Exclusive Excerpt from Commitment Collection
by Karen Botha
“I’m pumped. I’ve been waiting for this day for months. New car, new starting procedures, new race rules. Yes, the simulator is a fabulous asset, but there’s no rehearsal like the real thing. And today is the day.
I trust my team which helps my confidence in the car’s safety. That means I can discard any nerves and allow my adrenaline to feed into the excitement which will drive me to reestablish myself as the top driver in this sport again. Psychologically, it helps if word gets out among the other drivers that I’m killing it on the track, so I’m psyched for today.
“Who’s that?” I ask through the team radio in my helmet. “The new guy with the tire?”
“He’s Kyle Beaumont. He’s a fresh recruit and excellent. Don’t worry,” James replies.”
“I’m anything but worried. Taller than me and broad, this guy lifts the wheel like it’s made of a lightweight foam. Jeez, even the guy’s jaw is strong. I linger a moment on his wide set shoulders and his firm neck. They’re adorable. His dark hair is shaved close to his head, so he has no protection from the sun. He scrunches his eyes against the bright light streaming into the garage. I bite my lip and I’m thankful no one can see under my helmet.”
“I can’t stop thinking about the guy as we run through pit stop after pit stop. When our eyes locked, the world slowed and another meaningless second shifted into a hot fury of passion. I watch in the mirrors as he slides a quick succession of tires onto empty wheel nuts without an ounce of first day nerves. His work is perfection. He’s perfection.
“Well done.” James pats me on the back as I hop out. Practice is over and it being the first day back, I’m pumped but know I’ll crash later. I need to do something to keep my spirits high.
“Thanks. Can I see Kyle in my trailer when they finish up here?”
“Sure?” James eyes me.
“Yeah, I’d like to get to know him. My life will rest partly in his hands, after all.” I grin so James knows I’m teasing although the jibe is fact. He slaps me on the back and doesn’t say a word as he walks off, leaving me to my thoughts.”
Also check out this video of Karen reading an excerpt from Buckle-Up!