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

“It’s across the street there.” He pointed. “Scott and his family live there. We get to use their washing machine while we eat.” Damn, why was he nervous? Maybe he should have asked Fred’s opinion before accepting? If you were in a relationship, you did check with your partner before agreeing to stuff, did you not? “I can tell him no if you want.”


“No, I’m being silly.” The smile he gave him was a bit wobbly, but it would have to do.


Zen grabbed his hand. “Come on, let’s put up the tent. Perhaps there’s time for me to ravish you before we go.” He winked while making plans for the following hour.


Fred sat in a comfortable chair on Scott and Debra’s patio. They were both lovely, and once his nerves had settled, he was able to enjoy the moment.


Scott was manning the barbecue, and Debra had served a nice, cool white wine that chased away the blistering heat. Though, at this hour it was more of a pleasantly warm temperature than a sweltering one.


Chapter 30