“Pit with everyone else, Dell,” Caro said. “All the leaders are coming in under the green flag for tires and fuel.”
“Ten-four. Coming in,” he said.
Twenty laps to go. Dell and the other top ten leaders made it to their pits and back out in record time. A few lost track position due to poor performances from their pit crews, but not Dell or any of the top four.
“Thanks, guys. Great job,” he praised the crew, then opened up his lead.
“No one can catch you, Dell,” Caro said.
“Roger that. No drafting today. I'm on my own.”
She couldn’t contain her excitement, despite her earlier dark thoughts. Dell was going to win this one, and he was going to do it without any help from Warner, or Renfro, or anyone else. All the work she'd done on the engine, on the fuel injection system was finally going to pay off. Victory was theirs. She felt it in her bones.
“Bring it home, Dell.”
“This one's for you, Caro.”
Chapter Seventeen
It felt fucking great to be back in Victory Lane. Dell smiled for the cameras and splashed champagne on everyone – Caro included. He didn't have a clue what had been going on in her head before the race, but she was smiling now. It was ridiculous, but he was glad he had a part in putting the smile on her face, and he planned on putting a different kind of smile there as soon as he could get them both away from this media frenzy.
Her engine was amazing. Even before the cold front moved in and the temperature dropped, he sensed she had it in her to win. He'd never driven a smoother ride, or one with the kind of power this one had. If Caro were able to duplicate the results, she'd set the racing world on its ear, and he'd have all his goddamned money back in no time.
He pushed thoughts of Caudell's money out of his head. He'd figure out some way to get rid of it, but he didn't have to be in a hurry. At least it served some purpose, helping Caro get over the rough spot and on the downhill slide to true success. He caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye. Her ponytail had fallen down and her champagne-soaked hair was plastered to her head. Her face glowed with vitality and victory as she answered a reporter's questions. Soon, the whole world would know about the female team owner who also designed and helped build the engine of the future.
And she was his.
Someone dumped more champagne on his head and he turned to return the favor. Caro was his. He could share her for these few minutes knowing he'd be the one to peel her wet clothes off her body tonight. He imagined the way her skin would taste, the distinct flavor of Carolina with a hint of champagne.
“Hey, Trent,” he called to one of the pit crew. “Grab one of those champagne bottles and stash it in my locker in the hauler.” Trent hustled off to do Dell's bidding.
Dell accepted macho man-hugs and gave as many champagne showers as he got, all the while planning his own private celebration later. When he'd have Caro all to himself.
* * * *
Dell moved aside as the crew pushed the car to the garage under the watchful eyes of the track officials. The teardown and inspection would take several hours – hours Dell intended to spend naked with Carolina. He scanned the thinning crowd, but she was nowhere to be seen. His gaze landed on the lone figure standing near the fence.
“Dickey,” Dell said, extending his hand. Their palms connected in a civilized handshake.
“Dell. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. And thanks for the help. I didn't see it, but I hear you blocked Johnson from making a run at me near the end.”
Warner shrugged. “He wasn't going to take the lead, but he might have caused all kinds of havoc trying.”
“Well, thanks anyway. I appreciate it, and I'm sure Caro does too.” He scanned the area again. Still no sight of her petite frame among the remaining celebrators.
“I've got to go,” Warner said. “I wanted to offer my congratulations. You didn't need my help today, and with the new engine, I doubt you will ever again, but just in case…”
“I appreciate it, Dickey. I really do.”
Warner nodded. “Okay then. I'll be going now.” He took a few steps and turned back. “Look, Dell. I'm not going to pretend we're friends, but if you need anything, anything at all, just shout.”
He didn't wait for a reply. Dell watched Warner's retreating back until someone laid a hand on his shoulder, commanding his attention for yet another interview.
It was later than he expected when he finally returned to his motor coach. He showered quickly, anxious to find Caro for the private celebration he'd been mentally planning ever since he crossed the finish line. He made some adjustments to the plan. By now, she would have changed out of her champagne-soaked fire suit, and that was a damn shame.