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He smiles, his sexy dimples teasing me. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
“You’re a quick learner.”
“I am.” He smirks, looking me up and down.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” He tilts his head to the side, pretending to not know what I’m talking about.
“Like that.” My voice gets stuck in my throat, and only comes out just above a whisper.
“I don’t know any other way to look at you,” he replies, his smooth voice holding just enough roughness to make me shiver. “We’re just having a beer, and then you ladies can get as crazy as you want. You have a ride home?”
“Yeah, Jake’s coming later,” I tell him, and he nods his approval.
“Good.” Taking my hand in his, he rubs his thumb back and forth across my knuckles – once, twice, and then lets go. “See you tomorrow.”
“Yes,” I breathe out, not expecting his touch to elicit such a heated response from my body. “See you tomorrow.”
I walk away in a dazed state, needing to focus on walking without tripping.
I think he’s going to be more than I can handle, but I also can’t wait to spend another five minutes with him. Because in those five minutes, I know I’ll smile, laugh, and I won’t feel like I just got my heart broken by an asshole.
Chapter 4
Waking up on Sunday, I brew myself I nice cup of coffee, and stand by the window. My room at the Inn looks out towards the gravel drive that leads to the road, and to the left is a grove of pine trees. How fitting.
I really like it here in Pine Cove, and Courtney’s offer last night has been weighing heavy on my mind.
I want to find what my friends have.
They’ve all found new careers and absolute happiness here in this small coastal town.
I want that.
I need that.
And I think Courtney and The Blueberry Café are a perfect place to start in that. And I plan on telling her as much today when I see her. I need to stop thinking about baking as just a dream, and start thinking about it as a goal – a reality to work towards.
After showering, I put on a white sundress that makes my skin look tanner, and accentuates all the right areas without being revealing in the least. It’s made of a soft cotton fabric, too, and will bring me comfort in a situation where I know I’ll need it.
Throwing on a pair of flat sandals, I dry my hair straight and apply my makeup. I want to be cute and patriotic, so I tie my hair up in a half ponytail with a navy blue bandana, and coat my lips in bright red lipstick.
When my phone pings with a message form Ashley letting me know she’s here, I give myself one last look in the mirror and then grab my purse and head out.
“Hi,” I greet, climbing up into the back of Ryan’s pickup truck.
“Elle-belle, you look amazing! I love your hair!”
“Thanks.” I smile.
“Ty will want his five minutes right away, I think.”
“Ashley!” I say harshly, my eyes darting to Ryan. It’s his younger brother for God’s sake.
“Oh, he knows,” she says. “Right, babe?”
“Yeah, I do. And for what it’s worth, you’re too good for him. But then again, Ashley is too good for me.” Taking her hand, he smiles and kisses her knuckles lovingly.
