Steve’s eyebrows rose. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”
“That’s Harper,” Owen told him before he jumped to the wrong conclusion. “She’s a friend of my sister’s.”
“That doesn’t make any difference,” Steve whispered as Harper approached them.
“Hi, Owen. Have you seen Richard? Mabel thought he’d be here, so she gave me some festival information for him. I was supposed to drop it in on my way home.”
“He was here earlier, but he had to pick up his son from basketball practice. I’m not sure if he’s coming back.”
Steve wiped his hands on his jeans and approached Harper. “If it’s urgent, I can swing by Richard’s place later. It’s on my way home.”
Owen saw Harper’s hesitation. “Harper, this is my friend, Steve Patterson. He might look a little rough around the edges, but I’d trust him with my life.”
Steve glanced at his well-worn jeans and the holes in the sweater he used when he was welding. “There’s no point getting dressed up for work,” he muttered.
Harper grinned. “I’d appreciate you dropping off the envelope, Steve. And don’t worry about your clothes. You look great.”
Owen wasn’t sure how he felt about the superior glance Steve sent him.
“It’s nice to knowsomeonedoesn’t judge a book by its cover.” The grin Steve sent Harper was full of old-fashioned charm. “I’ve met most of the people in Sapphire Bay, but I haven’t seen you around town.”
“I moved here about four months ago. I’m staying with my granddad while I decide what I’m doing next.” She looked at the shelving unit. “You’ve done a great job."
“It’s getting there,” Owen said before Steve replied. “Once we attach the lights to each shelf, the effect will be ten times better than wooden shelving.”
“Are you selling anything at the festival?” Steve asked Harper.
“I’m sharing a booth with Jackie from A Stitch in Time. I’ve been knitting like mad, trying to get enough items finished. I’m a little nervous but excited to see what happens.”
Steve’s smile widened. "I’m sure your booth will be a highlight of the festival.”
Owen cleared his throat. He felt like he was on a dating show, watching a relationship unfold in front of him. “We should get back to work.” All Steve’s amused smile did was make Owen even more determined to get Harper away from him. He picked up one of the LED light strips and placed it inside the shelving unit.
Harper’s smile faded. “I’m sorry if I interrupted you.” She handed the envelope to Steve, who tucked it safely into his tool belt. “Thanks again, Steve. Tell Richard that Mabel will catch up with him tomorrow.”
“Will do,” Steve said with a friendly nod. “Good luck with everything you’re making for the festival.”
“Thanks.” Harper nodded at Owen before turning toward the main doors.
Owen felt like an idiot for telling her she needed to leave. The pointed look Steve sent him didn’t help much either. “What?” he silently mouthed.
With a roll of his eyes, Steve called after Harper. “Have you seen Owen’s studio?”
Owen’s heart sank. The last thing he needed was Steve flirting with Harper in his studio.
Harper turned around. “I’ve walked past it a few times, but I’ve never gone inside.”
“You should visit it before the festival. Owen could show you around.” Steve glanced at Owen, waiting for him to say something.
“Sure,” Owen said cautiously. “But if glassblowing isn’t your thing, I’ll understand.”
Harper sent him a searching look. “I’d love to see how you make your bowls, but only if you want to show me.”
Taking a deep breath, Owen nodded. “I’m there until six-thirty most nights. You could stop by on your way home from work one day.”
Harper smiled. “I’d like that. Tomorrow I’m busy, but would the next day be okay? I only work part time with Zac, so I could visit your studio at about one-fifteen.”
Owen nodded and hoped she couldn’t see the pulse beating in his throat. “I’ll see you then.” Apart from his family and Steve, he hadn’t shown anyone around his studio. It was his sanctuary, somewhere he could go to create something beautiful out of the wreck his life had become.
