Checkered Cuves — Lissa Matthews

Jake Curtis splits his time between Stick Shift Motorsports, Jake Curtis Management, Inc, and racing the small, local tracks that turned him into a top tier driver and former stock car series champion. His schedule is full, but he's restless. He wants more. Professionally… And personally. He wants to be on the super speedways again. He wants the rush of adrenaline, the roar of the crowd, and the rumble of the engine at two hundred miles an hour again. He wants to go out on his own terms this time around. And he wants the one woman in his life that makes him think anything is possible. Candi needs a man in her life. At least that's what her friends think. And not just any man. Oh, no. They want to set her up with Jake. They have happy relationships, and they think she and Jake would make a great couple. The thing is, she does, too. After starting her small catering and personal chef business, she's poured herself into her work to get over the humiliating experience of having her heart broken in public. As Jake moves toward a new racing adventure and spends more time with Candi, both wonder if risking their friendship is worth it. And when a surprise from Jake's past knocks on Jake's door, will they be able to work through it, or will their fledgling relationship spin out of control?