Free Hot Summer Nights by Laramie Briscoe

tones.
    “Don’t be afraid, baby. Just let it go, it won’t hurt you. It’s incredible if you just let it happen, Clem. I want it to happen for you.”
    Taking his advice, she screamed as she let the feeling overtake her. It happened so suddenly, she wasn’t exactly sure that she was still lying underneath Wayne. She looked up at Wayne and watched as his face became a mask of what looked like pleasure and pain.
    “I’ve got to pull out, baby, let me pull out,” he gasped, pulling out of her body and releasing himself onto her stomach. She gasped herself as she felt it against her body, heaving deeply as he leaned against her. He stroked her hair and whispered her name as she tried to focus again.
    What they had done she’d never be able to take back, and she was quiet sure she never wanted to.
    “Here.” He handed her his shirt so that she could wipe her stomach off. “I got to get you home, don’t I?” he asked softly.
    Without a word the two of them drove home, both embarrassed, both thinking about what was going to happen now.

Chapter Twelve
    ‡
    T wo weeks later Wayne wiped the sweat from his brow and released a breath he had been holding. In all the years he’d been racing he’d never been this nervous. He stood next to the hauler that had brought his car to the track and swore softly. He could feel a tension headache threatening to overtake him. Nerves were getting the best of him.
    “You gonna be okay?” Billy asked, concern in his voice.
    Wayne nodded. “I think so. Nerves. I’m not going to miss this for the fuckin’ world though. When I win I’m going to take the trophy to Kevin’s room and put it in there. Ya know, it might give him something to look forward to.”
    Placing his fire suit over his body, Wayne zoned out. His head had to be in the game for this.
    “Your momma didn’t show up,” Billy observed, his throat tight. She’d been pissed at him, and the boys. She hadn’t wanted Wayne to race again after Kevin had almost died.
    “Kinda figured she wouldn’t. She cursed me to hell a few days ago. She thinks I’m gonna kill myself out here tonight. Women just don’t get it, do they?”
    Placing a toothpick in his mouth, Billy grinned. “They don’t understand how much we love it. Your momma has never understood why I love this so much. She doesn’t get the smell of the gas, the roar of the engines, the cheer of the fans. The adoration. I loved it, I still love it, and I want it for you. There’s no woman that’s gonna understand that though. I hope you plan on being single for a while.”
    Behind his father’s shoulder, Wayne could see a woman approaching them. He had to grin as he saw Clementine. “Nah, Dad, I do think there is one woman on this earth that loves the smell of gasoline and the roar of engines just as much as I do. If not more.”
    “Hey, Mr. Harper. Wayne, how ya feelin’?”
    “I’ve never been nervous before. I want to take a trophy to that hospital room for Kevin so bad that I can taste it.”
    “You will, son. I’m gonna go get me a good seat for the race. Come join me when you get done, Clementine?”
    “Will do!”
    They watched as Billy limped off. Clementine turned to face Wayne and looked him over critically. He was very pale; his normally tan skin a pasty white.
    “Are you positive you’re okay? You don’t look so hot.”
    He nodded. “I just want this shit over with. I want my family back to the way it was, and I want to be able to get on with my life. I’m even kind of excited to be welcoming Kevin into the family. I know, crazy, right?”
    “Not crazy. I think you’re trying to make the best of an awkward situation.”
    “At least you don’t think I’m crazy.”
    She smiled slightly and grabbed his hands with her own. “I could never think that about you. I like you too much.”
    He reached down, gathering her up in his arms. For a few moments, he closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of her.
    *
    “Oh my God, I can’t