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

Maybe Justin and Stella could live in the apartment above, they could have the office somewhere else. Fred didn’t know how old Stella was, but there were schools in Waterside Cross. She wouldn’t have to go into Whiteport until it was time for high school.


Justin shook his head. “I’ll sort it out. I’ve slept in my car for the last two weeks, which is the main reason Stella is with her grandparents, but I’ll find us a place.”


“Stop being stubborn.” Fred looked around and spotted Zen at a distance. “Zen!” When Zen turned around he waved his hand and Zen instantly made his way over to them.


“What are you doing?” Justin hissed.


“What’s going on?” Zen frowned at Justin.


“Justin has a business proposition for you.” Fred kissed his cheek and walked away. He surprised himself by walking over to Anthony and asking about the auction. He didn’t stutter, didn’t blush, or wish he was somewhere else.


Chapter 37