Page 86 of One Wild Chance

“Can I take them off?” I plead, then realize there’s not enough time. “Never mind.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.” I’m already jogging just to keep up with Jaxon now. We’re zigzagging through a crowd of people gathered to watch the band. Jaxon tries to lead me to the left, but I pull to the right and my hand slides away from his. “We should head back down Main Street,” I suggest. “That’s where my truck is.”

“Can’t,” he says, shaking his head. “We need to get out of the crowd. They’re slowing us down. We’ll go home in my truck.”

“But we can’t go that way. It’s behind the stage.”

“Summer, will you trust me, or are you going to argue over our escape route? Because if it’s the latter, we might as well let Callahan win.”

Winning a stupid argument is not going to help us escape Blaine tonight. “I trust you.”

He holds out his hand and I take it, then we dart to the left, pushing through the mass of people.

“He sees us,” I say, trying to keep up with Jaxon’s long stride.

“Stay with me. When we reach the side of the stage where the speakers are, keep low.”

We duck behind the enormous stack of sound equipment, disappearing from Blaine’s view before hop-stepping through a backstage area littered with music gear and guitar cases. When we reach the other side, we cut down an empty side street.

I look over my shoulder. No Blaine.

“I think we lost him,” I say, stopping to catch my breath.

“Oh, good.” Jaxon slows, narrowing his eyes to see the road behind us.

“What?” I ask, whirling around to see what he’s looking at.

“He found us,” Jaxon grumbles before grabbing my hand and pulling me away. “Come on.”

Even though my legs are screaming, we sprint down the street, then escape through an alleyway, scaring a cat from behind a garbage can. I scream and dart to the opposite side of the street, letting adrenaline carry me.

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Jaxon asks.

“Blame the cat. He started it.”

We cut down another street, and by the time we arrive at Jaxon’s truck, we’re spent and doubling over, breathless with laughter. I lean against the door, my legs as limp as spaghetti, my feet burning like I just ran over hot coals.

“Is he…gone?” I ask, panting.

Jaxon circles around, making sure we’re alone. “Finally, yes. I think he gave up.”

“Remind me to wear running shoes next time.” I rest my head against the truck and close my eyes to stop the world from spinning. “No more sprints in cowboy boots.”

“I could’ve carried you. Done it before,” he reminds me, and my stomach spirals at the memory. “Do you need help inside?”

“I’ll be fine.” My feet throb, but I shouldn’t give him any more reasons to touch me tonight. Wincing, I climb into his truck, inwardly cursing my boots with every step.

He slides into the driver’s side and opens the windows, the music a distant hum. Cool night air drifts through, and it’s a welcome relief after running across town.

“Where should we go?” he asks, like we have all the time in the world. “You hungry?”

It’s already dark out, and unless we drive to a bigger town miles away, nothing is open.

“You can take me home.” I wish I could pull off my boots and give myself a foot rub. After running through Golden Springs, my feet are screaming, and I’m dizzy from not eating all evening.

He looks me over, and his brow creases. “Want something to drink?” Before I can answer, he reaches behind the seat and pulls out an unopened bottle of water. “This is all I have until I can get you something better.”