Hard to Desire - Chase Elliott

Chapter 1 - Race Day

"Thank you" I smile to the waiter as he places my hot tea on the table. Picking up a spoon I stir in cream and sugar and get lost in the swirls, the clanking of the spoon against the side of the cup pulls me back to reality.

I pick apart the top of a banana nut muffin and soon am stuck in my thoughts again. I'm currently at a stop sign in my life and don't know which way to turn. I've been getting stuck in my thoughts a lot lately. I graduated college last week and have been interviewing for jobs left and right.

The bell on top of the door rings, signaling someone has walked in. That's surprising here. Bert's shop doesn't see too many people. It's the most quiet place in town. I fell in love with it during my freshman year. College libraries, classrooms, or even dorm buildings are noisy. I found this place, late one night when I was studying for finals. I've practically lived here in this two-person booth ever since.

The door opens again. It's one of the few days this place is busy. The Pocono Speedway is hosting today. It's one of my favorite days. Race day!

Ever since I was 10, my parents have taken my brothers and I to the track, whether it's INDYCAR or NASCAR. We all love race day. Personally, I am a Ryan Blaney fan.

After sipping on my second hot tea, I tip the waiter and walk to my car down the road. I climb in, buckle, and put it in drive. It's only a 20 minute drive home. I listen to Caamp and put the windows down. It is a gorgeous, sunny day, with not one cloud in the sky.

I get home and see mom and my oldest brother watching tv. I have three brothers total. Alex, Nick, and Dylan.

Alex is 2 years older than me. He is the protective older brother, but not in the annoying way. He takes his role as oldest brother serious. He looks after all of us.

Next, is Nick. Oh Nick, he is the goofball brother. Nick is 8 years younger than me and currently 14. He's starting to get in that moody phase where he doesn't like us that much. He'll love us again soon, I'm sure.

Lastly, is Dylan. The baby of the family. We all thought Nick was an accident because of how old Alex and I were when he was born. Dylan IS the accident. He is 18 years younger than me, but is the sweetest little boy. It's hard to believe he is soon 4. He was born on move in day my freshman year of college.

"Come on guys! Let's go" mom shouts for everyone to get downstairs.

"Wanna go see the racecars, Dyl?" I pick up my little brother and strap him into the car.

~ at the track~

We show our tickets and we have full access. We can go to pit lane and hopefully, Dylan can meet some drivers. His favorite is number 18 because they always have candy on the car.

We make our way down and Dylan has the biggest smile. I take his hand and we head over to car 18. He stands right beside it and starts smiling. That's his way of asking for a photo. I take my phone out and snap a quick picture. He grabs my hand and starts jumping as we walk and see all the cars.

We get to the next car. It's number 9, Chase Elliott. We see a few pit crew members by the car and Dylan wants a picture with Dad and Nick since Blaney is their favorite drivers.

"Hey guys" a crew member says. We all smile and return our own 'hellos'

He asks Dylan for a high five and pretends he's hurt afterwards, getting a laugh from Dylan.

"Who's your favorite driver? Do you like number 9?" The crew member bends down to Dyl's level.

"M M" he replies.

"No way! Number 18 is your favorite?" The crew member acts angry and scrunches his nose while putting a thumbs down. He stands back up and says goodbye to our family.

"Dad and I are going to get something to eat. Does anyone want to go with?" Mom asks.

Of course the two older boys can't eat fast enough and go with them. Dylan and I continue looking at the cars. There is no way of peeling this kid away from the racetrack. Tonight, he will be screaming when we have to leave.

"Look number 12!" I say. We go over to Ryan Blaney's bright number 12 car and he stands beside it for a picture.

"Can I get in there with ya?" I hear a familiar voice. I recognize it from Glass Case of Emotion. When I turn around, I see Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott.

"Of course!" I say. I turn to Dylan. "Do you want a picture with Ryan Blaney? He drives number 12."

"Do you want to get in there too, mom?" Chase asks.

"Oh, I'm not mom, I'm his sister but thank you." I state handing my phone to him. I bend down beside Dylan and Blaney is on the other side of him.

"Here Chase, get a picture with the fans in front of the best car in the field" Ryan nonchalantly, standing up. Chase bends down beside us and smiles.

"Thank you so much. You guys are so sweet!" I grin at both of them.

I see Chase bend down and whisper in Dylan's ear.

"YEAH!" He shouts earning a small chuckle from Elliott. The Napa 9 driver tells us to follow him and Dylan and I walk to the white, blue, and yellow car. Blaney stays at his car to do prep work before the race. The next thing I know, Chase is lifting my brother up and putting him in his car. Dyl has the biggest smile on his face.

I take a step back and pull out my phone. Chase leans down by the window and puts his index finger up and Dylan copies him.

"Thank you so much Chase" I smirk. He is even cuter in person. He is letting the beard grow out a tiny bit and I. Am. For it!

"Anything for fans. I just hope your favorite is number 9 now. I need some fans to cheer me on in the stands today. Can I count on you two?" He looks at Dylan who is nodding his head in agreement.

"I don't know. I've always been a Ryan Blaney fan" I giggle.

Just then I see my family coming back from eating.

"Where is Dylan?" Mom begins to panic when she can't find him. I point to inside Chase's car and the rest of the family laughs.

"Chase, this will definitely make you his favorite and not number 18." Dad shakes Ryan's hand.

"What can I say? Anything to convert a Kyle Busch fan" he makes me laugh. I realize he is looking at me and I stop.

"It was nice meeting you Chase. Thank you for being so kind to Dylan but I'm gonna go eat something before the race starts" I chirp.

"That's where I was gonna go, if you want a quieter lunch away from crowds, they have a drivers restaurant." Chase suggests.

I immediately blush. Does he not see my dad and brothers here? He's got nerve asking me to lunch in front of them. But it's a meal with Chase Elliott. The gorgeous man that is Chase Elliott.

"That sounds nice" I try to play it cool and he leads the way.