Page 67 of Race to the Beach

Maxi found herself stranded on the southern tip of Bluestar Island.She looked down at the broken chain on the bike.There was no other way back to town other than to walk and push the bike.So, that was what she did.

She checked the time.There was no chance she would be able to make it back in time for the race.The thought of letting down her aunt—even though her aunt didn't know about what Maxi was going to do with the prize money—had her walking faster.

There was no one on the road.It appeared everyone was in town, preparing to watch the inaugural vintage grand prix.Now that she’d been careless and ridden the bike so far from town, there was no way she would make back in time for the race.

Her brow broke a sweat as the morning sun beat down on her.She kept moving.It was definitely going to be a hot day.

The image of Owen with his lips on Regan formed in her mind.Just the thought of him getting back with his ex made her aching heart sink down to her tennis shoes.

When she finally made it back to town, she wanted to retrieve her car and head back to Virginia.The only problem was that they weren’t releasing the race cars until after 7:00 p.m.They didn’t want people driving on the roads while they were filled with tourists and spectators.

Maxi stopped and swiped her forearm over her sweaty brow.She reached into her backpack for her water bottle.She looked at it and realized there wasn’t much left.She hadn’t expected to be gone this long.After a quick sip of the now-warm water, she returned it to her backpack.

She grabbed the handle bars and continued walking.A few minutes later, she spotted a cart off in the distance.A flicker of hope ignited in her chest.She glanced at her fitness watch to check the time.If they were willing to give her and her aunt’s bicycle a lift, she might make it to the race in time.But would this person be willing to turn around and rush back into town?She could only hope.

As the cart drew closer, she waved a hand.She didn’t want them to turn off on one of the long driveways that led to some of the island’s farms.She squinted.It looked like there was only the driver in the cart.There would be room for her.Her achy legs and tired feet would appreciate the assist.

Except as the cart drew closer, she noticed the blue cart looked familiar.And then there was the driver with the dark sunglasses followed by the straight nose and strong jawline and chin.

Her heart leaped into her throat.It was Owen.What was he doing out here?He should be back at the race, getting ready to head for the starting line.

His cart pulled to a stop next to her.“Everyone is looking for you.”

Everyone?She doubted that.Although her aunt and Lily might be concerned, since they both knew that she’d worked all week to be ready for the race.

She narrowed her gaze on him.“What are you doing here?”

He took off his sunglasses and stared directly at her.“Looking for you.”

His words filled her chest with hope.She tamped it down.It didn’t matter what reason he had for being there; nothing would erase her memory of him kissing that woman.

“Well, you’ve found me.Now you can leave.”

His brows rose.“Don’t you want a ride back to town?”

She did but not from him.“I’m good.”

She continued walking and pushing the bicycle.The next thing she knew, she heard another set of footsteps behind her.She softly sighed, but she didn’t stop walking.

“Are you really going to be this stubborn?”he asked from behind her.

“Yes.”She made sure to keep walking at the same steady pace.She refused to let him know how much his presence got to her.

“Maxi.”He reached out and grasped her upper arm.

She stopped and turned to him.She glared at him, and without a word from her, his hand fell away from her arm.“Don’t do that again.”

He held up his palms.“I’m sorry.Can’t we at least talk about this?You know that I didn’t want to go on that date.”

“So you said.”She turned and continued walking.

“Wait.”When she didn’t, he rushed to catch up with her.“We can talk about last night later.But right now, you’re going to miss the race.”

She didn’t trust her voice not to crack with emotion, so she quietly shrugged.

“Maxi, you worked all week to make sure your car was ready for the race.How can you just be a quitter?”

A quitter?Seriously?She abruptly came to a stop and turned to him.“I am not a quitter.”

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