Page 5 of Racing Heat

“Good evening,” I say to her, my tone faltering a bit when her dazzling blue eyes meet mine.

“Hey” is all I get in reply. “We heading to the bar to grab drinks?” she asks the girls.

My mood deflates at the fact that as quickly as she came, she may be leaving.

“Nah, no need to go over there,” August says, holding his hand up to get someone’s attention. “We’ll flag down the waitress.”

“It’s nuts in here tonight.” Mac looks around at the crowds huddled over the tables and hovering around the bar. “I can go up to the bar.”

“You sure can. But it’s their job and we’ll tip them handsomely,” August counters, grinning at us.

“Yeah, just stay here,” Danny tells her as he helps her take up residence on his lap, not so covertly squeezing her ass in the process.

“There are other chairs,” August says with a roll of his eyes.

“Not enough for her,” Danny argues, his grip tightening on Mac.

There are only three extra chairs, which Cassie, Amelia, and Hendrix are currently occupying.

“What’s the matter, Auggie, do you not enjoy a little PDA from the happy couple?” Hendrix teases him. “Worried monogamy is a disease you might catch? Because I think you’d be okay. They’re clean—unlike what comes home with you.”

“Damn,” Amelia says with a giggle. “Might not want to antagonize one of our owners.”

We all crack up—except for August, of course. He’s busy glaring at Hendrix.

“Yeah, what are you going to do when contract renewals come around?” His stoic expression makes me think he’s going to enjoy giving her a hard time about her contract.

“Talk to your father,” she fires back.

A waitress comes over to the table, effectively stopping the conversation. Which might be for the best, because August looks like he could have leveled her with just a stare. I can’t imagine what was going to come out of his mouth. He and Hendrix have a history, but he won’t share much. And none of us are going to press him about it.

The girls order their drinks, everyone getting something fruity but Cassie. She orders a beer.

“You like beer, huh?” I ask her lamely. I immediately wish I’d thought of something else to say.

She smiles brightly in my direction. “Yeah. I like a little bit of everything, but today just seemed like a beer kind of night.”

I nod, unsure what to say to carry on the conversation. Besides, the girls are talking about the upcoming game. The team will be traveling to San Francisco to play Angel FC. I’ve seen the stat sheets; I know what they’re worried about. The shooters have range, which means the shots will be coming at Hendrix hard, and sometimes from the eighteen. I’ve been working on long balls with her, but I know she’s still nervous.

“Playoffs are a big possibility,” August says encouragingly. “So, calm your nerves and let’s just take it one match at a time.”

I smile at him. He’s not always the douche he likes to make himself out to be. He’s a good businessman, and he’ll do well if his father ever hands the reins over. I, for one, am looking forward to that day because August actually attends the games and makes a point to get to know the players. His father is toobusy with the other sports teams and businesses the Cromwell’s own.

“I’m still nervous about the long balls,” Hendrix says.

I nod in agreement. “We’re going to work on those some more. I’m going to ask Coach Watts if I can borrow Cassie or Mac at practice. I need you guys to fire them hard and fast from the eighteen.”

“Just let us know when you need us,” Cassie says from her stool beside me. She shifts her weight, which causes her leg to brush against mine.

Warmth shoots throughout my body at the nearness of her. I try to shake it off, telling myself that it’s just because it’s been a while since I’ve been with a woman.

I left an ex-wife back in Manchester, and it’s been slow getting back into any form of dating. One-night stands tend to be what I’m after at this point. I still have too many scars and insecurities bubbling up from that train wreck.

“You okay tonight?” August asks quietly from his stool beside me.

“Yeah, I’m good. Why, mate?” I cringe inwardly that he’s noticed my more somber than usual tone. Normally, I would be jumping into the conversation easier. But having her this close to me is making me question everything and hoping that no one notices my internal freak-out.

“You’re just really quiet. Things going alright?” August places a hand on my shoulder, giving it a pat.