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The staff at the top fired the starting pistol, and the racers set off.

The contestants came racing down the hill, a few careening off to the side and falling off their sleds after only a few yards.

Sam leaned toward her ear, his breath warming her cheek and creating a fiery wave of heat across her skin. “Amateurs.”

Maya smiled, making a mammoth effort to keep her eyes on the racers and off Sam. The first three reached the line to roars of delight from the crowd, and Maya jotted their numbers. A few seconds later, another batch arrived.

They waited until the last few stragglers had passed the finish line, then Rowan sprinted across to confer with Maya. Their numbers matched.

Maya passed Sam the sheet.

“What does this even say?” He peered at it. “I didn’t realize doctor’s handwriting was hereditary.”

Maya smacked his arm. “None of your cheek, Leonard.”

He winked at her, lifting his megaphone to make the announcement.

There was much rejoicing from the victors, and Rowan gave Maya a high five. They went to congratulate the winners, standing around a little while to chat to everyone.

“Well done, Maya,” Elise said, giving her a hug. “What a brilliant cause, and that top prize is fantastic.” She kissed her cheek.

Liv came in next for a hug. “Give me that other cheek.” She planted a very noisy kiss on the other side.

Maya screwed her face up and pretended that she didn’t love it. A tiny spear of sadness pierced her being that her family weren’t here, joining in, and neither would they show any pride in what had been achieved. A little voice told her a big part of that was because she’d refused to speak to them all week and hadn’t even told her dad and Hana what day the race was on. Though they could easily have looked it up on the resort website. At least her mum had asked to come, but Maya had dissuaded her.

Gesturing toward Arran and Nico, Maya waved them over. “What about these lovely gentlemen, and their fabulous prizes?”

Arran kissed Maya’s cheek. “My prize was donated by you, so stop trying to deflect the credit.”

Nico laughed, sweeping in. “Hey, Maya. Long time no see.” He gave her a wink. “I did donate my own prize, so . . .”

He flashed Arran a grin, and Arran punched his arm, then shook his hand and winced in the pretense that Nico’s deltoid had injured it. Though, to be fair, it probably had. The guy was built like a tank.

Liv was laughing at Nico’s antics, but Elise didn’t appear impressed.

Maya gestured toward the car park. “I’ll see you guys at the pub. I’m just going to help with the clear-up.”

The four of them left Maya in order to go and greet Sam, who was surrounded by the winners and their supporters. He flashed Maya a smile as she waved and headed up the run to help collect the markers.

Once Maya emerged into the car park, Sam was leaning against his car, waiting for her. They’d opted to travel in together that morning, and he’d leave his car at the pub so they could both have a drink. Then they’d swing by on the way into work the next morning, in order to collect it.

Maya reached him. “Don’t scratch your paintwork with your leaning against the car in a sexy manner.”

They climbed in.

Sam buckled his seat belt, smiling. “You think I’m sexy?”

“Nope,” she fired back, her pulse ramping up. “I mean you think you are.”

He slapped a hand over his heart. “Ouch.”

Maya laughed as he took them out of the car park and onto the road toward the pub.

Sam glanced over. “I didn’t see Brodie in the crowd. Is he still coming?”

“Yeah,” Maya said, rummaging in her bag to check she had her purse to purchase some raffle tickets. “He had to go into the shop today, but he’ll be at the after event.”

“Cool,” Sam said, his voice a little flat. He paused. “What’s happening with you guys?”