On the Edge by Pamela Britton Page B

eyes again Cece was staring at her in open amusement.

    “Maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. We still have to consult with your crew chief and Blain. They might not have liked his lines or thought he was consistent enough.”

    “Becca, he went faster than the target lap time we set—and you know that time was set by last year’s series champion. They’re gonna love him.”

    “Okay, but even if they do love him, we don’t even know how his media testing will go. And we still have to see how he does on a short track.”

    “He races short tracks every weekend. Dirt tracks, no less. Martinsville will suit him perfectly.”

    “Yeah, I know,” Becca murmured, staring at Adam who was laughing at something Blain said. Golly, he was gorgeous. The dark blue firesuit that had seen better days was a bit snug on his tall frame—

    Cece’s face suddenly blocked her view. Becca drew back. “What?” she cried.

    “You’re cracking me up.”

    “Why?”

    “You have no idea, do you?”

    “No idea about what?”

    “You like him—and I don’t mean his driving. You’re attracted to him.”

    “Yeah, well, so? It’s not like I’m going to do anything about it.”

    “Why not?”

    “Because I’m not ready.”

    “Becca, it’s been four years.”

    “I know, and I’m still not over him.”

    The humor faded from Cece’s eyes. “Becca, Randy’s gone—”

    “Don’t,” Becca said, holding up her hand. “Don’t say it. I’m not ready, Cece, and that’s all there is to it.”

    “So what are you going to do?”

    “Treat him like I would any other driver,” she said. “I can ignore how he makes me feel. It’s just physical, that’s all. I need a driver, damn it. And if he turns out to be good I can’t afford to let him go to another team, because you know with numbers like his someone will snap him up.”

    “Blain will give him a job. We’re looking to expand and Adam Drake is just the sort of driver Blain would love to put into our development program. To be honest, Becca, if he does well at Martinsville, I think you’d be a fool not to snap him up, too.”

    “I know,” Becca said, tipping her head back and staring up at the partly cloudy sky. It was getting hot. Well, it was always hot in North Carolina this time of year—she could feel sweat begin to trickle down her neck—but this time it wasn’t from the heat.

    “Here he comes,” Cece hissed. And then, louder, “Well, I’m going to go give Blain my notes. See you in a bit.”

    “Cece,” Becca hissed, not wanting to be left alone. Too late. Her friend had already fled, giving Adam a smile and a wave and a “good job” pat on the back as they crossed paths near pit road wall.

    Okay, Becca. Put your game face on.

    “Congratulations,” she said a few moments later. “The boys driving after you will have to work awful hard to catch up.”

    “I still can’t believe it.”

    “Well,” she said. “I’m pretty certain we’ll want you back for media testing tomorrow. Course, we all have to weigh in on your performance, but I’m pretty sure you’re a shoo-in.”

    “I didn’t reserve a hotel room.”

    “Don’t worry. We’ll find you a room.”

    “Are you sure, because I can always sleep in my truck.”

    “Don’t be silly,” she said. “I’ll call the shop and have them make you a reservation. Just hang out here for a bit while they get things lined up. Maybe call your daughter. I’m sure she’s dying to know how you did. I’ll let you know just as soon as I hear something.”

    ADAM WATCHED her turn, the smile she’d shot him just before she’d walked away full of professional politeness. In fact, he’d wager he’d seen that smile on TV at least a hundred times.

    Cool as a cucumber, he thought. But she was right. He needed to call his daughter. She’d be over at Brandy’s by now.

    She answered on the first ring.

    “Well?” she asked, the word almost a yelp.

    “Well what?” he