Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Damien forced a smile. “Yeah, just needed a breather. Let’s head back in.” He slung a brotherly arm around her shoulders and could feel her surprise at the gesture. He wanted to tell her he was sorry for how he’d behaved about Jay. But he couldn’t find the right words.
He sighed. It was like all his best words were tied up in song lyrics, with none left over for real life.
On her way to the kitchen, her feelings in a whirl after her dance with Damien, Crystal nearly bumped into Dane Harrington, a tycoon who’d built a worldwide empire of health spas and resorts. She’d staged a few events at his resorts and was always impressed at the quality of everything he did. His blue eyes twinkled as he put a hand on her shoulders to stop her from crashing into him. She felt foolish and exposed, not her usual cool, professional self. Dane was with Cammie Chandler, gorgeous in a green dress that complemented her green eyes. Her red hair was curled in ringlets and hung past her shoulders.
Cammie smiled broadly at Crystal and said, “Dane and I were just saying how good you and Damien looked together on the dance floor.”
Crystal felt as though Cammie could see right into her, see her longing for the man she could never have. She pulled herself together and put on her professional mask. “I’m just the party planner,” she replied in a lighthearted tone. “I was getting Damien away from an overenthusiastic fan. It’s part of my job. He’s a rock star. He could have anyone.” Why was she babbling—pretty much admitting to her unprofessional feelings? What was wrong with her?
Cammie’s smile became almost too understanding. Crystal felt as though the other woman had been exactly where she was now and understood how she felt.
Cammie said, “I was Dane’s personal assistant, so I completely get that.” And then more softly, she added, “But things can change. People can change.”
Dane laughed, putting an arm around Cammie. “And now we’re so much more than people who work together.”
Crystal was truly happy for them. She could see how much these two loved one another. Sure, Cinderella stories still happened, but she’d been Cinderella for fifteen years, waiting around for Prince Charming to see her as more than a friend.
If it hadn’t happened by now, she doubted it ever would.
Chapter Four
Crystal’s heels clicked on the hardwood floor of Anna’s Café as she entered, the scent of freshly ground beans and warm pastries enveloping her. Her gaze immediately landed on Erin, tucked away at a cozy corner table, a steaming mug cradled in her hands. Crystal hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with the strap of her purse. This was the sisters’ sacred space, and she felt like an intruder in their weekly Tuesday ritual, even though Mila had insisted she join them today.
Taking a deep breath, Crystal straightened her shoulders and approached the table. Erin looked up, her strawberry-blonde hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window, her face lighting up with a smile just as warm.
“Crystal! I’m so glad you could make it,” Erin gestured to the empty chair across from her. “It always feels like it’s been too long. I miss you.”
As Crystal slid into the chair, she returned the smile, feeling some of her tension ease. “Thanks for inviting me. I hope I’m not interrupting your sister time.”
Erin waved her hand dismissively. “Not at all. It’s wonderful to have you join us.”
A pen and notebook lay open in front of her, a telltale sign of her journalistic habits. She wondered if Erin had been jotting down ideas for her next article.
“How have you been?” Crystal asked, settling into the comfortable atmosphere. “Any exciting news at the Sea Shell?”
Erin’s eyes sparkled. “Actually, yes. I’m working on a piece about the annual spelling bee.”
Crystal smiled at Erin’s enthusiasm. “That’s wonderful, Erin. Your articles always capture the heart of Carmel so beautifully.”
She ordered herself an iced latte and as they chatted, Crystal couldn’t help but feel a mix of warmth and curiosity. There was something in Erin’s demeanor, a subtle excitement that hinted at more than just catching up over coffee. Crystal found herself wondering what other topics might come up in their conversation, and whether she’d had enough coffee yet to navigate the complexities of the Davenport family dynamics.
The café door opened, and a gust of salty ocean air swept in along with Tessa and Mila. Crystal’s eyes widened as she took in the stark contrast between Erin’s sister and their new sister-in-law. Tessa looked serene in earth-toned linen, Mila a vibrant whirlwind in a colorful sundress. Which was funny, as Tessa was the painter.
Mila waved as she spotted them. “There’s my favorite crew!” she exclaimed, bounding over with the fluid grace of a surfer riding a perfect wave. “Crys, you made it.”