Chapter Eleven

The stands were crowded with people screaming out the names of their favorite racers. It was a wild day.

Shane was almost suited up when a reporter caught up to him.

“So Shane what do you think about your chances of winning today?” the reporter asked.

“I have just as good a chance as any. Last I heard I was in the lead,” he said with his signature smile.

“The last time out it was a photo finish with you and Tracey Powell with you coming out the winner. How’d that feel?” the reporter asked.

“I won. It felt great,” he laughed, as did other reporters.

“Do you think the race will be a close one today?” another reporter asked.

“I have no idea. I wish all of my fellow racers the best. Now I have to get ready or I won’t be in the race,” Shane joked. “See y’all after the race.”

“Daniel Ashby, has made it known that he’s going to beat both you and Powell, what are your thoughts on that?” Another reporter asked.

“I have none. See you good folks after the race,” Shane said sashaying off.

“Tracey what do you think your chances are of winning Royale today?”

“I guess I have as good a chance as anyone else. I’ll tell you I’m going to give it one heck of a try though,” she smiled towards the camera.

“So you’re confident that you’ll beat Shane Westbrook?” the reporter asked.

“I’m confident that I’ll give it my best shot. Anything other than that I can’t promise,” she said.

“You almost had him at Liberty?” One reporter said.

“Almost is not good enough. Like I said I’m going to give it all I’ve got,” she said, turning towards Sam.

“You all will have to excuse us folks. Tracey will talk with you all after the race,” Sam said firmly. “Now she has to prepare. See y’all at the finish line.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Tracey whispered. “I was starting to get nervous.”

“You okay?” Sam asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Butterflies in my belly, that’s all,” she said. “Let’s do this.”

“You’ll be fine. You can do it,” Sam assured her.

“I sure hope so.”

“Know so,” Sam corrected.

“Yes, ma’am,” Tracey said smartly.

“Momma, Daddy, and Declan are up in the stands watching,” Sam said.

“They all came?” Tracey asked in surprise.

“Sure did. They wanted to surprise you,” Sam chuckled. “Shane’s parents are here too. Haven’t seen them at any of his races in a long while. Surprising, but enough about them. Go out there and show these men what you’re made of.”

“You got it,” Tracey said with a salute to her team before getting into her car and doing a last minute safety check. Tracey lined up on the track with the rest of the racers and did the customary run around the track before the green flag went down and they were off.

“J.D. how’s she doing?” Barbara Powell asked.

“She’s doing great. That’s my baby,” he yelled. “Declan did you see how she passed number 23?”

“Yes, Dad, I’m watching same as you,” he laughed. “Wow look at her go. She looks great out there. This is the best she’s raced in the five years that she’s been racing.”

“Uh oh,” J.D. said. “She’s pulling back. She’s losing ground Declan. What’s going on?”

“She has to pace herself, Dad. She knows what she’s doing. Come on Tracey, you can do it, sis!” he cheered her on.

“She’s losing too much ground, Declan,” J.D. said quietly.

“Yeah, I know. Something must be up,” he responded calmly. “She’s going into the pit stop.”

“Why is she making another stop?” J.D. asked.

“Look like she’s doing a tire change,” Declan whispered. “There must have been something wrong because she just had one.”

“Hmm, this might put her way behind,” J.D. said.

“Tracey Powell has made another pit stop. Evidently something went wrong with her tires. She getting another tire change,” The announcer said. “This is sure to put her in the back. I tell you, it seems as though Ms. Powell can’t catch a break. After the Liberty race we speculated that her streak of bad luck was over. It doesn’t seem to be the case here today. She’s had one incident after another today.”

“You’re right, Rob. Tracey Powell has yet to win in the finals,” another announcer said. She’s put up a good showing so far. We can’t count her out yet.”

“So true, Warren, we’ve seen many miraculous things happen in this sport,” he laughed. “It’s not over until it’s over.”

“Well said, Rob,” Warren joined in on the laughter. “Wait a minute, Rob, Tracey Powell is back in the race. Boys look at her go. How fast is she going? She’s gaining ground. And we have us a race, ladies and gentlemen! Tracey Powell is not only back in the race, but she has passed several drivers and she’s still going!”

“She’s back on the track. Come on Tracey!” Declan yelled.

“She just might have heard you, as loud as you’re yelling, Declan,” his mother said dryly.

“Go Tracey!” J.D. screamed. “She’s running third, Declan!”

“I know Dad!” Declan cried excitedly. “Whoo Hoo! Go Traceeyyy!”

“Second. Come on Tracey, bring it home,” J.D. said proudly.

“You can do it Tracey,” Declan willed.

“Holy cow! Powell has taken the lead from Westbrook! And the crowd’s on their feet. Let’s hope she can hold it. Uh oh, Westbrook’s back in the lead. Now Powell. Westbrook. Powell. And she’s off and running. Powell’s maintaining the lead. Listen to those cheers! What a race, Rob. These two are giving us another great show. It’s another great day for racing!”

“They’re coming around for the last time. Westbrook has regained the lead. Powell is right on his tail. Powell’s coming up beside him. She passes him. Westbrook is steadily gaining ground. Powell has taken the lead and there will be no relinquishing it this time. She’s on fire. It looks like we have a new winner this year. Tracey Powell has won this year’s Royale and what a finish, ladies and gentlemen! What a finish!”

“She did it!” Declan screamed leaving the bleachers. “I’ll meet y’all down there.”

“Son, be careful before you break your neck,” J.D. shouted, and then looked at his wife. “She won, Barbara. Our girl did it.”

“And you and Declan doubted her abilities. Shame on you,” she said her eyes twinkling with merriment.

Tracey was met by her crew. She got out of the car tears streaming down her face. “We did it y’all we did it,” she said breathlessly, hugging Sam.

“You did it, Sis!” Samantha screeched. “It’s time to take your victory lap and then speak with the waiting reporters.

Tracey turned around to see a smiling Declan standing beside her. “You did it, sis. Congratulations!” he yelled, picking Tracey up and spinning around with her in his arms.

“Declan, put me down,” she laughed.

“That was some great driving you did out there,” Declan said placing Tracey back on her feet. “We have to celebrate. The crowd is waiting, Sis. Go do your thing.”

“Thanks,” Tracey said kissing him on his cheek. “Where’re mom and dad?”

“They decided to wait. The crowd you know,” Declan chuckled.

“See you in a bit.” Tracey noticed Shane walking towards her with a slew of reporters on his heels, and took off in a dead run where he caught her midstride in the air and swung her around.

“Congratulations, sweetheart!” he laughed, and then kissed her full on the mouth. She returned the kiss amidst the flashing bulbs and the reporters’ speculations.

Tracey heard one reporter’s remark and giggled against Shane’s lips.

“Well I guess we don’t have to ask him how he feels about losing to a woman,” the reporter said, and then laughed along with the other reporters.

“Well I’ll be damned,” Declan whispered, a frown mirroring his brow. “What the hell? Oh hell no.”

“You’re about to be,” Sam whispered. “Look to your right.”

“Oh, hell naw, is that Allison?” Declan groaned.

“The one and only. See ya,” Sam said with a shake of her head.

“What about Tracey?” Declan said.

“I think she’s in good hands. Literally.” Tracey’s crew bellowed.

“Ms. Powell, how do you feel about Shane’s announcement of his retirement?” the reporter asked.

“Say what?” Tracey pulled back away from Shane to look him the eyes. “What are they talking about?” she questioned.

“Uh yeah, about that, I’m giving up racing, and we’ll talk more about it later. Now you have some celebrating to do,” he smiled down at her.

Tracey reluctantly let him go and turned to face the cameras. The flashing bulbs were blinding.

Shane whispered in her ear. “Meet me in the pit when you’re finished.” With a quick nod she smiled at the cameras and answered question after question while receiving her trophy.

Tracey was giddy with excitement. She couldn’t believe she’d won. It felt super, but not as good as her time with Shane was going to be.

There was always an after party celebration for all of the racers and the local hangout spot. Although Tracey knew she had to make an appearance, she didn’t want to go—not because she’d lost a race, but this time because she’d won. The only thing she truly wanted to do was to be with her man.

“Her man,” she smiled coyly. “Sounds terrific to me.”

Tracey thought the questions from the reporters would never end. She was in a rush to get to Shane. He’d asked her to meet him and she’d dodged her family and the barrage of fans, for whom she’d felt she’d signed a million autographs. She loved her fans. They’d stuck with her from the beginning. Win or lose they were behind her 100 percent. She’d even communicated with some through twitter. Some of the tweets were hilarious and some distasteful, but hey, all that comes with the territory. Over the years she’d developed a thick skin. The place was still crawling with security so she wasn’t worried about her safety.

“Hey there, beautiful,” she heard Shane call out.

Tracey quickly looked up to see Shane standing next to a pearl white pick-up truck and smiled.

“Hey you,” She responded, rushing over to him and into his arms.

“Let’s blow this joint,” he teased.

“I’m ready. I need to shower and change. You will have to take me to the hotel to get a change of clothes for now and for the party later on,” she said.

“No problem,” Shane smiled smugly.

“Shane, what are you up too?” She asked eyeing him suspiciously.

“Nothing love. Let’s go,” he said, helping her into the truck, and then walking around to the driver’s side and getting in.

“This is different,” she said looking around the interior of the truck.

“Yes it is. After racing I just like to take it easy for a bit. I’m preparing for racing so much that on my free time I drive my pickup truck or another non-sports car. Shane turned the car on and pulled out of the stadium.

“Where are we going?” She asked, noticing that they were going in the opposite direction of her hotel.

“It’s a surprise,” he smiled at her. “I don’t like surprises,” she said.

“Yes, you do, you just don’t know it yet,” he said.

“How are you going to tell me what I like?” She snickered.

“Because I can. Now hush up woman before I have to pull this truck over and show you just what you like,” he snorted.

From past experience Tracey decided to keep her comments to herself. Shane had shown her on more than one occasion that he meant what he said when it came down to having sex. Yes, having sex, because getting busy in the ladies room stall was having sex. Great sex.

Tracey let out a soft chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” Shane asked.

“Oh nothing,” she smirked.

“Sure. I’ll let it go for now,” he said continuing to drive. Shane pulled up in front of one of the best hotels in Florida, The Townsend, which was also one of Maximillian’s hotels.

“Fancy,” she said.

“Yes it is,” he said putting the truck in park and giving the keys to a valet. Another valet was already opening Tracey’s door and helping her out.

“Welcome, Ms. Powell,” the young valet said with a smile. “Congratulations on your big win today.”

“Thank you,” Tracey said with a smile, and then took hold of Shane’s outstretched hand and walked alongside him. “Shane I sure wish you would have let me change clothes before bringing me here.”

“Tracey you just won one of the biggest races of the year, do you really think anyone cares what you have on?” he asked, leading her to a bank of elevators, that he used a key to get on, and pressed the button to the top level.

“Penthouse, For real! Nice,” she smiled.

“Nothing but the best for my lady,” he returned her smile.

Tracey noticed he was acting strange. Nervous like.

“Is there something wrong Shane?” she asked.

“No. Why would you ask me that?”

“Your hand is shaking a bit,” she responded.

“Nothing’s wrong. All’s good,” he murmured, the doors swooshed opened softly and they walked into the open suite.

Tracey looked around the beautiful spacious suite before her eyes rested on a group of people.

“What’s going on?” she murmured, her eyes darting from her parents to Shane’s parents, and then to Adam, Samantha, and Declan.

“Apparently, Shane wanted to have a private celebration before the bash tonight,” Declan snorted, drink in hand. “Frankly I’d rather celebrate with my family alone.”

“Declan, be quiet,” his father said with a firm voice.

“Really?” Tracey asked giving Shane a look and watched as his face turned beet red.

“I…I thought you needed a moment,” he blushed.

“Come on over and grab a drink,” Adam smiled at Tracey.

“Yeah it appears if Powell’s want to stay on the circuit it’s going to be with you Tracey. Ashby’s said he’s taking a break from racing,” Declan said with a frown.

“Where is Daniel?” Tracey asked.

“Said he had some personal stuff to take care of and that’s it. Doubt he’ll be at the celebration tonight, but told me to tell you that he’s happy for you, and that you deserved the win,” Declan said. “Anyway, today is your day, let’s celebrate.”

“I agree,” Adam chimed in. “You two come on over here and grab a glass.”

Tracey glanced once more at the people standing around before looking at Shane, shrugging her shoulders and walking towards the bar where Adam and Declan stood. Shane was right beside her.

Adam poured each of them champagne in the crystal flutes.

“Let’s toast,” Adam said jubilantly.

“Hold on Adam,” Shane said, and then motioned for his dad.

Tracey watched Shane’s dad hand him a velvet cloth and frowned. When Shane opened it and she saw the diamond ring, she could have hit the floor. “Oh no, he isn’t?” she thought. From the intakes of breath across the room she knew she’d seen correctly.

Tracey knees began to shake as Shane turned towards her with the ring in hand. She thought she would hyperventilate.

“I know we haven’t spent as much time together as I would have liked. Your fault, of course,” Shane joked. “Still, will you marry me?”

Tracey’s eyes bugged and her mouth moved but no sound came out.

“I don’t have any fancy words other than I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he stuttered.

“I…I. You want to marry me?” she asked with a frown.

“Well yes I did just ask,” Shane grinned. “Just so you know if you say no, I’ll ply you with drink until you say yes.”

“Shane.” She said.

“It doesn’t have to be this week Tracey. We’ll get to know one another better first,” Shane rushed on.

“Shane,” Tracey said again.

“You said once the race was over,” he continued.

“Yes,” Tracey cut in.

“I know…,” Shane started and stopped. “Uh, yes?”

“Yes,” she chuckled.

“Oh well. Okay,” Shane smiled.

“Can I have my ring please,” Tracey joshed.

“Oh hell,” Shane said, pulling Tracey into his arms and kissing her soundly before pulling away and placing the ring on her finger. “We’ll have to have it sized. We’ll go sometime next week to get it sized.”

“Oh my goodness it’s beautiful,” She cooed, walking towards her mom. “Look Momma.”

“Oh my baby’s getting married,” Barbara Powell cried.

“Barbara, stop crying on the girl’s hands. The ring is already too big,” J.D. ribbed.

“Oh hush up, J.D.,” Barbara responded. “Sam come look at your sister’s ring.”

“Barbara, come on over here so we can put our heads together. We have a wedding to plan,” Norma Westbrook called out.

“Yes we do,” Barbara said releasing Tracey’s hand and walking over to Norma where they began to babble on and on.

“Before y’all do that, can we please get this toast over with,” Adam exclaimed. “Raise your glasses everyone. First, congratulations to my future sister-in-law for her big win. Shane…better luck next time. Finally, to Shane and Tracey, may your marriage be blessed and filled with love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Hear, hear,” They all said in unison, and then lifted their glasses to drink.

“Well while you all are celebrating did anyone ever think about the speculation there will be since Shane and Tracey are now ‘engaged’ and she won the race? Declan demanded. “Folks are going to speculate that Shane let Tracey win. Let’s face it this is not going to affect Shane. Tracey is going to be the one that will be attacked.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Shane said annoyed. “Tracey and I are going to be together so get used to it Declan. Tracey won the race fair and square. Besides everyone knows how much I loved racing. I’ve announced my retirement so there’s no way in hell people will think I wanted to go out on a loss.”

“Who cares anyway? People have been speculating about me for years. I don’t have the time or the patience to worry about what others are saying about me. I know I won and that’s good enough for me. I’m marrying Shane so if you have a problem with it then that’s sounds like a personal problem to me. Not my concern,” Tracey said angrily.

“Settle down you two,” J.D. said. “Declan, Shane asked me for my daughter’s hand and I gave him my blessing. Knowing your sister, if she wants to marry Shane, she’d do it with or without my blessing. These nice people have invited us here for a private celebration and Shane’s parents have embraced Tracey with open arms. I suggest you get over yourself and let’s celebrate.”

“Shane and Tracey, I apologize. Congratulations,” Declan mumbled.

“Thank you,” Shane said eyeing Declan.

Tracey said nothing.

“Tracey,” Shane said.

“What?” Tracey asked.

“Your brother apologized,” Shane murmured.

“So he did. Whatever. Can I get a refill Adam?”

“You sure can,” Adam said joyously.

Shane just shook his head at his soon to be wife.

“Well, everyone, I have some things to take care of before tonight. I will see you all later tonight. Congratulations, Sis,” Samantha said embracing Tracey. “Shane, welcome to the family. Bye everyone.”

“We’ll all see them tonight. I know Shane wants to be alone with his young lady,” Serge, Shane’s dad said.

“Mr. Powell, thank you,” Shane said.

“No thanks necessary. Just make sure you treat my baby girl right and that’s all the thanks I need,” he said.

“You can count on it,” Shane smiled.

Tracey watched as Shane showed everyone out, but not before Shane’s mom embraced her with a hug. We’ll have to get together dear. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better,” she said.

“Thank you Mrs. Westbrook,” Tracey said shyly. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you too.”

“Please no Mrs. Westbrook. It’s Norma for now and when you feel comfortable enough you can call me mom,” she smiled placing a kiss on Tracey’s cheek. Bye for now dear.”

“Bye,” Tracey said.

Tracey felt Shane wrap his arms around her waist. “Finally,” he said.

“Shane it wasn’t that long,” she chuckled.

“It was long enough. I thought they would never leave,” he said.

“I have to go to my hotel to get a change of clothes,” Shane.

“No you don’t. We are both going to shower together and stay in bed all night and have room service deliver anything we want,” he murmured, placing a kiss on her lips.

“Shane we have the party tonight,” Tracey said.

“No we don’t. They do. Trust me they won’t miss us,” he said, now let’s go get that shower.

Tracey smiled and started to undress. Shane followed, and then lifted her up and walked towards the bedroom to the shower. Once in the shower, Shane placed her on her feet.

“You know I love you don’t you?” Shane whispered against her lips.

“I think so,” she murmured.

“Never doubt it. I was serious when I told you when we were together last time that I loved you. I’ll just have to show you over…and…over again,” he said between kisses.

“Show me,” she said wrapping her arms around his neck.

He trailed kissed across her face and down her neck. Her arms fell from around his neck as he went lower, placing kisses on each of her breast, stopping only to pull one puckered peek into his mouth and suckle. Tracey cried out her pleasure. He paid equal attention to each breast. By now Tracey palms were flat against the wall, her head thrashing from side-to-side. Her moans grew louder as he went to his knees, spread her legs, opened her womanly folds, and inserted a finger all the way to the hilt, and then another. Her knees buckled. His forearm steadied her against the wall.

Shane was not finished with her yet. Replacing his fingers with his tongue he went to work. Pulling her nubbin into his mouth he worked her clit as if he owned it. Over and over again he licked, sucked, and blew on her clit. Tracey was on the brink of an orgasm when he quickly removed his mouth and stood in front her, covering her lips with his. She readily sucked his tongue into her mouth tasting her own juices on his lips.

“Aren’t you going to let me return the favor,” she moaned.

“Later. We have all night. I just want to be inside of you,” he grunted. “Wrap your arms and legs around me and hold on tight.”

Tracey quickly obliged.

He then reached between them and guided his erection towards her center and thrust into her in one fell swoop. Tracey cried out. Shane growled deep.

“Oh hell Tracey, I’m not going to last. You feel so good baby,” he growled. She could only whimper her satisfaction. Shane began to plunge in and out of her in frenzy. His head rested in the crevice of her neck as he took Tracey on the ride of her life.

Shane surged into her one last time before they both cried out their orgasm.

“Shane,” she cried.

“Whooaa!” Shane roared.

Tracey bit down on his shoulder to keep from screaming his name again, causing a series of mini orgasms to race throughout her body.

“I’ll never get enough of you,” he choked out.

“Umm,” was all Tracey could muster.

“Let’s take that shower and then move this to the bedroom,” Shane breathed.

“Okay,” Tracey whimpered. “Oh gracious Shane, I bit you.”

“You did do that,” he chuckled. “My first love bite from you. Love it.”

“You’re crazy,” she whispered.

“About you,” he said, detangling her from him, turning on the shower and washing them both. After they’d showered Shane dried them off and carried Tracey into the bedroom and placed her under the covers, where he joined her. “Let’s rest a bit. You are going to need all of your energy for what I have planned.”

“Hmm,” Tracey said sleepily, laying her head on his chest. The day’s events had taken its toll on her. “You feel good.”

“So do you. Now sleep before you get me started again,” he murmured.

Tracey closed her eyes and eventually fell asleep to the beating of Shane’s heart against her ear.

They both slept so soundly they didn’t hear their cell phones ringing. The phones rang one after the other. Over and over. The lovers slept soundly wrapped in each other’s arms.

“Adam, did you reach Shane?” Declan asked.

“No. I’m thinking if you couldn’t reach Tracey either they’re doing what I would be doing if I wasn’t at a party that they are both supposed to be at,” Adam laughed.

“Oh hell. I can’t say I blame them. Even though I know I’m going to have nightmares tonight thinking about what your brother is doing with my sister. Eww,” Declan exclaimed making a funny face. “How are we going to explain this one to the media? And where is Samantha? She’s Tracey’s PR person.”

“Brother-in-law we’re going to have to think of something soon. A reporter is headed our way,” Adam groaned.

“We’re not in-laws yet.” Declan turned his head to see none other than Allison Grant, his ex headed towards them. “Oh hell, it’s Allison,” Declan moaned.

“I take it you know her?” Adam whispered eyeing Declan.

“I’ll give you one better. We were engaged once,” Declan said.

“Oh. You’re on your own with this one. We’re not brothers-in-law yet” Adam said quickly walking away.

“Adam, get your ass back here,” Declan grumbled.

“Hello Declan,” Allison said.