Page 27 of Race to the Beach

He shook his head again."Not even a little bit."

"So, just withdraw."

"Don't think the thought hasn't crossed my mind.”He let out a resigned sigh.“But I can't."

"I'm confused."

"It's for a good cause.The proceeds are to benefit the pediatric unit in the new hospital."

Her eyes widened."So, you're doing it for all of the kids that will pass through the unit.That's so sweet."She sent him a genuine smile."You really are a good guy."

“You say that like you weren’t sure.”

“To be honest, I wasn’t, especially after you took my car.”

“Sorry.I really did have the best of intentions.I still do.”

“I believe you now.”

"Wait."In a teasing tone, he said, "So, up until now you thought I was a bad guy?"

"No.Not exactly."

He pressed a hand to his chest.“Ouch.I’m wounded.”He sent her a frown.“So what was your first impression of me?"

She rested her elbow on the table and then leaned over to place her chin on her palm."Depends.Which first meeting are you referring to?There was the meeting a few months ago at the church.And then there was the meeting at the tents.Or is it the meeting at your garage?"

"It’s my parents' garage," he corrected."But I want to know what you were thinking at the church?"

Immediately color bloomed in her cheeks."Well, um, I thought you were, um, heroic with the way you helped me out."

He thought back fondly on the moment."I was glad to be in the right place at the right time.And what did you think at the tents?"

She shrugged."I don't know.At first, I thought you were going to be a jerk."

"What?Me?"He pressed a hand to his chest as he sent her an innocent look."A jerk?"Even though he sent her a smile, her words stung.

"Well, it wasn't all your fault.I just felt as though you were misjudging me."

He didn't understand what she meant."I'm sorry I made you feel that way."

"I think I was judging you by my past experiences with other men who undercut my abilities when it comes to my mechanical skills."

He arched a brow."Why would they do that?”

“Because I’m a woman.”

“I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”Not sure what else to say, he changed the subject.“I'm still waiting to see how good of a racecar driver you are."

"You already saw that.I ended up driving my car into the barrier."

"But that wasn't your fault.Everyone is grateful that you missed hitting Dasher.He is like Bluestar's unofficial mascot."

"Who is everyone?"

"Dasher's family.The mayor.My family."

"And they all came up to you and told you this?"

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