Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“That’s something of an exaggeration. But I just can’t date as casually as you. You can go out and have fun without ever seeming to get too attached. You manage to keep your focus on your career and surfing and being there for the rest of the family. I don’t know how you do it.”
Mila said, “I guess that’s all true. Well, apart from you-know-who… but that was another lifetime.”
There was a pause, and then Erin said, “I think Mom and Dad have spoiled me for real life. Their love story is such a perfect fairy tale, and all these years later, they still crush on each other like teens.”
“You’ve always been a sucker for a good story,” Mila said. “Ever since we were kids. Go figure you ended up a journalist. But don’t you want some excitement in your life? Someone who makes you shiver with anticipation when you see his name on your phone?”
Tessa took her time zipping up the dress. That was exactly how she felt whenever Arch sent her a message—like a bubble of excitement was bursting inside of her.
She walked back into the bedroom where the Davenport sisters were waiting. Erin was staring dreamily into the distance, a faraway look in her usually lively eyes. “Sex and love aren’t everything. I’m comfortable being single, and I like my life. I know I could be a journalist anywhere, but I like working at the Sea Shell, and I’m happy in Carmel. I know the rest of you think I’m boring, but for me, being safe feels good.”
“I can totally empathize,” Tessa found herself saying as both of the women realized she had come back into the room. “Sometimes it’s nice to just stay in your lane and know what’s coming.”
Another look between the sisters. But then Mila jumped up. “The green was amazing on you, but this little black dress is classic.”
Erin nodded. “Elegant and understated. And yet, still sexy.”
“That’s Tessa’s figure,” Mila said. “She’d look sexy in anything.”
Tessa looked in the mirror. She felt more comfortable in this dress. It had a halter neck, black bugle beads to give it sparkle, but the cut was classic little black dress. It hugged her figure without overtly advertising her wares.
Erin came closer so she was also reflected in the mirror. “It looks amazing. Much more subtle. And we can liven it up with accessories. I can do your makeup, too, if you’d like. And Mila’s a genius with hot rollers. We could have you looking old-school Hollywood glam before you go to the airport. It’d be so much fun.”
The sisters were both so excited that Tessa agreed to all of it—the dress, the makeup, the hair. If she was going to play at being glamorous for this event, then she should accept all the help she was offered. It would take a whole team to complete her for-one-night-only transformation.
“What about shoes?” Mila asked. “I’m two sizes bigger than you.”
Tessa was surprised. “How do you know my shoe size?”
Mila stuck out her foot in its gorgeous tan pump. “I have eyes in my head. I’m a size eight. You’re what, a six and a half?”
“Good guess. I’m a six.” She’d never have noticed the other woman’s shoe size. Mila was amazingly observant. “It’s okay. I’ve got nice black shoes. I’ll polish them, and they’ll work fine.”
Chapter Thirty-One
When the day of the awards ceremony arrived, Arch was surprised to find he was excited about it. He’d been to countless events like these, and although they could be fun, they usually dragged on and involved a lot of smiling and staying on your best behavior, even when you were bored to tears and dying to leave. By the end of the night, he would have been kissed and hugged so often he’d carry the scent of other people’s colognes and perfumes on him until he showered it all off.
His excitement was all down to Tessa. He was so eager to be out with her in public and introduce her to some of his friends in the business. And he couldn’t wait to see her in the dress. He knew she was nervous about the whole thing, but with any luck, the dress would make her feel like the timeless beauty she really was. She fit into his world, and it was time she knew it.
They’d awakened together, and he’d had a few minutes to gaze at her beautiful face before she opened her stunning blue eyes to greet the day.
And oh, how they’d greeted it…
He still couldn’t believe how much he longed for her when she woke, even after a night of great sex. They’d been slow and lazy, which was wonderful. She’d reached for him as though it was the most natural thing in the world, and he’d hardened instantly as her hand wrapped around him. He leaned over, finding her already wet, and they’d caressed each other until he couldn’t stand it anymore and slid inside her, taking his time, until slow and lazy became urgent and energetic.