Page 76 of Not-So-Perfect Princess
“We can still win,” Phillipe said confidently. “But it’s going to take the best tack of your life. You up for it?”
She grinned. “Just tell me what to do.”
“Not what, when,” Phillipe explained. “The rules make it hard to overtake a boat. But if we can tack below and come ahead.”
“We’d have luffing rights,” she said.
Phillipe winked. “Our helmsman has read the rule book.”
Jules nodded. Her hands trembled with excitement and nerves. She wanted to give Alejandro and La Rueca the victory.
“The lead boat is tacking on starboard,” Phillipe yelled. “Wait for my call.”
The crew readied themselves for the final maneuver. They were on port, left of the lead boat. Instead of passing behind their competitor, they were going to tack below them and try to gain the advantage and the lead.
“Now,” the tactician ordered.
“Tacking.” Julianna turned the wheel. She focused on her job. She knew the other crewmembers were doing theirs, everyone in sync. The wind seemed to be on their side as well.
“Faster,” Phillipe yelled.
Jules turned the wheel. Her hands and arms ached from three days of racing. She ignored the pain, thinking about Alejandro instead. This boat and race meant so much to him. Placing would give him more publicity so he could start turning the island into a sailing-centered tourist spot, but a win would be a huge boost to his boatyard.
He’d helped her. Jules wanted to do the same for him even if he didn’t want her the way she wanted him.
She pressed the boat closer to the wind.
Phillipe whistled. “That’s it. They’re getting our dirty air now.”
They edged out in front, taking both the lead and the wind.
“They’re falling away,” Mike called. “Looks like we can pull this off.”
A few minutes later, the prow of La Rueca sailed between the buoys marking the finish line. They had done it. They had won the race!
Laughter overflowed along with deafening cheers. Jules wanted to celebrate along with the crew, but the victory was bittersweet.
Yes, she had proven herself. But now that the race was over, she had no idea what would happen. What would she do next?
Exhilaration shot through her. At least she was the one who got to answer that question, not anyone else.
The boat arrived at the marina. Alejandro stood on the dock with champagne bottles. A jubilant smile graced his face. Approval filled his dark eyes.
“Good race.” He shook her hand, the pressure warm, secure, making her ache to have him pull her into his embrace. “World class sailing out there, Julianna. You won the race for us.”
For you, she wanted to tell him. But seeing him brought a rush of emotion. Tears welled in her eyes. She didn’t want to start crying because she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to stop.
“Thanks.” She forced a smile even though his greeting broke her heart. Not that she expected anything else, but they had won the race. A hug would be…appropriate. “And it’s Jules, not Julianna.”
“Thank you, Jules,” he said.
A member of the yacht club led the crew to a platform surrounded by fans and press. Trophies were handed out. Through it all, Jules kept stealing glances at Alejandro. She forced her attention off him. When a bottle of champagne ended up in her hands, she took a swig.
The crew cheered.
Sam grinned. “Now that’s the proper way a princess should drink, mates.”
She laughed.
Alejandro pulled her aside. “We need to talk.”
Her heart beat as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. She followed him to La Rueca and climbed aboard. “I’m not going to marry Enrique.”
“I know.” His mouth twisted with regret. “I’m sorry, Jules. I thought you and Enrique marrying was for the best, but I was fooling myself. I’m miserable without you. I thought I had to rely only on myself. But I needed you to sail the boat. And then I realized I need you in my life. I love you.”
The air rushed from her lungs. “You do?”
“Yes. I do.” His tender gaze caressed her face. “I love everything about you. From the way you drive a sailboat to the way you kiss me until I can’t think straight. You can go from haughty royal to sweet young thing in about three seconds flat. That made it hard to know the real Julianna or Jules, but I realize she’s all of you. And that’s okay.”
