Free Now and Forever by April King Page B

get him out of her system.
    “Is there something on your mind? I’m all ears.” Tanner’s voice was deep and husky, adding fuel to a blazing fire.
    Grace cleared her throat. She had only touched his arm out of affection, not to get his attention. But she spoke to cover her real intention, “I think it is wonderful how you brought Bud and his parents together again.”
    He smiled knowingly. “Thank you.”
    “I should thank you, Tanner,” Bud said. “As I recall, it was you who told me to follow my dream.”
    “That was before I knew your dream involved driving in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.”
    “Luckily, I never told my folks you’re to blame for my career move, or they would have had your hide by now.”
    Tanner laughed. “I’m glad. I think I stood a chance against Uncle Joe, but Aunt Joyce scares me. Man, she’s serious business.”
    “When will you race next?” Grace asked.
    “Two months from now at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. My buddy, Gunter Radcliffe, will also be there. He comes from a long line of drivers and is under a lot of pressure.” Bud nodded towards the charming young man who was now snuggled up with a cute fan of his in the stands.
    “You know I’ll be pulling for you,” Tanner said. “Don’t forget to meet me at the medical center next week for your physical.”
    Bud kicked the dirt. “Ah, man, I’m in tiptop shape.”
    “Whatever. Just show up, or else.
     
*
     
    Smooth jazz played softly on the radio. A small lamp provided a dim beacon of light in the living room. Tanner relaxed against the sofa with one arm stretched along the back. Grace hoped her presence was the main reason for the serene look on his face. Maybe she should leave and quit concerning herself with Tanner, and his state of mind.
    But she didn’t want to. Spending time with him was akin to being whisked away on a well-deserved, all-expense paid vacation on a private resort. She was perfectly at peace resting her head in his lap, while dangling her bare feet over the arms of the sofa. After having spent the day in the company of various members of the McGregor family, she was finally alone with the one who mattered most to her.   What better way to wind down. “I’ve had some day.”
    He smiled down at her. He brought his lips to her forehead and kissed it gently. “Sorry about dragging you to the speedway. I wanted to check on my speed racing cousin.” Deep concern laced his voice. “Don’t be put off by his antics. Bud is harmless. I promise.”
    “Bud’s hilarious. His stories are extremely entertaining. Something tells me he never has a dull moment.” She said. “How long do you think he’ll be committed to his free and easy lifestyle?”
    Tanner sighed. “I don’t know. But when the right woman comes along, he’ll slow down. There won’t be a car fast enough to outrun her. I can’t wait.”
    Bud vowed to be a life-long bachelor. He intended to keep a legion of beautiful women within reach for private matters . Marriage was for women to enjoy, he insisted. All that money spent on big weddings and honeymoons just so a woman could make her friends green with envy, or feel like a princess, made no sense to him. Not to mention the freedoms a married man had to relinquish: No more hanging out with the guys at all hours, no more spending money on gadgets and additional “toys,” and, worst of all, no other women. How could a man be expected to live, and sleep, with one woman for the rest of his life? Everyone knew that variety was the “spice of life.”
    Everyone except Tanner. He often brushed aside Bud’s misguided perceptions about love and marriage with a sympathetic snicker. It’s only a matter of time before love bites him in the ass , Tanner thought. From experience, he knew once Bud was bitten by the love bug, the sweet pain it induced would weaken his reserve. And the cure for his malady would reside with his beloved. She’d choose when to end his suffering. He’d be