Fred Munson likes his job as a traffic cop. He’s good at it. It’s his personal life that could use some improvement. With no friends, and being too shy to talk to anyone while out of uniform, when Fred is forced to use some of his vacation time, he has nothing to fill his days. At least not until he comes home to find his driveway blocked by a stranger with car troubles. A month after losing his father, Zen Zeppelin Cave has also lost his place in the world. The only thing holding him together is focusing on a charity junk car race to raise money for cancer research. And he's crossing that finish line even if he ends up replacing every part of the car along the way. Zen had planned on completing the race on his own, but a spur-of-the-moment decision changes that when he invites the adorable, blushing police officer whose driveway he’s blocking to tag along. Going with a stranger on a road trip is completely out of Fred’s comfort zone, so when he accepts the invitation, no one is more surprised than himself. Together, Zen and Fred head south. But will the old junk car hold together long enough to reach their destination? And will crossing the finish line mean the end of the road for a budding romance, or will they find there’s more to their journey?

Banger Challenge

Fred cleared his throat to rid his head of any stupid fantasies. Zen might be gay, but he wouldn’t want someone like Fred. Geeky, useless Fred.


The bullies had taken one look at him in school and known what he was made of, and his mother had given him the same kind of look when he got home.


Fred jumped, not used to having someone study him. “Yes, thank you.”


Zen took a step closer, the heat coming off his body almost reached Fred, almost. He wanted it to, wanted to brush up against Zen, but he didn’t move.


“Are you sure? You looked…ill for a moment.”


“Just silly thoughts.” Fred shrugged but didn’t look at Zen.


“Then we need something to take your mind off those thoughts. Do you want breakfast now? Were you going for a run?”


Fred looked down at himself. “No, I only wanted some fresh air.” Running would’ve been nice, though. He shook his head. “Breakfast would be lovely. If you’re in the mood to eat.”


Chapter 11