Page 10 of Race to the Beach

When she made it to the roped off area for the cars, there were a lot less people.She was so busy looking around for the handsome stranger that she misstepped.Her foot hit the edge of the asphalt parking lot.Her ankle twisted as her body fell forward.Her arms waved at her sides as she attempted to regain her balance.

And then strong arms reached out to her.Steady hands gripped her upper arms.She was pulled toward someone.

Once she was steady on her feet, she righted herself.She lifted her head to thank the person.When her gaze met those blue-gray eyes, the breath caught in her lungs.She knew those eyes.They belonged to the handsome stranger.

"It's you," she said.

A slow smile lifted the corners of his kissable mouth."And it's you.I was beginning to think that I'd never see you again.But it appears we were destined to bump into each other again."

Destined?Was he flirting with her?Of course not.Get it together.

Her mouth opened, but no words came to mind.She immediately pressed her lips together as her insides quivered, and her pulse kicked up a notch or two.A rush of heat swirled in her chest and whooshed up her neck, settling in her cheeks.

Who was this handsome stranger with a way with words?Her gaze searched his.She didn’t know what she was looking for, but whatever it was, she didn’t find it in the depths of his eyes.

"I..."She swallowed and hoped when she attempted to speak again that she sounded normal."I don't know if I’d call it destiny.”

“I would.”He held his hand out to her."My name’s Owen.And you would be?”

She stared at his hand and then placed her hand in his.His long fingers wrapped hers.At the same time, her heart pitter-pattered in her chest.She pulled her hand back.

Maxi swallowed hard and hoped her voice wouldn’t waver.She didn’t want him to know his touch had her utterly off kilter.“Maxine.”

Her friends and family called her Maxi, but they weren’t even close to that stage yet.And sadly, she didn’t think they’d ever get to that point, because she doubted she’d see him again.

“It’s nice to meet you, Maxine.”When he flashed her a bright smile, her pulse climbed into the triple digits.He leaned closer and lowered his voice."I don’t want you to get in trouble or anything but spectators aren't supposed to be in this area.”

Strike one.It was as though his words formed a sharp needle, puncturing her happy bubble.In that moment, the figurative rosy glasses slipped from her eyes.It appeared that even though he was undeniably handsome, he was no better than other men who’d passed through her life.

The only man who never underestimated her when it came to her mechanical skills was her father.He’d made sure to teach her everything he knew about engines and body work.He told her it was an occupation where she’d constantly be learning new things.And with the auto industry constantly evolving, she had to stay on top of things.

She turned her attention back to Owen.What would he say if she told him she was a mechanic?Would he just roll his eyes and then dismiss her like so many before him?

She tilted her chin upward ever so slightly.“What if I told you that I’m cleared to be here?”

His brows briefly rose as surprise glinted in his eyes.“Sorry.Are you here with someone?Boyfriend?Husband?”

Ugh!Strike two.She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin."No.I'm not."

She waited, wondering what reaction he would have.The breath hitched in her throat.She watched as he put the pieces together in his mind.

His eyes widened in surprise."Are you an owner?"

Strike… Err…On second thought, maybe she wouldn’t strike him out just yet.Still, why did he have to be so surprised?Her pent-up breath came out in a frustrated sigh.She’d never admit it to anyone, but each time her abilities were underestimated, it hurt.A lot.

Holding his gaze, she said, "Yes."It was time to turn the tables on him."What are you doing in this area?”She guessed that he was a driver in the race, but instead, she asked, “Are you a member of the security team?"

His brows rose high on his forehead."Who?Me?"When she subdued a smile and merely nodded, he said, "I'm definitely not security.Wait.”He arched a brow.“Are you planning to steal something?"He sent her a teasing smile.“Should I alert the cops?”

She struggled and failed not to smile at the absurdity of his implication.Of course, she knew he was just having some fun with her."Not hardly.”

“I don’t know.”His voice took a jovial tone.“I might have to keep an eye on you.”When someone called out his name, he said, "I'm sorry.I have to go."He hesitated before walking away."Will I see you later?"

Maxi immediately nodded.Their paths were definitely going to cross again."I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line.”

"But this isn't the real race.This is just a few practice laps."

"A practice race is still a race.”She tilted her chin upward ever so slightly and smiled.“I’d wish you luck, but I already know who’s going to win."

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