ve worked your way back. How’d you do it?” The announcer shoves a mic in my face for an interview, but it’s the blonde bombshell handing me the statue that has my attention.

I smile, giving them enough of a smirk to seal the deal with the leggy hottie standing beside me. “A great ride with E.R. Trucking, my crew chief Margo, and team. They’ve done an amazing job. We went in, rebuilt, and the car handled better today than it has in weeks. I’d like to thank my sponsors, Walker Machinery, Chris,’ and Ace Sports.”

“With wins at the major tracks this year, despite the slump the last two weeks, do you think you can keep this up through the rest of the season?” He yells at me over the crowd.

“Haven’t you heard? I’m rushin’ the finish line and takin’ the flag from here on out.” I wink at the redhead next to the stage.

“Well, if you keep driving like you did today, you’re sure to be there.” Once the interview ends and the feed is cut, I turn to Crank and give him marching orders. “The redhead and the blonde. My trailer in thirty.”

He chuckles. “She’s gonna kill you. You know that, right?”

“Yeah. Well, I’m going to heaven before she shows up with hell to pay.” I wink, jumping off the stand and heading toward the hauler.

Several fans stop me for autographs, I even take a couple of photos. My sites are set on getting this done and over, I have more important people to do. But rules are rules, and I need to make sure the car clears for the win.

I toss my head back as I pass the number three finisher, Chase Gordon giving his interview. He holds out a fist, I stop over and bump it, and he doesn’t miss a beat. He’s a legacy driver; his dad is Russ Gordon, the three-time MAXCAR Series winner.

“Killer time today, man. Helluva way to drive to the front.” Chase latches on to my hand, shaking it.

“You too man. I thought for sure you had him on the final lap.”

He quickly nods. “I hear ya, but it wasn’t in the cards. Later!”

“Yup!” I throw my hand in the air and start walking. A couple more fans hold me up, and I plaster on my smile. The way I figure it, they pay their hard-earned money to watch my foul ass race at breakneck speeds. Taking a picture and signing a piece of paper is the least I can do.

I get on my way again, and as soon as I round the corner, I run into Lynn. She’s a beauty and knows it. Lynn is possibly the only woman I haven’t taken to bed on the circuit and for good reason.

“Rush…” she leans in, kissing me on the jaw. “congratulations on your win today.”

“Thank you, Lynn.” My gaze floats over her head to Margo, waving me over to the garage area. No doubt she’s fuming at me for stopping. “It was good to see you, but I need to get over to Margo.”

She turns, staring toward Margo’s direction. “Oh, yes. She seems to always be lurking somewhere.”

“Get your fucking hands off my sister, Hatcher.” Lane Shifter. Lynn’s younger brother and, without a doubt my biggest competitor. He’s reason number two why I haven’t plowed Lynn. Their father, the ‘great’ Lance Shifter, also racing royalty, is another reason.

I put my hands up, smirking. “Hey, it’s all good. The lady wanted to touch a winner, that’s all.”

“Then she needs to find one because I’ll be damned if it’s you.” Lane curls his nasty lip. We’ve been rivals since I came onto the scene as a nobody eleven years ago. He’s another legacy, he came in with his silver spoon.

“Pretty sure you crossed after me, Lane.” I wink, flipping him off as I jog away. If a dick had a face, it would look like Lane. Probably why he fucks so many people to get his way.

Margo’s standing by the bay doors, arms crossed, and jaw ticking. She’s pissed and all I can think of is the car. We can’t have it fail inspection; we need the win and the money.

“What?” I demand before I’m close enough for her to share.

She points in the Shifter’s direction. “Are you kidding me? The Shifties! I don’t understand.”

“She stopped me.” I shrug, leaning against the door frame. “So, what’s up?”