Racing Heart Read online

  RACING HEART

  BY

  SIENNA GRANT

  COPYRIGHT

  Copyright © 2019 by Sienna Grant

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law

  For permission requests, write to the author, addressed

  “Request: Copyright Approval” at [email protected]

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  The authors are in no way affiliated with any brands, songs or musicians or artists mentioned in this book.

  Edited by Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs

  Formatter: Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs

  Cover Designer: Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs

  Acknowledgements

  Hey there…

  I’m a little overwhelmed right now and I haven’t a clue where to start and where to end with this. The idea for this book came literally out of nowhere. I wanted to write a sports romance but I didn’t want to do football or motor racing as they’ve been done so many times before. So I came up with bikes. Who doesn’t love a sexy biker in leathers…? Well, Finn definitely has that sex appeal going on.

  This is also the first time I did UK/US crossover that had me crapping my pants, but we got there. I really hope I’ve managed to do this book justice. I hope you all love Finn and Jordan as much as I do.
  As always there’s so many people in the background to help with publishing a book, but first I want to thank Lesley Robson (who follows superbike) for being my go-to. For telling me the ins and outs of the superbike championships. Lesley you’ve been an amazing help, thank you soooo much.

  A massive thank you to all my betas, Joy, Nikki, Lesley, Sheryl, Natasha, Lauren, and Rhonda for being there being so patient with me. You’re the best team a girl could ask for. My arc team for reading and reviewing, you’ve blown me with your reviews thank you so much.

  To my own little group, Sienna stars, you’re awesome and thank you for being there through everything.

  The naughty corner; there’s not much I can say but I love you guys.

  Wifey, thank you for everything without you by my side I’d be lost and other than kicking my arse when I get a little self doubt - you’re the best and I love you lots fuckface.

  Maria, I’m not sure what I’d do if I didn’t have you to edit, you know me inside and out and the way I work. I love you.

  Tracy, without you behind me I’d be so screwed. I love you. Thank you for pushing me when I need it and for everything you do for me.

  Launa Rae, thank you so, so much for proofreading and making it that much better. It’s just amazing. I know putting up with me must have been a test.

  Jo-Anne, thank you for being there and being my author bestie. I love you!

  My family; Thank you for putting up with me when I’m tired and I’m constantly working. I love you loads.

  To the bestest friend in the world. You better get reading and catch up woman! Love ya loads bitch tits.

  Last but not least thank you to you, the readers. Without readers we can’t write what we love and for that we owe you the world.

  Hope you all enjoy Racing Heart and getting lost in Finn and Jordan’s little world, I know I did.

  See you soon,

  Much love to you all.

  Blurb

  Finn

  From as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be out there on that track like my dad.

  My father was my hero.

  I watched his victories, I witnessed his losses, but the

  biggest loss of them all was watching him die on that very circuit.

  My dream was to be as good as him - no, better than him.

  After winning the Moto America championship, I turned my focus to winning the British Superbike

  Championships, something dad always wanted… I vowed to fulfil our dreams.

  When I stumbled into the nearest bar after touching down in the UK, I never in this world thought I’d be

  entering another phase of my life. That phase was a pretty, yet fiery bartender by the name of Jordan Kennedy.

  Jordan shows me there’s more to life than just winning and

  competing, sometimes you have to let your heart take over the race.

  Jordan

  Working in a pub, you meet all types of people from every walk of life. The day Finlay Cooper, the new Superstar of the British Superbike Championships strode confidently through those doors was the start of a new beginning.

  I’ve never believed in love at first sight; I thought that was for the shy, naive types - I’m none of those things. I'm

  independent, always taking care of myself, I don’t need to lean on a man for anything… so why was he so different?

  I went from being free and single to being hooked up with a sports star almost overnight.

  Would I be able to cope with the constant attention that’s thrown at him or the issues that come with dating a star?

  Only time will tell...

  Chapter One

  Finn

  Standing on the top step of the arena, I loom over the track with a feeling of home. I always dreamed of riding in the biggest racing league in the States. There’s just one person that’s not here to see it. A sudden feeling of melancholy washes over me that he’s not here, but at least I know for a fact, he’d be proud of me. It brings a sated smile to my face, knowing that I pushed myself to follow in his footsteps.

  The wheels spin along the asphalt at an estimated one hundred and twenty mph. The sounds and the smells always take me back to when I used to watch him - my dad. He was my hero.

  From as far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be like him. As a dad, he always put my brother and me first. As a husband, my mom was the light of his life, even if he did make mistakes. That was for them to work out and eventually, they always did. ‘Never go to sleep on an argument he always said…’ it seemed to work for them.

  Following the bikes as they whizz past me, takes me back to a time I never want to have to relive.

  “Go on, dad, you’ll do it. Keep going….” I shout out as loud as I can. I know he can’t hear me, but I don’t care.

  Changing gear and clutching the throttle, he nears the last bend. If he wins this, he’ll be the champion for the third time in a row. I’m jumping up and down on the spot. Glancing away for a second, I look to see how far away the other bikes are. There’s the sound of metal hitting metal, and a deathly silence falls over the crowd. It’s as if everything is happening in slow motion; I put my hands over my ears to muffle the sound of the screaming and shut my eyes tight.

  It’s just a dream. I think to myself.

  A hand slapping my back drags me out of my living nightmare. Turning my head slightly to the right of me, I see my brother, who is also my top engineer. I refuse to go on the track without this man by my side, where I go, he goes, end of.

  The crew calls me superstitious, but apart from my brother, there’s only one other who could tell you the exact details of that fateful day, and that’s my manager, Dave. He doesn’t argue with me, if my bike isn’t right or something feels off, I refuse to race.

  “Hey, dude. You ready for this?”

  “Always.”

  “Second season Finn... first season without him - he’ll be watching you; you know that, right?” A look of sorrow passes over Braydon’s face.

  Swallowing past the lump that’s developed in my throat, I nod as he holds out my helmet to me.

  “Let’s do this shit.”

  This is the first season without my dad watching me from the stands and without his guidance. If I didn’t have Braydon, I’d probably have given up altogether.

  Taking it from him and sliding it over my head, I make sure it’s on right, fastening the strap beneath my chin. I give my brother a one-sided grin, holding out my fist. He touches it with his and mimes the words he always leaves me with.

  “Stay safe.”

  My leathers creak as I cock my leg over the seat of my Ducati, rocking it backward and forwards, I take it off the stand. With Braydon’s hands on the back of the seat, he gives me a push, and I guide it down to the track.

  Kickstarting the engine, I guide it around to the starting blocks and wait. With a nod to each of my opponents at each side of me, the gun sounds, and then we’re off.

  I know these tracks like I do the back of my hand. I’ve been practicing since I was fourteen; in fact, it’s been since I was big enough to hold up a bike. Once my dad knew I had the same passion he did, he spent hours upon hours, making me train. Making me learn the bends and how to handle them.

  By the time I hit sixteen, I was near professional level. I couldn’t start racing until I was eighteen, that wasn’t a rule of the Racing Federation, that was my dad’s rule. He wanted me to the best for when he retired. We didn’t realize though that the season after would be the last he ever rode.

  After every race, we have a set schedule. Talk to the press, shower, then beer. Br
aydon is by my side for everything; he’s not just my brother, he’s my best friend.

  I undo the clip beneath my chin, and Braydon helps to take off my helmet. I kick on the stand of my bike before getting off. I don’t have time to breathe before a journalist shoves her microphone in my face.

  “Finlay. How does it feel being back in the saddle and winning the first race of the season?”

  “Well, naturally, I’m over the moon. I’ve trained hard pre-season, and I think this season is going to be mine.”

  I’m not arrogant per se, but I also know that no-one is as good as me when it comes to taking risks. I take them because it’s in my nature, it’s in my blood.

  “It seemed at one part of the race; you were going to lose that number one spot…”

  “Yeah, that’s just tactics.” I wink, the blush in her cheeks rises. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to shower.”

  “Of course, congratulations on your win.”

  I look back over my shoulder as I walk away with a grin stretching from ear to ear directed towards the petite reporter, then walk down into the changing block. Stripping the top half of my body out of my leathers and pulling them down to my waist, Braydon follows me in, dropping my bag at my feet.

  “Hurry up; I want a beer.”

  On that note, I wait for him to leave as I kick them off the rest of my body and stand in the small cubicle. Letting the warm water soothe away the aches in my forearms and the stiffness of my shoulders before I wash up. Once I’m finished, I grab a towel and dry myself, then dress in my dark jeans and tee. I rub some gel in my palms and rub it over my hair, leaving it in a messed-up style, then splash on some cologne.

  Meeting my brother and my buddy at the door, we head off for the nearest bar for beers. Celebrating my first success of the season.

  Chapter Two

  Finn

  Two Years Later

  The season has been going well. I’ve only lost one of my races, and that was down to complete stupidity and lack of concentration on my part. I blame the blonde with the huge tits keeping me awake all night. It’s a good thing she was only for the night; I don’t think even I could keep up with her.

  Don’t get me wrong, I'm not some kind of misogynistic male that doesn’t want to settle down. It's just that the right one hasn’t come along, and, in all fairness, the women hear my name, and they just want to get laid - who am I to say no? These women aren’t the type to take home to meet my mom anyway; I have belts wider than the skirts they wear. I don’t think mom would appreciate seeing pussies on display and winking at Sunday brunch.

  “My office in five minutes.” My manager walks past, slapping me on the shoulder, and walks on by.

  “Why?” I call out, questioning the big man.

  “You’ll find out.” He doesn’t stop, just shouts back over his shoulder, and keeps on walking, disappearing around the corner.

  “Fuck me, what have I done now?”

  David FitzGerald stood shoulder to shoulder with my dad all through his career. When he died, he knew I’d need someone to keep me straight. Someone that could kick my ass when I needed it, and David was that man. He helped to manage me through my first professional season. When my dad died, he stepped in and took over completely. I didn’t get a choice in the matter; he shoved a contract under my nose with a pen and told me to get it signed.

  Grabbing a coffee from the machine, I send a text to Braydon telling him to meet me in David’s office and walk in through the glass door. Standing next to David is another suit, waiting for me, looking fucking stuffy and professional.

  Great, I’m going to have some jumped up little asshole, trying to talk to me about racing, he probably knows fuck all. This is going to be fun.

  “Ah, Finn. This is Michael Forsythe. He represents the British Superbike Federation.”

  That shocks me.

  “Mr. Cooper, it's good to meet you.”

  Extending his hand towards me, he waits for me to take it. Leaning in, I shake it.

  “I’ve seen lots of great things from you,” he admires.

  “Okay...?”

  “Mr. Cooper, I’m going to cut to the chase. We want you to sign a contract and come race for us in the British Superbike Championships.”

  “Why me?”

  “Why not?” Dave throws the question back at me. “Finn, it’s the best.” David cuts off the Brit in the cheap suit.

  Looking the agent up and down, I try to figure out if he’s genuine. I’m a good judge of character usually, but this is my career on the line.

  “What about here? What kind of contract are we talking?” At that, Braydon crashes through the door, making his entrance.

  Everyone turns their heads towards the door in succession.

  “Ah shit, sorry. What’s going on?” He asks looking between us all.

  Ignoring his entrance, I carry on.

  “What’s in it for me? I’ll be giving up a lot if I leave here. My standing, my table ranking. It’ll have to be worthwhile.”

  “But, of course, Mr. Cooper. On average…” he hands some paperwork over to me, and I pass it to Braydon. “Most of our riders earn an average of eighty-five thousand pounds without sponsors. We’re willing to up that and give you one hundred and fifty thousand, and of course, you’ll earn more from sponsorships.”

  “Hang on, you’re willing to pay me an extra sixty-five thousand…? What’s that in dollars Dave?” I look back at the agent I know as Michael and wait for his answer.

  “This is how much we want you riding in the British Championship. After this, you could move on to the World Superbike… how would that feel? You could be the best in the world, Mr. Cooper, and not just in the US, imagine that title.”

  “Where will I live?”

  “I’ll sort that out,” David speaks up. “On the weekends you’ll be racing, there’ll be trailers to live in at the meet… It’s six months Finn. I know you can do this. You can be the best you’ve always wanted to be. What your dad always wanted…”

  With a sigh, I look at the two men, before turning to Bray, he lifts an eyebrow and smirks before I ask...

  “Can we have a minute?”

  Before they can answer, I’m dragging my brother from the room and pulling him down the corridor, until we’re out of sight.

  “What do you think?”

  “Are you seriously asking me that? Finn, it’s the chance of a lifetime. We’re going to England, man. British Superbike…” he goes on. “It’s a fucking no brainer.”

  Looking at him as he carries on with his high-pitched girly voice, he adds, “British girls. They love an accent…” Smirking, he winks and fists my chest. “Let’s. Do. This. It’s time the world met Finlay fucking Cooper.”

  Nodding, I tell him, “Let’s do this shit.”

  Gripping my arm, he pulls me back down the corridor and into the office, where I accept the deal that’s been put on the table.

  April

  The plane touches down on the tarmac. After a long eleven hours and fifteen minutes of being stuck in a confined place, I’m ready to get off. I need food, a shower, and a beer. Although, I doubt that I’ll get anything good. David booked us into first-class seats, but the rest of the crew flew coach. Once we have the all-clear to leave the plane, I grab all my belongings, and head off through the door, with Braydon following closely behind. Once in arrivals, we wait for our cases to come through on the conveyor belt and stride through customs. I hate this bit; I always feel like I’ve done something wrong.

  We make it through without being stopped and wait on the other side of the airport for our ride. I’m going to miss my bike while I’m here, but it’s a small adjustment to make.