Speed Demons Read Free Page A

not what worries me. I mean, you’re well-known and everything.” Evie put down her fork, unable to finish her meal. She could tell that Blythe liked hers. Her plate was almost empty.
    “What’s the problem, then?” Blythe frowned, running her fingertips along the rim of her glass. She tipped her head sideways, looking intently at Evie in a way that made something hum inside her.
    “Eh…I need to talk this over with you further. In public like this, I’m sure I’d forget half the questions I meant to ask.” Evie thought for a moment and then decided to take the leap. “Why don’t you come to my family’s summer house in Plymouth this weekend? I’m having some friends over and you’re welcome to join us. I know from last year how excited they were that the famous Blythe Pierce planned to feature me in a book.”
    “Are you sure?” Blythe looked taken aback. “I’d love to discuss this project more, but I don’t want to impose.”
    “No problem.” Evie waved the waiter over, but before she had a chance, Blythe took the leather case from his hands, tucked in her credit card, and returned it.
    “You don’t have to do that. I suggested that we meet here.” A little annoyed, Evie inhaled and slowly let the air out again. Digging deep for a more gracious approach, she forced a smile. “Thank you, though.”
    “You’re welcome.” Blythe turned to the waiter and signed the receipt. “Seemed like a good compromise since I’ll be your guest this weekend. When do you want me…there?” The hastily added word and Blythe’s flushed cheeks amused Evie.
    “How about Saturday, around noon? We can have lunch and, if the weather’s good, enjoy a walk on the beach.”
    “It’s a deal. Why don’t you text me the address? You have my cell phone number on the business card in the envelope.”
    Evie placed a hand again on the envelope that held the evidence of the event that had nearly ended her life and had definitely changed her outlook on it. The woman across the table was unlike anybody she’d ever met. Evie remembered how she had transformed from a shy recluse to a completely focused and brilliant professional photographer. Her résumé and published work suggested she wasn’t afraid to take risks and approach things in unusual ways to obtain the shot she was after. This juxtaposition between such extremes fascinated her, and perhaps this time around, Evie would have a chance to get to know her better.
    They rose from the table and thanked the staff on their way out.
    “I have my car over there,” Blythe murmured, seeming even more aloof than before now that they were standing close together on the sidewalk. “Can I give you a ride somewhere?”
    “No, thank you.” Evie knew she sounded short, but apprehension, originating from a flicker of attraction, made her wary of being in a confined space. If she decided to collaborate with Blythe on this project, she had to keep a certain distance. She had walked from her Branford condo, and she didn’t want Blythe to feel she had to drive her home. “I’ll have my manager e-mail you directions to the summerhouse. See you then.”
    “Thank you. Bye.” Blythe seemed relieved to be on her way, hurrying to her vehicle over by the park.
    Evie remained on the sidewalk, people occasionally brushing by her in the warm Indian-summer evening, laughing, talking, or just walking. She stood there and followed Blythe with a strange sensation in her chest. Pressing a hand against it, she didn’t know if she was trying to capture the feeling or perhaps hide it, push it back, but she couldn’t deny the truth. Blythe Pierce didn’t leave her indifferent or cold. Something about this woman of obvious courage, who still displayed such discomfort in social situations, had surprised Evie.
    She was used to keeping people at bay. She maintained emotional barbed wire to ward them off—her father, fans, the press, paparazzi, and people out to make money from her name. Now this