Page 52 (1/2)

“Frank,” she said patiently “I can talk to you throughout the race, remember?”

“Yeah, yeah That’s right We’ll have us a good time out there today, won’t we?”

His enthusiasm touched her If Julie had only kno much this sters to stock cars long before now Then again, the experience changed her life

She strolled toward her car with thebehind her—Frank, Hank, and Duke Lined up with the other competitors, Julie stood beside the h with pride Other drivers hugged their faood-bye to their wives A few of theirlfriend farewell

In racing, the drivers recognized the last kiss or hug before an event could be the final kiss or hug good-bye Without thinking—not that it would’ve mattered, if she’d stopped to consider the potential fallout or ed hiain and kissed him like tomorroould never come Then, she turned to Duke and kissed him, too

“You’re gonna cause a stink, little girl,” Frank told her when she pecked his cheek

“I hope so,” she said “That’s what I love about racing”

“What’s that?” Frank asked, arching a brow

“It’s a man’s world It’s the only place a wo condemned”

“I don’t know about that,” Hank said, tapping the car roof when she finally took her seat and secured the safety belts “Good luck out there”

“We don’t need much, do we

, Frank?”

“No, little girl We got all the luck we need between you and me”