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“Oh no, I’ve been writing, and I could use a break. Come on in. The kitchen is right through here.” She laughed. “Oh yeah, you lived here, so you would know that.”
They strolled back to the kitchen and Alyssa placed the cookies on the granite counter and Sophie filled the kettle. While the tea brewed, they chatted about the weather and all those trivial things that made it easier to feel comfortable in a small room with a total stranger.
Returning to the living room, they settled onto the comfy couch. Sophie sampled a cookie and her eyes fluttered shut and she moaned. Alyssa wasn’t kidding about the cookies being fame worthy. “Oh my god, these are amazing.”
Alyssa’s lips twitched. “I’m glad you like them. So you’re a writer? What are you working on?”
“My first novel. I quit my job and figured isolating myself would really help me focus on writing. You know, new place, no friends, no distractions.” Although the Morgan siblings weren’t helping with their impromptu visits.
“Except for me dropping in unannounced. Sorry about that. But that’s amazing. You’re braver than me. Were you scared to walk away from the security of a regular paycheck?”
“No, seriously, I needed a break and I appreciate you stopping by.” She pressed a hand to Alyssa’s slender arm. “To tell you the truth, my mom, my ex-boss, and most of my friends think I’ve lost my mind. I was on track to be promoted to managing editor forHealthy Womanmagazine, but I felt trapped. Like if I took that position, I’d work sixty hours forever and never write my novel.”
Why was it so easy to express herself to Alyssa when she’d found it challenging to explain her fears to people who’d known her for years? Doug had always mocked her secret ambitions, never understanding her creative drive.
Alyssa tilted her head. “I think that’s wonderful. What do they say? You only regret the things you don’t try? What’s it about?”
“Funny, I just said that last night… Anyway, without going into detail, the book is about love, loss, and redemption. But I’m not ready to share details, sorry.” She sipped her tea and contemplated a second cookie.
Alyssa waved a hand. “No worries. I get it. Some people love to share, and others keep it close to their heart. So have you had a chance to explore Laguna yet?”
“Not really. My priority is writing, although I’d love any Vinyasa yoga studio recommendations. With my new cookie habit, I really need to balance out my days with some physical activity.”
“I love yoga. I go to a great studio called Om Yoga. Why don’t you come with me tomorrow morning? My favorite teacher’s class starts at nine. And maybe we could grab breakfast afterward?”
Happiness filled her. “Sure, I’d love to. Thanks so much for offering.”
“Thanks so much for taking a few moments to hang out. I know it can be tough to start fresh somewhere new.” Alyssa set down her cup and stood. “Did Nick make sure you have everything you need?”
Sophie pressed one hand to her belly. “Uh…yeah…sure. I’m good.”
Considering Nick and “need” in the same sentence would send her down a dangerous path. Last night had been a sleepless one, punctuated by memories of his firm lips on hers. Imagining what his tanned skin looked like below the open collar of his shirt. Fantasizing about if the rest of his body was as hard and sinewy as his muscular forearms.
Alyssa’s eyes widened, and Sophie prayed she hadn’t caught her hesitation. She needed a friend a lot more than she needed to get involved with any man. Because she planned to employ some self-discipline and avoid him at all costs.
No more smooth-talking, fast-moving gorgeous players for her.
No distractions.
CHAPTER5
After an hour of vigorous Vinyasa yoga, Sophie melted into her mat, every cell in her body warm and soft. Sometimes turning off her overactive brain was tough, but today she’d found blessed relaxation during Savasana, yoga’s final resting pose.
Bliss.
When the teacher invited them to return to a seated position, contentment filled her. Daily yoga practice was her new life’s missing puzzle piece. Life suddenly seemed simple. She rolled up her green yoga mat, grabbed her aluminum water bottle, and smiled over at Alyssa.
“You were so right. This was fantastic. Exactly what I needed.”
Alyssa’s smile was serene. “Yes, she’s inspiring, right? I love her class, and the other instructors here are great too.”
Together, they headed to brunch. Strolling down the quaint cobblestone sidewalk off the main drag in Laguna, Sophie drank in the scenery.
“Wow, Laguna is so charming. I can’t believe how different it feels from San Diego. It even smells different. More fragrant somehow.”
Alyssa nodded. “I agree. San Diego is gorgeous, but there’s something special about this little stretch of coast. It reminds me of the Riviera. Have you ever been?”
“I have. My mom’s from Agen, a small town in the South of France. We used to travel there when I was a kid and visited Nice and Antibes. I love it.” Sophie’s stomach growled. “Are we close?”
