Page 47 of Book Club Confidential

Grant’s gaze trailed a couple in caterpillar costumes as they eased along the crowded walkways. “Change is good, you know?”

“Especially for caterpillars?” she guessed.

He stepped slightly closer. “Especially for caterpillars.” He grinned. “I had a nice time today.”

“Me too,” she said, feeling impossibly light on her feet again.

“Keep me posted about your friend’s work situation,” he said. “I feel invested.”

She smiled, and Grant held her gaze for a long moment, before looking shyly away and back.

He extended his hand in her direction, offering a shake.

She slid her palm over his, and he stepped a little closer.

“I hope you won’t give up on the changes you’re making. Ignore the naysayers. They don’t matter. Some people can’t see what’s right in front of them.”

Goose bumps pebbled her skin at the warmth of his touch and his words. She longed to hug him, to rise on her toes and wind her arms around his neck for being a voice of reason and support when she needed it most. Also for being so damn good looking and kind.

“Thank you for joining me for dinner, for weighing in on this place”—he tipped his head toward the office space, never taking his eyes off hers—“and for letting me get to know you a little better. I think we make a good team.”

Tessa couldn’t agree more.

Grant leaned slowly forward and planted a chaste kiss on her cheek.

Her breath caught in her throat at the sweet touch, and she yearned to turn her face and kiss him fully.

But he released her fingers and stepped back. “Call me if you need anything,” he offered. “A listening ear. Historical facts about our town. Dinner and a walk beneath the stars.”

Tessa nodded and bit down on a wide smile. Then she walked to her car, replaying their perfect night. Funny that he’d said some people can’t see what’s right in front of them. Because lately all she could see was him.

Chapter Thirteen

Tessa arrived early for book club the next week. She no longer had to worry about showing up late because of work. The weather had cooled a bit more, so she wore a comfy black cotton top with capped sleeves that fluttered and made her feel pretty. Her tan pants and matching wedges made her feel bold. A little over a week had passed since they’d vowed to actively seek happiness, and though the process wasn’t seamless, Tessa felt they were headed in the right direction. If not for the upcoming dinner with her dad and brother, she would’ve considered herself carefree.

Hallie waved her to a tall table with three high seats and gorgeous river views. “You’re early. Should we worry?”

“Nope.” Tessa placed her clutch on the table and took the chair between her friends. “I stopped working overtime, remember? Taking back control of my life and all that.”

The restaurant bustled around them, filled with locals grabbing a meal or drinks after work.

“Still?” Hallie asked. She swept a hand along the back of her neck. Her hair was mostly tucked beneath a ball cap. She wore a chic black-on-black ensemble. A fitted long-sleeve top with high-waisted, wide-legged black pants and platform shoes. Simple silver jewelry completed the look with one lovely cross on a dainty chain around her neck and an army of skulls, bats, diamonds, and hoops in the row of piercings up both ears.

Tessa refocused on Hallie’s question. “I’m still trying to make better decisions in general. Aren’t you?”

Kate shifted, crossing her legs beneath a long cream skirt, revealing suede ankle boots. She’d paired the skirt with an off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater in deep plum and added a wide tan belt to match the boots. “We’re trying. We just thought you might—”

“Quit?” Tessa asked. “I’m the one who begged you to join me.”

Kate wrinkled her nose. “Not quit, but I don’t know— Pause? Ease up? Maybe make concessions so you don’t completely blow up your career just to prove a point.”

“I’m not trying to prove a point,” Tessa said, sounding far calmer than she felt. “I’m trying to make a big, long-overdue change in my life. I want joy and peace again. For all of us.”

“I feel exactly the same,” Hallie said. “I didn’t want you two thinking I wasn’t holding up my end of this pact, so I did this!” She pulled off her hat and shook her hair out.

Gone was the dramatic, sharp-edged bob, and back was the purple-and-jet-black pixie cut she’d rocked for several years postcollege.

“Oh. My. God.” Kate covered an open-mouthed smile. “You look amazing!”