Page 21 of Race to the Beach

"Luckily, I'm right-handed."

She made it sound so simple to fix her car.He might not be a mechanic, but he knew this would be a big job."But still, working with one hand won't be easy."

"I'll make do."She said it like it wasn't her first time working one-handed.“It’s only bruised.”

He decided to let the subject of her injuries rest.Instead, he said, "Well, seeing as neither of us won the bet, how about I take you to lunch anyway?We can talk about the car."Under the circumstances, he hadn't been planning to take her to lunch, but it was just past noon now, and he really didn't want their conversation to end.After all, there wasn't any harm in getting to know her better.

She shook her head."Thanks.But I can't.I already promised my aunt I would be home for lunch.She's probably wondering where I am.Any moment now, my phone is going to ring."

"You're staying with your aunt?"

Most of the entrants in the grand prix had friends or family here on Bluestar.There were only one or two racers that were complete outsiders.It gave the race a more intimate feel.

Maxine nodded."She's been a constant in my life since...A long time."

He couldn't help wondering what she hadn't said.But he quelled his curiosity.Whatever it was, obviously, was deeply personal to her."Your aunt was my seventh-grade teacher.She taught English, but I'm sure you knew that."

Maxine smiled back at him."I think all of her students loved her.She still gets Christmas cards from those that moved away, and she says those that still live on the island stop by frequently."

He didn't know that other students visited her.He hadn’t visited her.Did that make him a bad person?He hoped not.However, he did make a point of speaking to Mrs.Walters any time he ran into her in public.

"Anyway, I should go."Maxine started toward the door of the garage and then turned back."Will you be able to get the car back to the tent?"

He had the feeling the only acceptable answer would beyes, and so that was what he said.

As she walked away, he felt as though it was an opportunity slipping through his fingers.But he told himself it was for the best.He was not up for dating.Not even close.

Chapter Ten

Perhapshewasdifferent.

Was it possible she’d jumped to the wrong conclusion about Owen?

Late Sunday afternoon, Maxi rested on her aunt’s couch and replayed her confrontation with Owen.It hadn't gone as she'd originally thought.In fact, he was not at all how she'd imagined.

He was more open-minded than a lot of the men who'd crossed her path.He was surprised but accepting that she was a mechanic.Why had it taken her so long to meet a guy like him?

Not that she had any intention of spending more time with him.Besides, he probably already had a girlfriend.It was hard to imagine someone as handsome as him with a sweet personality being single for long.

"What are you smiling about?"Her aunt's voice drew Maxi from her meandering thoughts.

She was smiling?She hadn’t realized.She immediately forced her lips into a firm line.There was no way she was telling her aunt she’d been thinking about one of her aunt’s former students.Her aunt would immediately start making wedding plans.Maxi resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"I was just thinking about having leftovers.I think that was the best chicken and dumplings that you've ever made.Thank you.You spoil me."

Color rose on her aunt’s cheeks."Oh.It was the same as I always make you.Do you want me to get it for you?"

Maxi shook her head."Not yet.And I can get it."

"Or you could have something else for dinner."

"That’s not necessary.There are a lot of leftovers, and I don't want you going to the bother of making anything else.You've already gone to so much trouble."

"But I don't mind.I love to fuss over you.I don't get much chance to do it."

Knock-knock.

Aunt Bonnie's brow rose."I wonder who that might be."

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