Free Pace Laps (Racing on the Edge Book 10) by Shey Stahl Page A

he asked me a question. “It seems like this is an emotional win for you. Tell us about this paint scheme you got going on and will it stay?”
    “This is a very emotional win for us.” I swallowed, hanging my head when my voice cracked. Looking up, tears fell from my eyes freely. Glancing at Sway, my chin shook. Damn it. I didn’t want to cry in front of everyone. “This paint scheme is for her. My life. My wife ….” Drawing in a deep, shaky breath, I blinked away the tears and ran my hand over my face. I didn’t want to tell anyone about Sway’s cancer, but then again, I couldn’t keep this from everyone who supported us over the years. They deserved to know and how hard she was fighting. “A few months ago my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is for her. We’re keeping this paint scheme on these cars for ten races and the Cup cars for five races.”
    Everyone, and I did mean everyone, in the bleachers gasped at the news; nothing was public until that moment. Even the announcer looked stunned, and he’d been literally around us all year.
    Wrapping my arm around Sway, I squeezed her close. “She’s strong, guys. If anyone can fight, it’s Sway Riley.” Our eyes locked, a tearful smile on both parts. I would forever fight for her, even when she couldn’t and I hoped she knew that.

    THE NEXT DAY we were at I-94 Speedway in Fergus, Minnesota and the reality of what was happening next week was weighing on everyone.
    The atmosphere in the pits was much the same. The grandkids were running around, careless and free of any obligation, including listening. I don’t know how many times I told Jack to watch where he was running. Twice he was nearly hit by a car coming off the track and I had to pull him out of the way.
    “You need to watch where you’re running, bud. These guys can’t see you in the cars.”
    He shrugged, cherry lips pulled up in a toothy smile. “I know.”
    He clearly didn’t know because it didn’t fucking stop him from doing it again ten minutes later.
    “Take them in the stands,” I told Lily, annoyed him and Jonah weren’t listening to me.
    She did immediately, only to have them both start crying.
    “Why did you do that?” Sway asked, feeling bad for them.
    “I told them twice not to run out of the hauler like that, and they’re not listening.” I set my helmet inside my car as she approached, wrapping her arms around my waist. It was so fucking hot I couldn’t believe she was down here, let alone wearing jeans. “Aren’t you hot? Maybe you should go inside the motorhome for a little bit. I’ll turn on the generator and get it cooled off for you.”
    Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed my cheek. “I’m fine, and you’re cranky.”
    I was. “I know… I’m sorry.”
    The throaty rumble of a sprint car caught my attention on the track. It was Rager breaking the track record like the wheelman he’d become. I’d never regret adding him to the team, even if he had eyes for my daughter.
    Sway and I walked hand in hand up to the fence line, the sweet smell of methanol burning our eyes while chunks of clay kicked up from his rear tires as he rode the cushion through turns three and four.
    “Man,” Sway whistled. “He’s flying tonight.”
    “Yeah,” I agreed, shaking my head. “He’s gonna make me work for it though.”
    A giggle beside me drew my attention to her. “I know something you don’t have to work for later.”
    “Mmmm.” Kissing the side of her face, I pulled her closer only to have her push away. “Nope, it’s too hot for hugs.”
    “You just said you were fine, and I wouldn’t have to work for it later.”
    “Yeah, you won’t. I’ll just get on my knees. No touching involved.”
    “Wow, you make it sound so romantic.” I snorted with a laugh.
    “Oh, it will be.” Her eyes drifted to the pits when Rager was back, everyone around his car congratulating him.
    “What’s with him and Arie?” I asked as we walked back over to