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He paused. “But they’ll know what color paint you buy or what decorations you buy.”
“Only the shop owners will know that information, and they have been sworn to secrecy. But I’m fine if you want to bring in independent judges from the mainland.”
He rubbed his jaw. This would be so much simpler than taking her to court. And he was confident he could win. This was an area where he excelled.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked. “You’re risking everything on a contest.”
She nodded. “I don’t think either of us will win if we have to go to court.”
“This is a big move.” He knew there were many ways this could go wrong, but he also understood this was a quick solution. By this time next week, he could have a signed sales agreement and be on his way back to California. He held his hand out to her. “It’s a deal.”
She hesitated. “And the judges?”
“Do you agree to keep our bet between us and not share with anyone the details of your design?”
She nodded. “I do. I want to win fair and square.”
“Good. We’ll let the island make the determination.”
She placed her hand in his. Again there was a tingle that raced up his arm, making his heart beat faster. His gaze dipped to her lips. He considered sealing their deal with a kiss.
Jo pulled her hand away, breaking the spell that had come over him. He blinked and glanced away. He couldn’t let himself get distracted. He had to stay focused on winning this contest.
“I should get to work.” He turned and walked away, still rattled by the intense desire to kiss her.
This was the most important week of her life.
Josie felt the pressure mounting on her. She looked around room 113. She’d taken measurements and photos. She had everything she needed to make a plan, except for a spark of inspiration. She had no idea what she wanted to do with the room.
On the other side of the wall, she could hear furniture being moved around. It was Lane’s room. It appeared he already had a plan. It was no wonder he’d agreed to the contest.
She needed some ideas. The room couldn’t look like the other rooms in the inn. It had to be different. Perhaps what she needed was a few minutes to clear her head. Maybe a walk into town and a glance around at the decorations and linens would help her.
She exited her room. The door automatically locked behind her. When she turned around, she saw Lane strolling down the hallway.
“Quitting already?” he asked teasingly.
“Not a chance.”
“Then you must be off on a supply run.”
“Something like that. How’s it going?”
He smiled. Wait. He never smiled. He must be feeling confident. “It’s okay. And how are things going for you?”
“Lots of ideas.”Liar. Liar. She wasn’t about to admit to him that she hadn’t come up with a design plan before proposing the contest between them. She just never expected it to be so difficult. “I’ll see you later.”
She walked away. At the front desk, she checked in with Sara and was relieved to find that everything was under control. Thankfully, something was going right.
She could have taken one of the inn’s carts to drive into town, but she needed the time to think. She hoped the walking would help her clear her mind and help her focus on the design.
Ever since that moment on the path when they’d almost kissed, things had changed between them. There was this tension running just beneath the surface. It was good Lane wouldn’t be on the island much longer. She’d already been hurt once by a man. She didn’t want to get hurt again.
She knew Lane didn’t want to start anything with her. He was interested in the inn and then making tracks back to California. He wasn’t going to stick around. And she couldn’t let herself melt into one of his kisses without risking her scarred heart.
“Josie?” Aster came to stop in front of her. “Didn’t you hear me?”
Josie blinked. “I’m sorry.” She hadn’t heard a word her friend had said. “I guess I was lost in my thoughts.”
