Page 48 of Race to the Beach

“We’re getting ready to go out to dinner,” Owen said.“Do you need anything before we leave?”

Still smiling, Patty shook her head.“Have a good evening.”

After his mother left, Maxi asked him, “Why did you tell her that?”

“Well, we do need dinner, right?”When she nodded, he asked, “Will you go get dinner with me?”

As he stared deep into her eyes, she found it absolutely impossible to turn him down.“Where are we going?”

“How about I surprise you?”

She shrugged.“Fine by me.”

“Okay.You’ll want to dress up.”

Her eyes widened.“How fancy are we talking?”

“Don’t worry.No matter what you wear, you’ll look beautiful.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks.Did he really think she was beautiful?Her heart pitter-pattered.“I…I’ll figure something out.”

He smiled at her.“I’m looking forward to it.”

Suddenly, she realized this felt like a real date.She was about to ask him if it was, but he was already heading for the door.She rushed to put her things away and follow him.

An hour or so later, she was spiffed up, her hair was styled, and she was wearing a teal-colored summer dress.They were being guided toward their table at the Bluffs restaurant.When they reached it, she was struck by the amazing view of the ocean.

Owen pulled out her chair for her.She thanked him as she sat down.When he took a seat across the table from her, she found the very best view as she stared into his blue eyes.Owen had cleaned up nicely in a light-blue linen shirt with khaki pants.

“This is really nice,” she said.

“I was hoping you hadn’t been here yet.”

“I haven’t.”She turned her head to take in the view of the ocean.“It’s a gorgeous view.”

“Yes, it is.”

When she glanced over at him, she found he was looking at her and not the ocean.Heat swirled in her chest.The heat rushed up her neck and settled in her cheeks.

His gaze continued to hold hers.The next thing she knew he was reaching across the table, placing his hand over hers.His touch sent her heart skidding into her ribs.It took her a moment to catch her breath.

She tried to tell herself that he was just putting on a show for the other patrons, but as she continued to stare into his eyes, this felt like a genuine date.She wondered if it would include another spine-tingling kiss.Realizing her thoughts were spiraling into dangerous territory, she halted them.

She lowered her voice.“What are you doing?”

His hand still covered hers.“Would it be so bad if this was real?”

So he’d been having the same thoughts as her.Was he saying he had real feelings for her?Or was he just casually flirting with her?

“Just relax and enjoy the evening,” he said.

The meal passed quickly because all she could focus on was Owen.When it was over, she honestly couldn’t remember what she’d ordered or whether she’d eaten it or not.

When their server showed up with the dessert menu, Owen looked at Maxi.“Do you want something, or are you ready to get out of here?”

“I’m good.We can go.”

He grinned at her as he asked the server for the check.They exited the restaurant hand in hand.And she noticed they’d turned quite a few heads.

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