up and out of the car with my hands in the air. A ball cap is slapped on my head as the confetti is fired from a cannon, the cheers around me practically carrying me to the stage. I right my hat and grab the towel and Gatorade from Chief. I chug half of it down and wipe the sweat from my face before turning to be interviewed on national television.
“Mack Cruz, another victory for your team today. How does it feel?”
“I’m on cloud nine, Ryan,” I tell the male broadcaster. “This Hicks team has been working dang hard lately to give me the best cars they can. My guys have been almost flawless in the pit box, and I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work.”
“Well, two wins last year, and now two wins this year. Can you make it three for your third year with CDE?” he asks, a smile on his face.
“That’s the plan, Ryan. That’s always the plan.”
“Well done today. Mack Cruz, winner in Fort Worth. Now, let’s grab a word from team owner, Colton Donavan,” he says before turning to find my boss.
My attention is already on the stage, but it’s not my team I’m looking for. The first person I see is Alison, with a wide smile on her face and my son in her arms. “Congratulations,” she says, reaching out and squeezing my upper arm.
“Thanks,” I reply, glancing around for Lena.
“Oh, she’ll be right here. She was talking to some guy,” she adds with a shrug.
My gut tightens the moment she says the words, but I choose to ignore it. Instead, I lean down and kiss Oliver’s chubby cheek. “Hey, buddy. Daddy just won,” I tell him.
Alison bounces him in excitement, the movement causing her arm to slide against mine.
“Hey!” I quickly stand up and turn, spying my girl behind me, a proud grin on her face.
I don’t even care that we’re in the middle of a massive group of people, most with cameras trained directly on me. I take three steps until she’s right in front of me, place my hands on her cheeks and my lips on hers. It’s a short kiss, much shorter than I’d prefer, but I’m so fucking caught up in the emotions of the win, I don’t even care.
“Come on, Cruz, let’s get some photos,” Coop says behind me, bumping my back with his shoulder.
“Picture time,” I say with a wink, as I reach for her hand and guide her to the podium.
I head to Alison and grab my son, happy the little guy is awake for his second photo in victory lane, before joining my team at the podium. As soon as we’re situated, I hand off Oliver, knowing I get the distinct opportunity to hoist the winner’s trophy. Lena makes sure my son is positioned so he can see all the people and removes his headphones.
We go through the motions of taking dozens of photos, changing sponsor hats with each one. Before we get into position, I reach and touch her. Either her side, her back, or even her ass, my hand can’t stop seeking her out, as if needing to make sure she’s still here. With me.
When we’re finally excused, I know there’s another celebration planned. The guys are amped up, ready to open a few beers and toast to our second victory. Colton heads my way, a smile on his face, as he approaches. “Got a second?”
I return his smile and quickly turn to Lena, holding up a finger for her to give me a minute.
“Great job today, Mack,” he says, shaking my hand.
“Thanks, Colton. Everything ran smooth today. The team had a great race,” I tell him.
“That they did, especially you,” he says, looking over my shoulder. I can only assume he saw Lena. “Sometimes the car and the track just speaks to you.”
I’m already nodding my head. “We had good grip today.”
He just gives me a knowing grin. “Grip is important, Mack. It seems like when the car is running beautifully and the grip’s what you need, the stars align.” He looks over my shoulder again and smiles. “On and off the track.” Colton winks and slaps me on the back. “Damn proud of you, Mack. You’re an asset to CDE. Contract negotiations are around the corner. I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I hope you’ll consider an extension with us.”
My heart stops beating, then starts to hammer in my chest. “I’d like that,” I say, hoping to