Ty plastered on a smile. “Why, yes, sir, I am. How are you doing today?”

“Just fine, just fine, thanks.” He shook his head and adjusted his ball cap. “Wow, what a coincidence, you being here and me stumbling on you. You’re a fantastic driver. Been rooting for you all season.”

“Well, thank you, I appreciate it. Hoping to finish out the year strong, but there are some really good cars and drivers out there.”

“True, true.” The man turned to his companion. “Look at this, Lisa, it’s Ty McCordle. Can you believe it?”

Lisa shook her head no rapidly. She looked a little awe-struck.

“What are you doing here? Just hiking and taking in a little R and R?” the man asked.

“Yep.” Ty put his hand on the small of Imogen’s back and rubbed it to reassure her, knowing she had to be thinking if this couple had walked only a touch faster, they might be having a different conversation. Hopefully if he had been caught bare butt, no one would have recognized him, though. He didn’t imagine much of his fan base was familiar with his backside. “How about you?”

“Yep. Me and the wife are on a long weekend. It’s our fifth anniversary this past weekend.”

“Congratulations.”

The man beamed at them. “Thanks. This your girlfriend?”

Ty fought the urge to sigh. He loved and appreciated his fans; he truly did. They made the sport both profitable and a hell of a lot of fun. They kept the energy level high and spurred him on to do the best he could week after week. But there were times when a man wanted some peace and privacy, and this was one of them.

“This is Imogen.” That was a respectable way to avoid the question, because he had no clue how to really answer. He didn’t think they were dating officially yet, but he wanted to be. It just wasn’t something he wanted to discuss with total strangers on the trail. “We’re just doing a quick one-night stay here. I have to get back and plan for Atlanta.”

That effectively diverted the man. “Right, sure, of course. Coming down to the wire, aren’t you?”

“Jim, maybe we ought to let them head on their way,” his wife said, nudging him.

“Right, of course.” The man flushed red. “Well, nice meeting you both. Wow. Ty McCordle.”

“You, too. It’s been a pleasure.” Ty stuck his hand out and shook the man’s firmly.

“Happy Anniversary,” Imogen said to both of them.

They beamed. The wife relaxed a little. “Thanks.” She shot a sly look at Ty, then back to Imogen. “Enjoy your day and night.”

The woman might as well have winked at Imogen. Ty felt almost sheepish as he followed Imogen, who smiled and waved, then started up the trail. The couple waved back and continued in the opposite direction.

“Does that happen to you often?” Imogen asked. “People recognizing you?”