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Digging the Driver - Sweet Celebrity Romance

By Elsie Davis

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Chapter One

“Now turn toward me, hands on your hips. That’s it. A gentle smile. Now tip your head back just a little more. Perfect. Let your hair cascade down your back. Look right at the camera. Perfect.”

Lissa did as she was instructed, but only because she’d learned long ago just to cooperate. It was the easiest way to get these photo sessions over with and the hordes of people surrounding her to vanish.

“One last shot, and we can call it quits. Left hand up over your head and angled back down. Turn your right shoulder inward a little more. Let’s see you flirt a little with the camera, like you would with a new man in your life.” New man? It was the last thing she wanted. The only thing she needed was her sweet corgi, Bella. Now that was a relationship she could trust.

Images of Bella at the rescue shelter looking lost and afraid still had the power to make Lissa’s heart ache. Poor thing must have been the runt of the litter because she was small for a corgi. Add to that not being fed very well, and she’d been downright bony. It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision to get a pet of her own finally.

Growing up, she’d often visited the shelter in Bellevue, a small bedroom community just outside of Charlotte, and had helped out whenever she could. Every animal in the place deserved a loving home. It broke her heart each time she’d left, their sad and confused faces calling to her to do something more for them.

Adopting Bella was the smartest decision she ever made. Lissa had gone looking for a pet, but what she’d found was much better. She’d found a best friend. It was also the day she started working at the rescue shelter regularly, hoping to make a difference for so many other animals who deserved more than to be homeless. She hadn’t seen the direction her help would take at the time, but she was pleased with the inroads of success being made over the past four years.

“This isn’t working. You look like you’ve lost your best friend, not excited about finding a new one with potential.” Emily King, the photographer from Bloom magazine, stopped taking pictures, her mouth in a tight line. “Remember, this is Blossom, your signature scent. A scent that empowers women to not only feel beautiful but to take on the world with power and confidence. A scent to inspire woman to greater heights.

“Sorry. I’m a little tired.” Tired of being photographed—one of the top three things she hated about her celebrity driver status.

“Okay, try this. Imagine you’re looking at a new stock car just delivered, and you’re ready to slide into the driver’s seat and test out the way it handles on the racetrack for the first time.”

A sweet image for sure. The clicking whirr of the camera was a good sign.
“That’s it. Beautiful.” Emily lowered her camera and smiled. “And that’s a wrap.”

Thank goodness.

“Sorry, Emily. Sometimes, it’s hard to get into the right frame of mind for something like this.”

“No worries. Trust me, I get all kinds of scenarios when it comes to bringing out the best in my subjects. You’re one of the easy ones.” Emily laughed.

“That’s good to hear. Will you be coming to the Walker Charity Gala on June 1st?”

“I’m going to try and make it, but I have some scheduling conflicts. I heard Ruby Ross and a few others from Bloom are going.”

“Yes. It’ll be great to see Ruby again.”

“You two knew each other before the Bloom magazine connection, didn’t you?”

“We met in college, but we didn’t actually connect back then.” Ruby was one of those women that surprised you once you got to know them. Or maybe the problem was Lissa’s. Unfortunately, she hadn’t given the woman a chance back then.

“Funny how life brings people back into your life for a second chance.” Emily laughed, tucking her camera into the hard-shell case.

“True.” Ruby was a powerhouse in the fashion industry, and they had become friends at the extravagant parties Bloom magazine threw each year. Lissa had been honored to be invited to attend Ruby’s recent wedding to Brandon Price, one of the sexiest men alive according to People’s Magazine Sexiest 25. The reception party had been touted in every magazine for month’s and was easily considered the “in” wedding of the year.

Marriage wasn’t in the cards for Lissa, but it was nice to see those around her happy.

“It looks like everyone’s almost got everything cleaned up in here. I should probably get a move on. It was great to see you again.”

“You, too.” Lissa watched as Emily followed the rest of her crew down the hall to leave.

Bev, her friend and marketing manager, and one of the few people she truly trusted, was deep in conversation with one of the set assistants. During the photoshoot, Bev had stood on the sidelines with Bella, watching the progress.

She’d met Bev Masters when she’d first come onto the racing scene five years ago, and they’d become friends. Bev was in marketing, and when she’d gotten wind Lissa had entered the pole event for what is considered the longest and most grueling stock car race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, she’d gone out of her way to contrive a meeting. It wasn’t often a woman took on the challenge of the racing against the biggest names in the business, especially for her debut race. It had taken a bit of fancy footwork on Bev’s part, but in the end, Lissa was glad she’d given the woman a chance to prove herself.

The celebrity endorsements that came with competing in a man’s world required a full-time person to manage. Over time, Bev had earned her trust—something Lissa didn’t give out easily. After her parents’ success in the video world, she’d learned the hard way that trust wasn’t a five-letter word, it was four. L-I-E-S.

Bev was different from the other people who wanted her attention, and now Lissa wasn’t sure what she would do without her. The picture of smooth efficiency, the woman always looked like she’d stepped straight out of a magazine with everything effortlessly in place, unlike the hours it took Lissa to transform herself from her usual never-ready harried look. Her friend understood her better than anyone, including her need to race cars.

Racing was the ultimate in control, something Lissa craved after having spent years on the sidelines at first by choice, and then later as the result of her parents’ video gaming success catapulting her into a world she didn’t understand. A world where people thought nothing of using someone to get what they wanted. A world she hated.

The crew soon left, and finally, the house was back to the peace and quiet Lissa enjoyed.

“I’m glad that’s over.” Lissa glanced at her watch. “Travis Howard from SDS should be here soon for our appointment.” Yet another interruption to her solitude, but this one had a more far-reaching impact.

“Thank goodness.” Bev offered her a light cardigan.

Lissa slid it over her bare shoulders to cover the satiny material of the halter top that left her chilled. The top had been the art director at Bloom magazine’s choice for Lissa’s signature fragrance advertisement. Neither Lissa nor Bev had control when it came to these photo shoots if they stayed within the preset guidelines—nothing scanty or provocative.

She wasn’t exactly model material, and her well-developed, muscular arms and solidly built frame were accentuated instead of hidden. Something she’d tried to do most of her life.

Lissa had learned first-hand how catty and mean people could be from jealousy, wanting what she had and not understanding how hard she worked to get where she was on the racing circuit.

“We’ve talked about this and I’m sorry. But there’s a lot going on the next few weeks, and I can’t always babysit Bella. Not that I mind, you understand, it’s just sometimes it makes my job impossible.” Bev handed Bella to Lissa.

Bella bombed her face with doggie kisses from a wet tongue, and Lissa rubbed her cheek dry. Her baby was spoiled but too darn cute to resist. Bella had the airs and grace of a princess, and over the years, she’d insisted on being treated like one. When Lissa had first brought her home, she’d barely weighed in at ten pounds and carrying her around had been easy, but at twenty-two pounds now, it was a different story. Lissa didn’t have the heart to say no when she yipped to be held, and truth be told, she enjoyed being needed by her canine companion.

“I understand. It stinks we even need to worry about a dognapper, but yesterday’s dognapping makes eleven in the Charlotte vicinity. The dogs are all purebreds, but there have been no ransom notes yet. I can’t stand the thought of Bella being taken by these unsavory characters for who knows what purpose.”

Lissa had been toying with the idea of security for Bella because she wasn’t always in a position to keep her safe. Yesterday’s incident was the final straw that prompted the call to South Division Securities. SDS came highly recommended, and when she found out Travis Williams worked there, it had been a no-brainer to use the company.

The only downside being that he was her former best friend’s cousin. The three of them had been close back in high school, at least they were until her world had been turned upside down by her parents’ success. She’d always wondered what happened to Damien, but it was easier not to think of him or the way he’d hurt her. Travis on the other hand, was still a friend, one she ran into occasionally in town. He would be a hundred times better than dealing with a stranger, especially considering he would be temporarily be living in her home.

“I know. I just wish the police would catch these criminals and put an end to the fear these dognappings have created in everyone’s hearts. I can’t even begin to imagine what these pet owners feel having their babies stolen.”

Lissa snuggled Bella close and kissed the top of her head. “The photographers are gone, baby girl. And don’t you worry, Mommy’s going to keep you safe from those bad guys.” She sat down on the sofa and leaned back; Bella happily situated against her chest.
“Bella’s not a real baby, you know.” Bev laughed.
“She is to me.” Lissa nuzzled up against Bella’s cheek, loving the feel of her silky fur if you brushed it in the right direction.
“Technically, she’s forty-two years old in people years.” Bev moved to the side table and poured herself a glass of wine. “Want one?” She nodded her head to indicate the wine.

“Sure. It might help relax me for this next appointment. Forty-two or otherwise, what dog doesn’t love to be pampered?” Lissa smiled. She put Bella down on the floor and accepted the glass of wine, eager for a moment to relax. Bella took off down the hall, probably in search of one of her toys.

“Bella has you wrapped.”

“Probably, but I like it. You know, I’ve mentioned it before, but I’d like to start doing less and less of these endorsements. They’re just not me.” She took a sip of wine, enjoying the crisp sauvignon blanc.

“They may not be you, but they are part of your image. An image that pays back when it comes to marketing. You’re living in a man’s world, and there’s big money in the fact that you’re all woman. Something I’m sure none of the male drivers can forget.”

“Which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Some of them can be downright insulting, their egos are not quite up to a little feminine competition.”

“True.” Bev smiled. “I’ll see what I can do to cut back on your commitments, but we need to get through the ones scheduled already. Things are ramped up right now with the second annual Walker Rescue Shelter Gala coming up. You know, the one you personally endorse.”

“I hear you. And for the rescue dogs, I’ll put up with anything, but then you already knew that.”

“I do. Don’t forget we need to be at the Taylors’ pre-gala cocktail party by seven-thirty tonight. There will be some big names, and hopefully some big donations. The Taylors are counting on you.”

Lissa let out a frustrated sigh. It would have been nice just relax the rest of the evening, considering she had practice time scheduled on the track in the morning. Traveling at speeds of over two hundred miles per hour was dangerous, doing it at less than one hundred percent focus could be deadly.

“I’ll be ready.” Somehow, she’d have to get through the party and get a good night’s sleep, something made even less likely with Travis sleeping under her roof for the near future. She hadn’t seen him in years, and it would take some getting used to the idea of having a security detail around twenty-four-seven for Bella.

***

Damien drove down Sunset River Way, shaking his head at the showy estates in the gated community, each one grandiose in its own way. These people had plenty of the almighty dollar, but no kids were playing in the yard, no toys left out haphazardly, or animals running loose. Instead, everything here was coldly impersonal and meticulously cared for. The old adage about money not buying happiness came to mind.

Of course, this is where Lissa Walker lived. He’d expected nothing less from the famous Walkers and their spoiled daughter. He was, however, surprised she’d even stayed in Bellevue. He’d pegged her and Tony Carruthers as two people this little town could never satisfy. Of course, it was no more surprising than when he’d found out she was competing on a professional level at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600.

On the other hand, Tony, Bellevue High’s superstar, super stud, and super jerk, had left right after high school to play college football. He’d never made it as a professional player, which didn’t hurt Damien’s feelings one bit.

Damien used to enjoy football and racing, but between Lissa and Tony, they’d manage to ruin both sports for him. Mr. King and Queen of the senior prom were welcome to whatever they got in life. Damien was just glad he’d discovered the real Lissa Walker before he’d spilled his guts to her about his feelings.

He pulled into the driveway and entered the gate code his cousin had given him. Travis had a legitimate reason he couldn’t be at the appointment he’d scheduled. Damien, on the other hand, had a legitimate reason not to want to be here.

Lissa.

Damien shook his head as he surveyed the manicured lawn and bushes. It was late spring, and most lawns were just starting to turn green, but hers, like every other house in this neighborhood, were bright green and would have been for months. Overseeded with rye, most likely by a professional gardener. Nothing but the best for a Walker.

The house—correction, make that the mansion—was built of stone and stood three stories high. The widow’s walk at the top would provide an unparalleled view of the Catawba River and the countryside.

He’d give anything to be back at the office reviewing his most recent client’s corporate files. Figuring out who was hacking into their computers was far more appealing than covering for his cousin, but family was important to him.

Saying no to Travis was never really an option, not after what his family had done for Damien’s family. Travis’s mother had them all in and helped them weather through the worst of times after the media storm that ruined Damien’s parents’ lives. A storm filled with sensationalism and lies, but no one cared when the truth finally came out—by then it was old news. All except for the family they destroyed in the process.

Damien slid out of the jeep and made his way to the porch. A little tan, white, and black dog came through the open front door and started to bark. Damien chuckled, hoping the dog had more bark than bite. It was a funny-looking, squat thing with the shortest legs he’d ever seen on a dog.

He looked around but didn’t see anyone nearby. The dog continued to bark, doing a miniature show of charge and retreat, as if unsure how brave he wanted to be. Damien knelt to let the cute little fellow smell his hand. The dog inched his way closer and the barking stopped.

Damien stroked his back lightly. “Hey there, little guy. What are you doing out here?”

The dog couldn’t answer, of course, but talking was all Damien could think of to do to calm the dog enough so he could pick him up and take him back inside without biting off his hand. Damien’s experience with dogs amounted to zero, but leaving him outside wasn’t an option, just in case he’d escaped.

Damien picked up the dog, a little surprised he didn’t seem to mind. He stepped up on the porch and knocked, pushing the door open at the same time. He took one tentative step inside, glancing down the hall. “Hello? Anyone home?” Damien spotted someone coming toward him.

“Hey there, who are you? That’s my dog! Put her down!” Lissa Walker in the flesh. The suddenness of coming face-to-face with her slowed the function of his brain and his ability to respond.

“Bev, call the police!” Lissa hollered.

Police? “Whoa! Hold up a minute.” He held up his free hand. “There’s no need for the police. Your front door was open, and I did knock. Your dog was outside. I thought I was doing you a favor by bringing him back inside to keep him from running away.” So much for being cool and reserved. He’d never had the police called on him before, and he didn’t intend to start now.

“Damien?” The word was filled with derision, and her face scrunched up as if his name tasted like bile. But then he hadn’t expected a warm welcome. Their history didn’t exactly spell happy reunion.

He handed Bella to Lissa. “It’s nice to know you remember me.” Especially since he hadn’t forgotten her—not that he hadn’t tried. But with her face plastered on every racing magazine, not to mention several others that lined the shelves at the grocery store checkouts, it wasn’t like he could forget.

Seeing her in magazines had done nothing to prepare him for the up-close-and-personal view he had now. Beautiful, poised, and in control. Her sapphire-blue eyes were filled with icy scorn. Her dark-brown hair, once short and fluffy, fell in long gorgeous tresses across her shoulders. An urge to smooth back the loose tendrils from her cheek threatened to overwhelm him, but he held it in check. He despised the male appreciation he couldn’t seem to control.

“Thank you.” The words seemed dragged from her lips. “For your information, the photoshoot crew just left, and they must have left the door open. It’s not an invitation to walk into someone’s home. What are you doing here?”

“I’m with SDS. Travis had a family emergency and asked me to fill in for him. I understand you need security.”

“I do. Or I did. Not with you.” She stood feet apart, one hand clutching the dog, the other wrapped protectively around the animal as she rubbed behind her ears.

“Suit yourself. I wasn’t keen on this job myself.” At least there was one thing they could agree upon. Damien turned to leave.

“Wait a minute. What’s going on here?” Another voice made Damien hesitate and turn back.

A woman had joined them, pushing her glasses back on her nose to get a better look at him. She was the epitome of efficiency, and her tone demanded answers.
“He’s with SDS. Travis can’t make it and thought it would be okay to send Damien. It’s not. Okay, that is.” Lissa huffed.

“Damien?” The woman looked him over from head to toe, the look of appreciation in her eyes all too obvious.

“Damien Trent, to be exact. An old, let’s say, ex-friend, from high school.”
The woman looked back and forth between him and Lissa. She shook her head.

“What does it matter who provides the security? What matters is that you have it. You know how important it is, Lissa.”

“I am standing here, ladies. So, what’s it going to be? Do you need a bodyguard or not? Or is this just another celebrity ploy to show off your popularity and wealth?”

Damien didn’t like the sudden smirk that turned Lissa’s thin-lined lips upward ever so slightly. The feeling of unease grew when she shot the other woman a quick look and shook her head. Secret code for don’t say a word. He’d seen the look time and time again in his business, and it was never good.

“I do need security. You say you’re filling in for Travis?” Her grinned widened.

“I am. Just for a few days.” Lissa was up to no good. One minute she was ready to call the police, and the next she seemed all too happy to let him take over Travis’s contract.

“Travis signed on for full-time. Our deal was for him to stay on for as long as I felt extra security was needed. Are you prepared for that?” The dog nudged her hand to continue the rubbing when Lissa stopped.

“That’s fine. Is there any reason you’ve suddenly become gung-ho for security that I should know about? Travis didn’t provide me with very many details. I thought I could get those from you.” The truth was Damien hadn’t given his cousin much chance to explain once he’d found out the name of the client.

“There have been no threats if that’s what you’re asking. I just want precautionary security.”

“It’s always been about you, hasn’t it? At least it has been ever since your parents came out with their Dark Dragon Hunter videogame.” The sarcasm in his voice couldn’t be helped. Not after all these years.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. But back in high school, you didn’t stick around long enough to find out. Let’s just hope when the going gets tough working for me, you don’t run away again.” She bit down on the side of her lower lip as if to keep from saying anything else. If she bit it any harder, she’d soon draw blood.

“I’m only here until Travis can take back over his own assignment. There’s not much I can’t handle, so don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. The contract terms call for the arrangement to start in the morning and I’ll be here first thing.” At least it would give him the night to readjust to what the next few days would be like because seeing her in person was a whole lot harder than dealing with the memory.

“What? Travis knew I had a cocktail party to attend tonight. We talked about it and he agreed to cover for me tonight.”

“She’s right. He did agree. Surely you can cancel your plans for the evening. This is important to Lissa.” The woman was quick to jump in and try to help sway his decision. Two against one but it wouldn’t work.

“Travis said nothing about starting tonight and I have a prior engagement. This was supposed to be just a precursor meeting to iron out some of the details. Sorry ladies, but I really can’t stay.” Damien nodded his head and turned to leave.

“But what am I supposed to do with Bella?” Lissa spoke up, stopping him as he reached for the doorknob.

He glanced back. “Bella?”

Lissa started down the hall toward him. “My dog.” She pointed at the corgi still safely ensconced in her arms.

“How should I know? I’m not exactly a dog person, but I would think whatever you normally do with her.”

“That’s why I hired SDS. I can’t do what I normally do, not with the dognappers still on the loose.”

“What does SDS have to do with Bella?” Damien was totally confused at this point, but an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.

“You’re her guard. You know, your job. Bella’s new doggy guard.” Her words sunk in like a kick to the solar plexus.

“I agreed to nothing of the sort. Travis indicated you needed security, a bodyguard. I’m not babysitting a dog. Check her into doggy daycare or something like that—like normal people do. Have a good evening, ladies.”

The sparkle in Lissa’s eyes was a telltale sign she’d known he didn’t have a clue as to the true purpose of why SDS had been hired, and she’d enjoyed dropping the bomb. It explained the secret the two women had shared earlier. He shouldn’t have expected anything less from Lissa, but it didn’t change anything. He wasn’t babysitting a dog.

“So you’re running away? Again. You haven’t changed much, have you? How will it look for SDS when you renege on a contract? Because you can be sure everyone will find out. Bella needs protection, and the way I see it, you don’t have a choice. Unless Travis has some other underling, one he can force to take his place for a few days. Bella means everything to me, and that means putting up with having security people around, even if it’s you.” Her threat landed its mark. Backed into a corner, he didn’t have much choice.

“Fine. First thing in the morning, I’ll be here. Seven a.m. sharp. It’s only for a couple of days. And for the record, the dislike you have for me, it’s mutual. It’ll make things easier with us being on the same page.”
 

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