Page 47 of Race to the Beach

Sadly, she didn’t have time to explore it all, but she made a mental note to come back.When she found the aisle with drawing supplies, she picked up a drawing pad and some colored pencils.Being on the island had brought back her love of drawing.She wanted to sketch a picture for Owen as a way of thanking him for helping her with the car—even if, in the end, the car wasn’t ready for the race, she still wanted to say thank you.

When she made it to the checkout, she was greeted by Lily’s warm smile.“You made it to the store.”

“I did.This place is fabulous.I want to come back when I have more time to explore it.”

“Please do.”Lily leaned forward and whispered, “And maybe then I’ll be able to give you the grand tour.Not that I’m complaining about the crowd.”

“I totally understand.”She placed the items on the counter.

As Lily rang them up, she said, “Glad you’re returning to your art.”

“Me too.I’m going to draw a picture for Owen to thank him for all the help with the car.”

“Uh-huh.And am I to believe that’s the only reason you’re drawing it for him?”

“Yes.Of course.”When Lily arched a disbelieving brow, Maxi said, “It’s just a summer fling.It’s not a big deal.”

“It sure seemed real when I saw you two at lunch.”

“At lunch?You were at the Purple Guppy?”When Lily nodded, Maxi said, “I’m sorry.I didn’t see you or I would have said hi.”

“It’s okay.You only had eyes for one person.”

After Maxi paid for her purchase and walked away, she wondered if what Lily said was true.Was she falling for Owen?

After all, it wouldn’t be hard.He was dreamy handsome, but more than that, he was a good guy—the best man she’d ever known.And that was saying a lot.

Were her growing emotions written all over her face?

Maxi pondered that question all afternoon as she installed the new engine parts that had been overnighted.Owen was sanding the putty he’d used on the fender.It would never look the way it did before the accident, but with the putty and some fresh paint, it would look passable for the race.

Thankfully, there were no points for appearance.Well, that wasn’t quite true.There were some fun trophies like best-looking car, car with most original parts, and some other competitions.She wasn’t worried about those.

Her focus was now split between getting ready for the race and figuring out what to do about her feelings for Owen.She chanced a glance over her shoulder at him.At the same moment, he turned to her.Her heart launched into her throat.

“How’s it going?”he asked.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat.“So far, so good.It’s the missing parts that have me worried.”

“You know that some of them will be here in the morning.”

She nodded.“But not everything will be here.”

“I’m working on it.”

She meant to ask him what he was doing that she hadn’t thought of doing, but before she could utter the words, his mother entered the garage.

“Hey, you guys,” Patty stepped into the garage.“I just wanted to check in and see how things are going.”

“Good,” Owen said.

Patty turned to Maxi.“Do you concur?”

Maxi felt as though she’d been called on in front of her high school class to read an excerpt.Her gaze darted between Owen and his mother.Should she admit the truth that she had serious doubts about whether the car would be operational in time for the race?Or should she just give the same answer that Owen had given her?

Maxi nodded.“Owen has been a huge help.I wouldn’t be able to do this without him.”

Patty beamed.“I’m glad he was able to help you.”

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