Chapter 1
Jude
“Jude, Jude, Over here!” reporters shouted at the press conference.
The flashes from the camera were blinding and the room was stuffy and gave me hot flashes with how many people were in there. I nodded at one of the reporters who held up a recorder and microphone. She smirked at me and I took in her appearance. She had blonde hair and eyes painted with makeup and glam. She had on a tight black cocktail dress and f**k me heels.
Why someone would choose to wear this to a Nascar race is painfully obvious, but I'm not complaining. My eyes made their way back up her body and I had no guilt about checking her out. I winked at her and she bit her lip and her cheeks flushed a bit. My agent punched my leg under the table and I rolled my eyes.
“Jude, Do you have any comment on the recent rumors about Mister Bennett Replacing you from the team? There are rumors that he is unhappy about your recent escapades and your party lifestyle. Are there any plans to settle down given your age?” she asked.
Oh, this woman was provoking me. I'd show her how a man at my age was ready to ‘settle’. I'd settle between her thighs and she'd be crying my name all night long. But then I heard her comment about being replaced, and I remembered my conversation with Mister Bennett this morning.
“Get your act together son, or you're done.”
“Are you kidding me? I've dedicated 7 years to this team and have won you so many races I've lost count! So what, I got a little drunk. So what? I had a little fun. So w-” I started, but he raised his hand cutting me off. I knew I was testing my luck with him, but I was so pissed off that and I was on the edge of a lingering hangover and my head was throbbing.
“A party here and there is fine. But dammit Jude, you're 35 years old. And yes you got drunk, but your issue is you tried to f*****g drive and almost got a DUI out of it. Luckily the officer had a soft spot for you. You're lucky we didn't do a random drug test. Tell me would you pass it if I gave you one right now? No, I didn't think so. So yeah, I'm dead f*****g serious. Get your s**t together Reynolds or you're off the team.” his phone rang and he spun in his chair and answered it. So that's the end of that conversation. I got up and walked out of his office with my proverbial tail tucked between my legs.
“No comment.” I responded gruffly. I looked at my agent and he nodded like he was proud of me for not divulging anything.
“Jude, Any plans for the big race tomorrow?” another reporter asked. This one was a guy in his mid 40s with graying hair.
“Yeah, the plan is to win,” I said with a hint of sarcasm and the room erupted into chuckles. A few more questions were asked to me and then the attention was turned to the driver to my left. Dawson Garrett. He was a young rookie a few years back but has climbed his way to the top of the ladder too quickly for my liking.
“Dawson, you're currently tied in points for the season with Jude. Any comment on that?”
“We won't be tied for long. He may have to go take a nap. I hear older men can't keep up with us youngin’s.” Why that arrogant son of a b***h. I balled my fist up and my agent shook his head at me, warning me off.
“How do you feel about that wreck on the final lap last week? Some sources say, Rude bumped into you to throw you off, some say his tire blew right before. What are your thoughts.” Dawson's eyes darkened and his jaw twitched. It was a complete accident. I would never purposely wreck into anyone. As much as I hated the guy, I knew how dangerous the profession was. After all, I lost my dad to it too.
“I've watched the footage many times. It seems that Jude, while ballsy in his decision making, did not cause my wreck on any ill intent last week.”
I'm ballsy because I take risks. Because I push my car and myself to the limits. I push the boundaries of racing and it earns me wins. It earns me the trophies I have lining my home right now. That is why Mister Bennett pays me 12 million a year. Because I'm the only one on the team to do what I do and no one has as many wins and records as I do. The rest of the pre-race conference ran without any bumps and I honestly had to fight with all I had to stay awake during it. I saw Dawson standing in the tunnel by the exit of the conference room and I started to walk to him.
“Nope, not happening.” Jeremy, my agent said. He was a few years younger than me, but his height and size made up for it. He had red hair and green eyes. He had a slight accent from his childhood in Ireland, but he's a fantastic agent. I would probably even say he's my best friend. I ruffled his hair as he swatted my hand away.
“So, what's the plan for tonight since you're on a party ban?” he asked as we walked. The reporter I had sized up made her way out of the room and I smirked at Jeremy.
“No. This is a bad idea.” he warned. Look at him, always trying to be the good boy. I clapped him on the shoulder and he shook his head and walked away.
“Stay out of trouble. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!” he yelled and I laughed. He's worse than I am when it comes to ladies and relationships.
“I was wondering when you would be coming out,” I said. My voice was husky and I could already feel my c**k hardening in my pants. I held out my hand and waited for her to introduce herself.
“Shelby,” she said, introducing herself... Her voice was soft and she scooted closer to me, pressing her body against mine. I could feel the curves underneath her dress and I smiled. She ran her manicured hand up my arm and clawed her nails down my chest. My head rolled back and I groaned.
“Let's go back to my place.” I said and she nodded eagerly.
“You don't know what you're getting yourself into, Jude Reynolds.” she purred into my ear and I groaned. I loved a dirty talker. I didn't care about what words she said though in hindsight, I probably should have.
