𝔅𝔬𝔯𝔫 𝔱𝔬 𝔡𝔦𝔢 - Rafe Cameron

③

...

The beach was packed, with almost the entire island gathered for the event.

Participants lined up at the starting line, and Jazmine stood among the spectators, Rafe right beside her. She spotted her sister's friends in the distance and noticed JJ joining the race, too.

Rafe scoffed, dripping with disdain, "Look at that—what are those idiots doing here?"

"It's a race, Rafe. They're allowed to be here, you know." Jazmine smirked, nudging him lightly.

He rolled his eyes. "Do you really think Maybank has a chance of winning with that junk of his?"

She shrugged. "Why do you care, Rafe?"

He sighed, and she noticed he was already a little tense. "You're here to unwind and have some fun, remember? I thought you loved racing."

"I do," he muttered, glancing at the lineup. "I just don't get what they're doing here."

Jazmine moved closer, adjusting his gear and placing a hand gently on his arm. "Who cares, alright? Just get out there, race, and win, so we can leave with the winner's prize."

Rafe grinned and tilted her chin up with his fingers. "I better hear you cheering when I cross the finish line."

Jazmine smiled back, teasing him. "You'll get a bonus if you win this race."

Rafe laughed, then leaned down to press a kiss into the curve of her neck. "It's settled, then."

With one last smile, he walked over to his bike, settling in next to Topper.

A few minutes later, just as the race was about to start, Jazmine noticed John B among the racers.

She made her way over to Sarah and Kiara. "Didn't know John was into motorcycles."

Sarah chuckled. "He's not."

Kiara sighed. "JJ spent our last bit of gold on this contest."

Jazmine's eyes widened. "You're kidding."

Kiara shook her head. "He thinks he can win and get the prize. If he loses, we're broke."

"Classic JJ " Jazmine muttered, earning a collective sigh from both girls.

The countdown began, and soon, the racers took off, the roar of their engines filling the beach. As they zoomed down the stretch, they disappeared from view.

"So... how are things with Rafe?" Kiara asked after a beat.

Jazmine shrugged. "We're good."

Kiara gave her a pointed look. "You know I don't like him."

"Not liking him is an understatement, Kiara. You hate him," Jazmine replied, keeping her tone light.

"I do. But I'm asking about you. I care about you, not him."

Jazmine smiled, giving Kiara's arm a little squeeze. "I know. Thanks."

Kiara softened. "And Bella? How's my favorite pup?"

"She misses her auntie Kie," Jazmine said with a laugh.

Kiara's face lit up. "I'd love to see her soon."