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“It was fun. Can’t wait for the next one.”
“Ah, yes. Denver is the next one, right?” I have a few more to attend this summer, but I honestly can’t remember where we’re going first.
“Yep. Denver, then New York, and New Orleans.” Diane closes a box full of books, then looks at me. “You know, you’re paying me to do this work. You don’t have to help me.”
Rolling my eyes, I hand her the stack of bookmarks in my hand. “Whatever. I’m not above helping pack my own stuff.”
She puts the bookmarks in another box, shaking her head. “You’re a good guy, Stone.”
After the boxes are packed, I help Diane load them onto a hand truck, then I follow her out to the parking lot. We load everything into the back of her SUV. Diane’s heading back to Tacoma today instead of staying another night like I opted to do. I had a feeling the beach would give me inspiration to write, and I wanted to take advantage of staying at a quiet B&B on the beach to get some words in. Little did I know I’d meet Olivia, giving me another reason to stay.
“Drive safe,” I tell her as she closes the back door of her Explorer.
“Thanks. Are you heading back tomorrow?”
“That’s the plan,” I reply, and realization hits that I don’thaveto return to Tacoma tomorrow, making me wonder if my room is available to extend my stay at the Sandy Shore Inn.
“Well, keep me posted if you change your plans. You just need to be back by Wednesday night or Thursday morning so you can make your flight to Denver Thursday afternoon.”
“Will do, boss,” I reply, feeling hopeful I’ll be able to stay at the B&B for a few more days.
Diane gets in the driver’s seat, and we say goodbye, then I head to my Range Rover on the other side of the parking lot. I dig out my phone from my jeans pocket, and I’m happy to see I have a text message from Olivia.
Olivia: I have an idea for our date tonight. Text me when you’re on your way back to the house.
Me: Okay, cool. I’m leaving the hotel now, so I’ll be back in a bit.
I wonder what Olivia’s idea is. I’m glad she has an idea, though, since I don’t know what there is to do in Seaside apart from the typical tourist activities. Just as I get in my car, my phone buzzes with another text.
Olivia: I’m sitting on the back deck. Come see me when you get here!
Her text makes me smile. I don’t know what it is about this woman, but I like her a lot more than I probably should. The reality is, we live a few hours apart from each other. As great as things have been this weekend, what’s going to happen once I go back home? Sure, I can extend my stay a few days, but I can’t stay forever. My whole life is in Tacoma.
Not wanting to dwell on the what ifs, I shove those thoughts aside. I need to take this one day at a time. Live in the moment. Enjoy my time with Olivia while I have the chance. Maybe Olivia and I are only meant to have a temporary fling. Mom used to say people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Olivia may not be for a lifetime––or even a season––and I should just enjoy her company while I have the chance. If things are meant to be, it’ll happen somehow.
When I arrive back at the Sandy Shore Inn, I find Olivia on the back deck, once again readingFire and Ice.She’s getting close to the end, and I can’t wait for her reaction to the plot twist everyone raves about. Sometimes I can’t believe I came up with it myself, it’s justthatgood. When I wrote it, I got excited, thinkingthiswould blow readers’ minds, and I was right. It shotFire and Icestraight to number one and sent my career soaring. I’m grateful for what I do and that I have the opportunity to do what I love for a living.
When she notices me, she sets the book in her lap and smiles. “Well, hello there.”
God, she’s beautiful. The sun makes her hair shine, and her smile is glowing. She looks adorable, sitting with her knees bent and her feet tucked under her, comfortably reading my book on the outdoor sofa.
“Hi there,” I reply as I sit on the chair across from her. Between us is a table with a gas campfire that can be lit in the center. I make a mental note of how romantic it would be to sit out here on the couch together at night with the fire going.
“How was the book signing today?”
“It was good. I can’t believe so many people came to Seaside to get their books signed! It was pretty incredible, actually.” And that’s the truth. I didn’t expect the number of people who came all three days.
“Seaside’s population more than doubles during the Seaside Festival every year. It’s the busiest time of year for us.”
“That makes sense,” I reply. A gentle breeze blows through, and I smell the faint scent of Olivia’s perfume. Memories of last night flash through my mind for the millionth time today, and I only hope Olivia ends up in my bed again tonight. “So, tell me where we’re going on our date.”
Her grin turns mischievous as she replies, “I’m taking you on a little adventure.”
“Oh, really?” I can’t wait to hear what Olivia has planned.
She nods. “We’re going to a place off the beaten path. Locals love it for its fun atmosphere and great food.”
“Sounds great. What’s it called?” I ask, my interest piqued.
