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DEAN: Morning babe, just got out of the shower and had to send you this.
A photo accompanies his message, and it’s a selfie of his handsome face with the most spectacular sky in the background. I blush, both from the photoandfrom my mental image of Dean fresh out of the shower…
DEAN: I let Ethan and Reid drag me out at the ass crack of dawn for a run this morning. The sunrise down at the beach was incredible. Can’t wait to show it to you.
RILEY: I can’t wait to see it.
DEAN: Soon I hope. And hey I was joking last night about you bombing the interviews. You know that right? I’ll totally be thinking of you, sending good vibes and all that shit.
RILEY: I know. So good vibes, huh?
DEAN: Yeah, rainbows and unicorns. That’s what you need, right?
I giggle before sending back a laughing face emoji.
RILEY: Sure, I guess?
DEAN: Seriously though, I hope they go well. You need a job so you can get your cute butt over here.
RILEY: How do you know my butt is cute?
RILEY: Wait. Omg forget I asked that.
DEAN: LOL Not a chance beautiful. Have you forgotten already how I was your knight in shiny pickup truck? I learned all I needed to know that day to have full confidence that your butt and everything else about you is cute.
DEAN: Now go rock that interview.
* * *
Funny how two weeks doesn’t seem that long, but so much can happen in that short amount of time. Forget working in Victoria, I’ve landed my dream job — only thirty minutes from Dogwood Cove. Which brings me to this moment, where I’m parked outside of Mila’s house.
“It’s about damn time!”
Mila’s voice hits me, bringing a huge smile to my face as I finish levering myself out of my car and into my chair.
“Well, hello to you, too,” I reply, spinning around to see her standing outside her house with her hands on her hips. One thing I love about Mila is she knows exactly when to offer help and when to let me do things for myself. There’s nothing worse than a well-intentioned person interfering in a process I perfected years ago, like getting in and out of a car by myself.
She leans down and wraps her arms around my shoulders, and I return the hug just as firmly. Everyone needs a friend in their life like Mila Monroe.
“You do realize it’s been less than two months since I was here, right? Could youbeany more impatient?” I tease, but Mila just rolls her eyes.
“Whatever. I’m excited you’re here, so sue me. Now, your room is all set, but are you sure you don’t want to move in more of your stuff? Keeping it in storage on the mainland seems kinda silly.”
We make our way in the front door of her house, Mila carrying my suitcase for me.
“No, I told you I don’t want to impose any longer than I have to, and there’s no point in moving everything until I know where I’m going to live permanently.” We’ve had this conversation many times over the last couple of weeks. Mila wants me to just move in with her and stay, but I need my own space. Besides, with her bakery, she gets up crazy early, whereas I’m a definite night owl.
“Fine, fine. But don’t think for a second that Ethan or I will let you settle for a less than perfect place just because you don’t want to put up with me long-term.”
I glare at her, knowing she’s joking, but still. “Oh hush. It has nothing to do with putting up with you and everything to do with the fact that our schedules are completely opposite.”
We make our way into Mila’s open living room, and I stop by the window in the same spot I always use when I don’t feel like lifting myself onto the couch. She sets my suitcase down, then heads to the kitchen, returning with two glasses of white wine. I take mine eagerly; it’s been a long day of traveling, after all.
“I have to admit, I’m surprised a certain bar owner wasn’t at the ferry terminal ready to swoop in and kidnap you,” Mila says smugly over her wine.
“Oh, come on,” I say, blushing furiously.
“I’m serious! I think he’s been into the bakery almost every day, always fishing for more information about you and when you’re moving to the island.”
