Victory Lap: South Carolina Stock Car, #1

Chapter 1

Caven Rusch lifted the beer to his lips and watched the computer screen as his ex-wife gave details of a sporting event taking place two thousand miles away. Women’s downhill skiing. How’d she get sucked into that assignment? As far as he knew, she didn’t even like skiing. Wherever it was, she was freezing. Her pink cheeks were frozen in place, and every time she spoke her breath came out in little puffs around her head.

Damn, she was gorgeous.

Like some freaking winter snow bunny goddess for Christ’s sake.

Since the divorce, he’d started the nightly ritual of sitting in the misery of his trailer at whatever race track he happened to be at that week and watch her on the satellite sports station where she worked as a reporter. It usually required him to view a delayed feed over the station’s website, but he wasn’t fussy. Anything that allowed him to see where she was and how she was doing was good enough for him. Lord knew contact had been nil the last few years.

Most of it was his fault, but he’d been so hurt when she walked out he didn’t really care. Now, he wished he’d done everything she’d asked of him back then, but stupid pride had gotten in the way.

Things had deteriorated to a sad state of affairs when he was in their hometown and hadn’t even bothered to leave the local track to go home and watch her. He had it bad. Still. But sitting in the house they had bought as husband and wife, and intended to raise a family, had a way of driving home how badly they had both screwed up.

At first, he’d started watching as a way to feel closer to her after she left. Now, he couldn’t go to bed without hearing her voice and seeing her face. He was a sick man. If his friends knew, he’d be the laughing stock of the racing circuit.

A knock stopped his private reverie.

He clicked the tab window closed and went to answer the door.

One of his teammates, Bodie Dawson, stood there with his face stark white and eyes wide. People didn’t look like that if something big hadn’t gone down.

What the hell’s wrong? Caven pulled Bodie inside the trailer and shut the door. Did you get some chick pregnant?

Bodie stuck his hands in his pockets. You need to sit down.

This is about me? Caven sat, but only because he didn’t trust the look on Bodie’s face. That expression could mean anything from global nuclear war to loss of sponsorship. Quickly, he went over everything he’d done in recent weeks and couldn’t come up with one incident that would indicate his sponsor had decided to drop him. Granted his win-loss record was pretty piss poor this season, and his points to qualify for a top spot were in the toilet, but he still brought in the fans. All right, so he was on as slippery a slope as the skiers he’d been watching, but really…

He leaned back in the chair, pretty certain it wasn’t anything Earth-shattering. Just tell me.

There’s been an accident.

Caven sat forward again. And?

Rae is in the hospital.

For a moment or two his world spun off its axis. He opened his mouth to deny it. To tell Bodie he was a damned liar. To stand up and punch him in the head. Anything. A couple heartbeats passed with him paralyzed from grief. God, it was worse than when she’d walked out on him.

He managed to raise his hand to point at the computer. I watched her report from some ski slope. She’s not even in town. She’s on assignment somewhere. Even as he said it he knew he fooled himself. As evidence, it was about as convincing as holding a smoking gun over a dead body and claiming innocence.

Bodie shook his head. Recorded.

Then he was in motion. What hospital?

Northside General. Bodie grabbed Caven’s arm. Come on. I’ll drive you.

Did he really want to go? If he stayed here, then he could deny it happened—like the divorce. Inside the trailer, the outside world ceased to exist. All the pressures of the daily grind fell away, and he could live in pleasant denial.

He sat down again—numb. The only sound in the trailer was his breathing. Oh, God. He was going to hyperventilate. His mouth dried out from hanging open to draw air. He was stuck between vomiting and passing out.

Give me a minute, man. Caven rested his elbows on his knees and bent over, holding his head in his hands. He took a couple deep breaths and let them out slowly, trying for calm. It didn’t work. How did you find out?

Local news. There was a brief, tense silence.

Caven looked up at his friend. What else aren’t you telling me?

She was hit by a drunk driver. Bodie closed his eyes. The car barely had a driver’s side left.

His heart stopped. Stomach dropped.

If his hands hadn’t been near his face, he wouldn’t have noticed they shook. The numbness spread all over.

Seriously, man. Bodie wiped at his mouth, scratched his soul patch. Do you want to go?

Yeah.

Then move your ass. I’m not carrying you to the car.

Caven didn’t really want to be carried. He pushed up from the chair. His legs were as shaky as if he’d driven five hundred laps.

The ride to the hospital was the longest Caven ever remembered. He stared out of the passenger window as downtown Coldwell rolled by. He closed his eyes as memories flashed in his mind, a disjointed movie on fast forward. All the places he’d taken Rae during their short courtship and marriage were like tiny bites ripped from his heart.

He considered himself a strong man, but he didn’t think he’d be able to handle seeing Rae all busted up like a broken doll someone had thrown in a dumpster.

As they pulled up into the emergency parking lot, red lights from ambulances came into view. The bright strobes bounced off nearby buildings, windows and cars, giving the scene a frantic pace. Caven rubbed a hand over his stomach and got out of the car, unsure if he could make it through the doors.

Inside the ER was more chaotic than the track on race day. Saturday night in downtown Coldwell, South Carolina was a bevy of wild activity and a busy night for the police and emergency services. Nurses, doctors, and other support personnel ran in a frenetic dance back and forth from the glass-enclosed treatment rooms to the nurses station.

Caven approached the reception area and waited for the secretary to hang up the phone.

She glanced at him and her jaw dropped. Let me call you back. It took her a few tries to get the phone in the cradle as she stared at him.

I’m looking for Rae Matthews. She’s a patient. Rae’s maiden name tasted bitter on his tongue. His name was the second thing she’d dropped after him.

Are you here to pick her up?

He blinked a few times at the unexpected words. A sense of relief flooded his veins. If Rae waited on a ride, she was well enough to be treated and released. Yes.

She’s right over there in room two. You can go right in.

Thanks. He made a motion for Bodie to wait for him.

A strong scent of rubbing alcohol and cleaning products, along with other scents that were best left unidentified, filled his nose. He hated hospitals almost as much as he hated losing a race. Especially now.

Keep it together, man. Remember, no matter how bad she looks, she’s good enough to go home.

A curtain was pulled closed in the glass cubby of Rae’s room. He tapped on the metal door frame.

Come in.

At the sound of her voice, his heart began to pound. Heat rose to his cheeks. She would either throw him out or be glad to see him. He almost hated to find out which.

Time to fish or cut bait, as his granddaddy used to say.

He pushed the curtain back and stepped inside.

Rae sat on a gurney, dressed in a hospital gown. Her hair had come loose from her long ponytail and there were angry scrapes across her right cheek. She glanced up and her blue eyes widened. Caven?

The way she said his name all warm and breathy made him ache with regret. Hey, babe.

What are you doing here? Surprise morphed into incredulousness.

Her gaze trapped him. It always had. He couldn’t look away from her if he wanted to. A few steps brought him close enough to touch her. To smell the fragrance of her perfume. His heart revved with all the power of an engine at the starting line. I heard about the accident, and I... His voice faltered.

I’m fine. You didn’t have to come.

He brushed his finger down the curve of her cheek. Despite the injury, her skin was incredibly soft. I wanted to.

The curtain opened and a tall, dark-haired guy dressed like he’d just stepped off the pages of Hunks Monthly came into the room, carrying a small overnight bag. He stalled when he saw Caven. Do you want me to come back, Rae?

No. It’s fine. She lifted her hand, flipping it in the direction of the newcomer. Blake McGovern. Caven Rusch.

Caven knew the name. Blake McGovern was a professional hockey player. One that had managed to keep all his teeth and help his team win the championship a few times. During the off-season the guy modeled underwear. Not the type Caven wanted his ex-wife hanging around, much less visiting her sick bed.

Though he hated to do it, Caven extended his hand. McGovern.

The puck jockey had a firm grip. Rusch.

McGovern’s gaze slid to Rae. I brought your clothes.

Thanks. They’re getting my release papers together. The doctor has to sign off on them. She took the bag from McGovern’s hand and opened the zipper. I want to get to the surgical waiting room before they finish with Charlotte.

They seemed to be speaking a second language Caven couldn’t decipher. Why had the ice-hole brought her clothes? Were they sleeping together? Or worse, living together?

He kept the questions to himself. Any indication he was on the verge of panic or losing control and all his man cred would be obliterated.

McGovern looked at his watch. Sweetheart, I have to catch a plane for Saskatchewan in about an hour and a half.

Rae’s face took on a mutinous expression Caven knew well. Can you give us a minute, Caven?

Caven’s heart dropped. The knowledge McGovern and Rae were a couple made him sick inside. Sure. I’ll be right out here.

He stepped to the other side of the curtain where Bodie waited with an apologetic head shake.

Hey, man. I’m sorry. I had no idea.

Caven gave Bodie a slap on the back. It’s cool. Don’t sweat it.

That’s what he said to save face, when in reality he was burning with curiosity to know what was happening in Rae’s room.

Rae crossed her arms and held Blake’s gaze. For a man who claimed she hung the stars, he sure as hell compartmentalized her. Do you know when you’ll be back?

If we win, we go from there to Trenton then possibly Pontiac or Chattanooga. It might be sometime before I’m back in town.

I see. She patted the gym bag with a nervous hand. Well, thanks for bringing me some clothes. I have no idea why they thought it imperative to cut mine off me. Seriously, she kept saying she could undress herself, but they hadn’t listened.

Blake shot a glance to the closed curtain. "What’s he doing here?"

I don’t know. He heard about the accident and showed up. He was worried.

Which was more than she could say for Blake. She’d had to practically bribe him to bring her clothes. Thank God he had a key to her condo.

Blake frowned and placed his hands on his hips. I’ll just bet he was worried.

I have no reason to doubt him. The fact Caven had shown up without prompt made her blood heat. That was the Caven she’d fallen in love with: the considerate, caring one.

You have very little reason to trust him either. Blake glanced down at his watch again. Look, I really need to go. Change your clothes. I need to drop you off at your place before I head to the airport.

Rae frowned. I’m not leaving here until I know Charlotte’s all right. It’s what friends do for each other.

You’re making me into the bad guy here, and I don’t appreciate it.

I’m not making you into anything. If I can’t get a ride from Caven, I’ll call a cab.

Blake’s nostrils flared. She’d learned how to push his buttons. Usually any mention of Caven set him off. The fact they’d never met until tonight notwithstanding. However, her and Caven’s courtship and marriage—then subsequent divorce—had dominated the sports news for close to five years. Kind of hard to miss it.

Right. Great. Do what you have to. You always do anyways. Attitude was like protective padding around him. I’ll call you when my plane lands. He leaned over and kissed her. It was perfunctory at best. No passion or sentiment in the action. As a matter of fact, it had missed the target completely and landed nearer her chin than lips. Bad aim. How did he ever get a puck in the net?

She opened her mouth to tell him not to bother, but what was the point. They both knew the relationship was on thin ice. If he didn’t call as promised, she wouldn’t worry that he had taken up with someone else. She’d be relieved. It was a far cry from her attitude at the end of her marriage to Caven.

Her hands tightened into fists that she hid from Blake.

Safe trip, was all she managed as he turned and headed out of the ER.

There was a brief pause—a mere moment to catch her breath before Caven poked his head around the curtain. You all right?

She gave him a thin smile. Peachy. Will you give me a minute to change?

I like you the way you are. The joke was an old one between them that failed to bring the requisite smile to her lips. The hopeful look on his face fell. Yeah. Sure.

Alone, Rae changed into a T-shirt and a pair of yoga pants. The scrape on her face wasn’t the only area damaged by the accident. Both sides of her body were a mass of bruises and tender flesh. The impact had driven her straight into the passenger door. The handle had connected with her hip. The center console had slid into her, causing pain and bruising on her left, wrenching her leg and hip. The seat belt had tightened and cut across her chest. None of the injuries were life-threatening but made her sore from head to toe. She’d managed to hide her face from the air bag.

Charlotte had borne the brunt of the collision. She’d been unconscious when the paramedics and fire department pulled her from the wreckage.

It wasn’t fair. Charlotte was vibrant and so alive. She’d been a good friend through the divorce and into the years that followed. What right did some asshole have in driving while under the influence and wreaking havoc in someone else’s life?

Rae had watched in disgust and anger as they’d loaded him into another ambulance against his inebriated protests after he’d assaulted the cop at the scene and resisted arrest. She’d had to hold onto the gurney to keep from running over and beating him senseless.

Finished dressing, Rae folded the gym bag and moved to the curtain. Caven stood on the other side, waiting patiently. A gaggle of nurses were gathered at the nurse’s station, trying desperately to capture his attention. He had his back to them, speaking with Bodie in a low tone. Bodie, however, watched the nurses and paid little attention to whatever Caven said.

Rae ignored her ex-husband for now and motioned to the nurses. One finally noticed her and disconnected from the group ogle. Can I help you?

I need my discharge papers and my personal effects, so I can leave.

Hold on. Let me see where the doctor is with that.

Hopefully he was close to finished. If not, as soon as they brought her purse over to her she was out of there, discharge papers or not.

Caven took her arm and guided her back into her room. Should you be walking around? Sit down before you fall.

Really, Cav. I’m all right. A little banged up is all.

He did a slow up and down that heated her blood. I don’t know. You’d be out of here by now if you were all right.

She sucked in a breath and felt her nipples tighten behind the soft brush of her T-shirt. Unfortunately, Blake hadn’t thought to bring her a bra. The wicked gleam in Caven’s eyes told her he’d noticed.

He gave her a smile and started out of the room. Sit down and let me see if I can find you a wheelchair.

"A wheelchair? Save that for someone who really needs it."

Hush, came from the other side of the curtain as he walked away.

The man was exasperation personified. He was often brash, stubborn, loud, and unrefined, but he was undoubtedly the sexiest man she’d ever met. Just breathing the same air as him made her heart beat a little faster and her head spin as if she was on a merry-go-round.

He returned with a wheelchair, rolling it right up to her. Sit.

No. I don’t want to take it. I can walk.

Humor me, baby. Please. I’ve had an awful scare tonight. The least you can do is sit in the chair, so I can wheel you to the surgical waiting room.

She blinked up at him. You’re going to take me there?

Of course. I’m not leaving you alone to worry about Charlotte.

Oh, yes. This was the Caven she’d fallen for. The one who was considerate and charming. The one who put her first. God in heaven, it had all gone so wrong.

Thank you. After that, she had no choice but sit in the chair and let him chauffeur her around the hospital.

The nurse came in with Rae’s discharge papers. The doctor wants you to take it easy tonight and for the next few days. If you feel a little sore, take acetametaphin. If the pain worsens, call your primary care physician. If it is above a seven on the pain scale, return here at once.

Wait. Wait. Caven put his hands on his waist and leaned forward a bit. His face pulled into a menacing frown. Why is she allowed to leave if she’s in danger of having pain that might send her back here? Seems unsafe to me.

The nurse stood her ground, not intimidated by all the testosterone and anger coming her way. Mr. Rusch, I assure you the doctor would not have released her if there was a question. It’s merely a precaution.

"Precaution. Hhmph. He took the brake off the wheelchair and stood behind Rae. You ready, babe?"

Let’s go.

Give me your stuff. He took her purse and other belongings from her and hung it over the handles. When they started to move, the plastic bag rocked against the back of the seat.

They were out in the main ER. Bodie stood at the nurses’ station chatting up a bevy of hopeful young women.

Bo Dawgs! We’re going, Caven barked.

Bodie caught up to them, slipping a couple of pieces of paper into his jeans pocket. The guy was a man whore. No two ways about it. However, despite his insatiable libido, he was a good man. Had been a good friend to both she and Caven during their marriage. After the divorce, Rae hadn’t seen him as much, but then she’d stopped reporting on the stock car circuit. It seemed safer for her heart to leave that world behind and concentrate elsewhere. There had been plenty of events to choose from, and she had switched to commentating women’s sports as a way to stay as far away from Caven as humanly possible.

Odd how he’d be the one person she felt comforted to be around on this of all days.

They found the surgical waiting room tucked away in a section of the hospital that looked as if it had recently undergone major renovations and remodeling. The room was huge with a koi pond, large screen plasma televisions, and a garden.

Your insurance dollars at work, Bodie said under his breath.

Rae shot him a smile. More like contributions from people with really deep pockets. If you look around, you’ll probably find a name somewhere that will tell you exactly who donated the funds for remodeling.

Where? It looks like the Amazon rainforest in here. Bodie stuck his hands down in his pockets then went very still, his gaze fixed to the reception desk. Score.

Rae looked in the direction his attention had fled. A blonde woman with the striking beauty of a model stood there. Roll me over there, Caven.

Why? You want to watch Romeo in action?

No, I want to find out if Charlotte is still in surgery.

Your wish is my command. Caven pushed her toward the desk where Bodie was already hard at work, chatting up the woman.

She glanced down at Rae and smiled. Oh, my God. You’re Rae Matthews. I watch you all the time.

Bodie frowned at being tossed over in favor of Rae.

Rae gave the woman, whose hospital ID read Frannie Bruce, a smile. Thank you. I’m waiting on my producer, Charlotte McIntyre, to come out of surgery. Do you know if they’re finished or have any information? Her parents haven’t arrived yet, and I want to be able to call and give them an update before they get here.

I heard about the accident. I’m so sorry, Ms. Matthews. Let me check which number they’ve assigned to her.

Rae had no idea what that meant.

While they waited as Frannie called into the OR, Caven slid his hands to Rae’s shoulders, massaging. The gentle gesture geared to comfort rather than seduction. She knew from the way he touched her.

Memories sharp as thumb tacks pricked her skin. Over the short years of their marriage, Caven had touched her in so many ways. Each and every one of them conveyed his emotions better than his words. She knew him that well, that intimately.

For a while.

Frannie hung up the phone. Ms. McIntyre is still in surgery and the number assigned to her is fifty-seven. She pointed to a huge illuminated map of what appeared to be the surgical suites. If you look up there you’ll be able to check her progress. Right now, it shows her in OR twelve. Once she leaves there, you’ll see her moved to recovery. She shook her head in sympathy. I’m sorry, but that’s all the information I can give you since you aren’t technically her family.

Disappointing, but understandable. Rae nodded. Thank you. You’ve been very helpful. I can at least call her parents and tell them something.

Caven wheeled her in front of a television. Bodie remained behind at the desk, no doubt trying to get another phone number so the night wasn’t a total loss for him.

Rae watched the operator in action. I predict one of these days a woman is going to come along who knocks Bodie for a loop.

Caven took a seat beside her in one of the vinyl chairs. He stretched his long legs out in front of him. I hope he doesn’t.

She turned to him. Why not? Everyone should get at least one chance at love.

He was silent for a moment. His attention solely on her. Because it hurts too damn much when they leave.

Chapter 2

He should have never let those words out of his mouth. Should never have admitted it. Well, it was out in the open now.

The way Rae stared at him had the hairs on the back of his neck tingling. He rubbed the spot to ease the sensation. Self-consciousness flooded him like an engine given too much gas.

You might have been hurt, Caven, but my heart was ripped out. So don’t sit there telling me how much it hurt for me to leave. She looked away. The tip of her nose turned red like it always did before she broke into tears. I mean, you sure didn’t waste any time going back to an ex-girlfriend after we broke up.

Shock raced through him. Who?

Casey. I saw the pictures of the two of you from a Pro-Tech party after you won at the Sunshine Cup 500. You two looked pretty damn cozy.

"Oh. Oh. He’d been in spins that weren’t as treacherous as this conversation. I don’t even remember that party, but I never hooked up with Casey again after she and I broke up."

As a matter of fact, it had taken him months to even feel like going on a date after Rae left, and then it had been a blind one with one of his sister’s friends. He decided to keep that little factoid to himself.

The look in Rae’s eyes said she didn’t believe him, even if her unconcerned shrug said differently.

Their problems had never been ones of jealousy—well, not the typical kind—it was more about time and attention. According to her, he’d spent too much time jumping through hoops for his team, and Tommy in particular.

The fact of the matter was Rae had never liked his car owner and sole sponsor, Tommy Sabol. Rae thought—rather nagged—at Caven to find a new team or start one. The more she pushed, the more he’d dug in. He’d never driven for any team other than Pro-Tech Auto Parts and didn’t want to find another one. How stupid and short-sighted he’d been back then? Rae only had his best interest at heart.

From there, things had gone from bad to worse. In the end, they were both to blame, though it had taken him a long time to see it.

Oh, God. Who was he fooling? He’d never gotten over her. Letting her go without a fight had been the biggest mistake of his life. If he could kick himself in his own ass over that one, he would. Regrets for the way he’d handled things had haunted him ever since.

Her golden hair glowed under the waiting room’s soft lighting as she shook her head. Let’s not talk about this now. Not here.

Emotion stuck like a whole egg in his throat. All right, but at least give me this: did you ever miss me?

She turned to look in his eyes, her expression incredulous. I can’t believe you asked me that.

It’s a fair question.

She made a rude sound at the back of her throat and looked up at the television, shutting him out.

Not willing to leave the discussion, he leaned closer, lowering his voice. For my part, I missed the hell out of you. Missing you when you got called away on assignment. Missing the sound of your laughter. Missing the way you snuggled up to me when you slept.

Her face was downcast. Color high. Maybe so, but I wasn’t enough for you.

How could she ever believe that? You were.

Not enough to get you to leave Pro-Tech.

Direct hit. He was a in a death roll heading toward the stands. The words eviscerated him with the truth. Not that she wasn’t enough, but that he hadn’t listened. And I’ll be paying for that mistake the rest of my life.

He stood and walked to the vending machines hidden in a small alcove. He put some money in and got a soda. Too bad they didn’t dispense huge cans of shut up. He sure could have used one.

Caven glanced back at Rae. She’d told him plenty of times during their marriage to get his act together and strike out on his own. To grow up. He hadn’t listened. Fear had kept him back. In the racing world, Tommy Sabol was a god, and he didn’t take kindly to being stabbed in the back.

He put more money in and got bottled water for Rae. After looking over the food choices, he decided to take his chances on a bag of pretzels and the trail mix. Rae loved trail mix, and he doubted she’d eaten much of anything that day.

Caven spared Bodie a glance as he walked back to Rae. The other driver continued talking to the chick behind the desk. The freaking man had an insatiable appetite for the ladies, and one of these days it was going to catch up with him. For Caven, he’d be satisfied to get back into the good graces of one special woman.

Even so, Bodie was acting way odd tonight. Even over the top for his usual antics. Caven would have to keep an eye on him.

Rae had her cell phone to her ear, speaking in low tones to the person on the other end. From her part of the conversation, she talked to one of Charlotte’s parents.

No. They won’t tell me anything, but it appears she’s still in surgery.

A pause.

I’ll be here. I’m not leaving until I know she’s all right.

Another pause.

Of course.

She ended the call and put the phone back in her purse. Caven took his seat and handed her the bottled water. She took it with a quiet thanks.

I brought trail mix.

The smile she gave him was lame at best. I couldn’t eat anything right now. To tell you the truth, I’m a bit nauseous.

Fear did a Texas two-step across his heart. Are you all right? Do I need to take you back to the ER?

No. She waved away the offer. It’s being here. I don’t do well at hospitals.

Well, no one watching you would be able to tell. You seem together.

I’m scared as hell. She pushed herself up from the wheelchair.

Caven stood as well in case she got dizzy or stumbled. He held his hand out for her. Here. If you’re going to walk, at least hold onto me.

She linked her arm through his, wincing when she moved.

Are you sure you’re all right?

A little stiff from sitting too long. Her expression said she was more than that, but he didn’t push.

He escorted her over to the koi pond. The fish swam in circles. Their big colorful bodies cut through the water, ducking and hiding behind rocks and foliage that dipped down onto the surface from the branches of the potted trees. Who would think to put a fish pond in a hospital? Seems unsanitary.

She glanced at him as if she couldn’t believe he’d used the word unsanitary in a sentence. It’s to give people something to look at while they wait. Fish are calming.

Yeah? Just makes me want to grab some bait and a pole.

She rolled her eyes and moved away, going over to the other side where water flowed into the pond from a recycling fountain. The sound of water is supposed to soothe.

How’s that working for you?

Rae shook her head. Not too well. She looked up at the large clock across the room. It’s been too long. Nothing good can come of being in the OR that long.

If she makes it out alive, that’s plenty good.

You know what makes me mad?

He slid his hands down into his pockets and shook his head. No, babe. What makes you mad?

The fact the guy responsible wasn’t even scratched. And taking his license away isn’t going to do a damn bit of good either. He’s probably the type to get right back into a car and drive regardless if his privileges are suspended, revoked, or taken away indefinitely. Rae crossed her arms over her body, hugging herself. We could have died, Caven. And all we were doing was going to dinner.

He circled around the pond and pulled her into his arms. Her head tucked under