Page 34 of A Line in the Sand

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“Clearly,” her customer, a young mom pushing a jogging stroller, said as milk dripped from the counter onto the floor.

Ursula scrambled to lick up the puddle, proving once again that her work ethic was impeccable. Max Miller wouldn’t know a good employee if one kissed him right on the lips.

Molly let out a little cough.Bad example.

She finished mixing the drink, poured it into a to-go cup and handed the messily crafted beverage to the customer. She eyed it dubiously and then headed outside to the boardwalk.

Molly took a deep breath. The morning at Turtle Books had been nuts so far, especially since the boardwalk was positioned so close to the bridge connecting the island to the mainland. Things couldn’t get much crazier.

At least that’s what she thought until the bells on the door jangled, announcing the arrival of a new customer, and Molly glanced up to see Max strolling into the bookshop.

No!

Molly wasn’t ready to see him again—not here anddefinitelynot now, when she was dressed in a frilly apron and would be forced to smile politely at him while she whipped up whatever coffee drink he demanded, as if she were Suzy Freaking Homemaker. Panic clogged her throat, and she ducked behind the counter, out of sight.

Maybe he’d come for reading material instead of coffee and Molly could somehow slink away without him seeing her. Max was definitely the bookish type. But no, of course she wasn’t going to get off that easy. Ursula bounded toward the sound of the welcome bells. Seconds later, while Molly sat crouched on the floor with her eyes squeezed shut, Max loomed above her, clearing his throat.

Molly opened her eyes. Sure enough, there was Max’s reflection in the shiny chrome surface of the espresso machine. Ursula, the little traitor, was cuddled in the crook of his elbow. Neither of them appeared to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Molly stood, smoothed down her apron, and pasted a smile on her face. “Hello. Welcome to Turtle Books. How can I help you?”

“Molly?” Max peered over the counter before meeting her gaze. “Were you hiding from me down there just now?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She couldn’t seem to stop swallowing. Or looking at Max’s mouth and remembering the thrill that had coursed through her when she thought he was going to kiss her.

Stop looking at his mouth!

It was smirking, that lovely mouth of his. He knew she’d crouched out of sight. He’d probably been able to see her reflection in the stupid coffee maker the entire time.

“Hiding? As if.” Molly feigned nonchalance as best she could. “I lost something down there, that’s all.”

My dignity, mainly.

Max’s eyes glittered. His gorgeous, gorgeous eyes. “Did you find it?”

Not even close.

“Never mind all that.” She waved a hand at Ursula, still nestled in his arms. “You don’t have to pretend to like my dog. She’s an excellent judge of character. I’m sure she knows exactly how you feel about her.”

As if on cue, Ursula licked the side of Max’s neck, tucked her head beneath his chin and let out a dreamy sigh.

Max shot Molly a look that saidsee?“I think you might be right. Sheisan excellent judge of character.”

Clearly Ursula was suffering from Stockholm syndrome. She’d gone and developed feelings for her oppressor. Molly wondered if there was a doggy therapist somewhere on the island. Doubtful, given the fact that they didn’t even have a Walmart.

Molly glared at Max. “What are you doing here?”

Couldn’t he simply place his order and go away, already?

Max frowned at the ruffles on her apron. “You work here now? That explains a few things.”

“Such as?”

“Your elderly friends have been trying to get me to come here for days.” Max leaned closer and lowered his voice. Molly resisted the nonsensical urge to pull an Ursula and lick his neck. “Something tells me they think you and I might be attracted to each other.”

“They’re pushing ninety,” Molly said flatly.

“They’re mistaken, then,” Max said.