Free Now and Forever by April King

One step at a time. Grace’s desire had been intense and electrifying like techno music. With every look, touch and kiss Tanner had sent shockwaves throughout her body. He’d made her feel alive, even as she’d died a thousand little deaths each time their lips met. If she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, she could smell his scent…
    “Interesting,” Lorilee said.   “You and my brother seem to suffer from the same affliction.”
    Damn!   The McGregor siblings’ ability to read her mind was no longer cute. In fact, it was rather annoying.
    “Have you heard of Starting Over?”
    “Of course. It’s a national organization.” Grace further explained how she had donated her money and time to the organization on several occasions. Whenever she visited the downtown facility, the staff always made her feel welcomed and wishing there was more she could do for the struggling women.
    “Good.” Grace took Lorilee’s smile as a stamp of approval for her selfless deeds. “I am having a fashion show to unveil my latest collection called Liberation. These clothes are for the average woman and will be sold in department stores at reasonable prices. I believe every woman deserves the right to feel and look beautiful. Not just the rich and famous.”
    “The proceeds will go to Starting Over,” Grace said.
    “And you want to hold this event at The Pigeonhole?” Ava asked.
    “Bingo.” Lorilee continued, “It’s short notice, but I’ll do most of the work. Besides, this place is perfect.”
    “You could use the publicity,” Ava said.
    The two women tried to persuade Grace on the benefits of allowing Lorilee to use her building for the fashion show. The more Lorilee spoke about Starting Over, the softer her features became. Her eyes brightened. Subtle lines around her lips disappeared. Her compassion for those less fortunate was evident, and elevated her stature in Ava’s eyes. Grace was sold on the idea. “Count me in.”
    “Great.”
    “Count me in, too.” Ava volunteered. “My stylists and I can do the hair and makeup.”
    “Ladies, this is such good news. Why don’t we celebrate over lunch?” Lorilee said. “My treat.”
    Although Ava shook with elation, Grace knew Lorilee was not surprised that she’d agreed to her proposal. “You don’t usually take no for an answer.”
    Lorilee assessed the question. Her lips curled at the corners. “I didn’t get this far by doing so.”
    Grace suspected as much. “Just so you know I didn’t get to where I am by no thinking for myself.”
    Lorilee nodded. “I sense some tension between the two of us. We should try and get along. For Tanner’s sake.”
    Grace lifted a brow. “Why is that?”
    “Because you’re Tanner’s soul mate. Get used to it.”
     
*
     
    Grace sat beside Tanner in the empty stands of the Nashville Superspeedway. Blinding lights drowned out the darkness of the night sky. Two cars sped past them, making whooshing sounds as they zoomed around the track. The loud rumbles of their engines shattered the stillness of the night. One car was lemon drop yellow with the number five painted green on each door.   The second car, which was slightly in the lead, was fire engine red with a black number seven emblazoned on each side.
    “This is the final lap,” Tanner said, never taking his eyes off the track.
    The cars weaved in and out of each other’s lane, vying for position on the straightaway. As they rounded the curves, the yellow car gained on the red one. Neck in neck, they approached the finish line. It looked like the race would be a draw. Suddenly, the red car roared thunderously and eased past the yellow one in what seemed to be less than a second.
    Tanner jumped to his feet, pumping his fist above his head. “Yes!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the track, where the drivers slid out the glassless windows of their cars and removed their helmets. “I want you to meet someone.”
    “Eat my dust, rookie!” the