But someone to share it with. Someone to beproudof me.
And I know then, with June Taylor placing kisses all over my face, joy shining through, that I’m the luckiest man in the world.
Because I have her to share my successes with.
THIRTY-ONE
Graham isn’t leaving Seaside Point.
He’s not moving to a new job or location to keep trying to prove himself successful. He’s staying here, in Seaside Point.
With me.
My heart is so full right now. Of course, I’m happy the man I'm falling for is going to stay in the town I could never leave, but even more, the look on his face tells me everything I need to know about how he feels about this update: he’s both thrilled and at ease. The comfort between us settles warmly.
From what I understand, this type of ease has happened only a handful of times in his life, and I’m honored to experience it with him. I rest my forehead gently on his, my eyes watering while I soak up the quiet relief on his face.
“I’m so proud of you, Graham,” I repeat. His eyes go melty at my words, a soft smile spreading on his lips as if that simple sentence means more to him than any promotion ever could. God, this man. Such a hard exterior, but so soft inside. Will he always keep his tough attitude, giving only me his sweet? Part of me likes being the only one who sees this side, but another part hopes he’ll grow comfortable sharing it with others.
Our peaceful bubble pops as the door swings open, banging against the wall, and we part quickly. I step back and brush down my dress. My pulse pounds thinking Graham’s boss just caught us in an unprofessional position, but relief rushes in when Sutton walks in instead. She has a shit-eating grin on her lips, and behind her, a tall, curvy brunette enters.
For a second, I just stare—she might be the hottest woman I’ve ever seen.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Sutton teases.
“Sutton, how many times have I told you not to just barge into my office?” Graham demands.
“A million.” Sutton turns to me, grabs my wrist to pull me from Graham, and spins me so I’m facing the other woman. “June, this is Josie.”
My eyes go wide with excitement.
“Oh, my god, hi!” I say, feeling like I’m meeting a superhero. “I’ve heard so much about you. You’re possibly the coolest person on earth. I want to be you when I grow up,” I babble like an idiot, but her stunning smile puts me at ease.
"And I’ve heard so much aboutyou!" she exclaims. "I bought one of your pieces last week. I was wondering if you could do a custom piece for me. I figured I’d wait until I was here to ask, but I have so many ideas. Rowan and I just moved in together, and his place is boring and needs some color. I also wanted to get a friend a gift to commemorate her stint as a monster car driver."
“A monster car driver?” I ask, eyes widening. Josie smiles.
“It’s a long story—she’s all rainbows and butterflies, drives a unicorn truck, and I think you could capture the vibe perfectly.”
Instantly, ideas for the custom commission flash through my mind. It’s such a fun concept, I’d do it for free, but I know everyone would yell if I even suggested it.
"Oh my god, yes! I need to hear all about these monster trucks. An assignment?" I look at Josie. She nods eagerly. Rowan walks in next, and suddenly Graham’s office feels tiny.
“Yeah, it’s utter chaos. Let’s do lunch, and I’ll tell you all about it,” she suggests, and I nod eagerly. Claire is going to besojealous that I got to spend the afternoon with Josie.
“Didn’t you want a beach day while you were here?” Sutton asks, then turns to me. “We should gather the crew. Claire’s working, but we’ll park by her stand.”
“Yes! Please! I need a day in the sand desperately,” Josie nearly claps.
“Actually, that would be great,” Rowan begins. “Graham and I could scout locations for another—” Josie shoots him a fierce glare; Rowan only returns it, though his is already tinged in defeat.
“No, no, no, no. I was promised a beach day.”
“Troublemaker—” he mutters. I smile at her fitting nickname. She stomps her foot, a move that is unexpectedly adorable on her.
“No! A beach day. Give me my beach day, Rowan Fischer, or I’m getting Annette.”
“Oof,” Graham sighs, but then Josie turns her iron will toward him, a finger pointed in his direction.
