Sand Angel Page 0,64

took a moment to recall the beauty of machines and riders defying gravity. No one could do what Zoë did with such precision, agility and control and not possess the necessary skills required. Even the knowledge of her aptitude didn’t reassure him as she hit the ramp for another jump.

This time, instead of going around the track, Zoë skidded into the pit, spraying dirt from her tires. She ripped off her goggles and helmet. Her eyes were glassy with the apparent adrenaline rush she was experiencing. The grin on her face beamed with pride. There was no doubt in Drew’s mind that she loved to ride and perform.

“Water,” she said breathlessly. Josh handed her a cold bottle and she squeezed a stream of water into her mouth. After she wiped her sleeve across her face, she glanced at Drew. “Having fun?”

“Fun?” He pressed his lips to hers, tasting woman beneath the light film of dirt that covered her face. “I’m wondering how to clip your wings after that last stunt.”

“Gotta fly,” she said. “Life’s too short.” Suddenly, her grin faltered. “I know what I’m doing. You believe me, right?” He could hear the plea in her voice—her need for him to have faith in her.

Before he could answer, two large semi-trucks with box trailers attached crashed through a makeshift wall, splintering wood and tossing it about as they barreled into the arena. With the low, rumbling release of their jake brakes, the crowd sprang to their feet, their voices ringing loud throughout the stadium as the trucks aligned end to end. Like the audience, Drew’s pulse began to race.

Four men from Zoë’s pit-crew ran past him, splitting into pairs as they headed in separate directions toward two large ramps. As they rolled one behind the last semi and the other in front of the first semi, Drew and Josh both pinned their wide-eyed gazes on Zoë.

“Zoë?” The overture in Josh’s voice expressed Drew’s feeling exactly. She wasn’t going to jump two semi-trucks?

She turned to Drew, her eyes misty. “I need you to believe in me.” He heard desperation in her tight voice.

All color drained from Josh’s face. “Don’t do this.” He looked helplessly toward Drew. “Don’t let her do this.”

Anxiety crawled across Drew’s skin as both siblings trapped him between their gazes. He knew Josh expected him to stop Zoë. She just wanted him to believe in her. Was she asking too much of him? He pushed his fingers through his hair. If he tried to stop her, he’d lose her. If he didn’t stop her—

Drew didn’t want to think about the outcome. He glanced at the trucks blowing black smoke from their chrome stacks and the crowd who came alive as the announcer introduced Zoë. It didn’t help calm him as the paramedics started their vehicle’s engine.

His hands began to shake as he sucked in an uneasy breath. “Can you do this?”

She didn’t hesitate, replying, “Yes.” He looked deep into her eyes and saw fearlessness and the same self-confidence she spoke with. At that moment he knew, Zoë could do anything she put her mind to. The woman was remarkable.

Drew let a smile slip across his tight lips. “Break a leg, baby.”

“Ahhh, shit.” The breath Josh held released in a single gush, his shoulders drooping. “Did you have to put it like that?”

“Come here.” Zoë wadded her gloved fingers in Drew’s shirt, dragging him to her. She planted a firm kiss on his lips. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds as she rubbed her nose against his. “I love you.” She released him before donning her helmet and goggles. With a twist of her wrist, she revved the bike’s engine. When she popped the clutch, her front tire came off the ground and she made a grand entrance that had the audience once again on its feet.

“Think she can do this?” Josh asked.

Drew’s heartbeat began to thrum in double-time. Yet as Zoë sped around the arena, teasing the crowd, optimism embraced him. “I have no doubt.”

Josh shook his head. “Why?”

Drew turned to him, a warmth filling his chest. “Because she loves me.” He spied her lining up to take the jump. “Now that we’ve found our way back to each other, she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize our life together.” As the words left his mouth, he knew it was the truth.

Josh’s fingers curled into tight fists beside his thighs. “Man, I hope you’re right.”

It was spellbinding as thousands of people grew quiet. The only sound was Zoë’s bike as