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)
As he walked through the door, it was as though everybody else in the room disappeared, as though they were in an alternative European movie. She was only aware of Archer. She ought to tear her gaze away, but she couldn’t seem to stop staring.
He glanced up as though feeling her gaze on him. How embarrassing. She quickly turned to Margaret, mortified that he’d caught her.
But in only a minute, he was right there beside her. “Tessa, Margaret, glad you could make it.”
She couldn’t believe he was talking to her. Of all the beautiful women in the world, of all the beautiful women in Carmel, of all the beautiful women in that room, he was talking to her. She was certain it was kindness. He must be aware she didn’t know anyone, and he obviously had a soft spot for Margaret Percy. Still, for just a moment, she let herself indulge in the pleasure of having her twelve-year-old crush—that seemed to have turned into a thirty-two-year-old crush—standing there talking to her.
“You look beautiful.”
As practiced as that compliment must be, in that moment as he gazed at her, she really did feel beautiful. And she wished quite suddenly that she wasn’t wearing her best jeans, but some designer frock from Paris that she’d never be able to afford. That was the kind of woman he should be with. The kind who didn’t totter in high heels and was on a first-name basis with couture designers.
She managed a soft, “Thank you.”
“Margaret’s obviously found her tribe. Let me introduce you to my family.”
She was so surprised and speechless at the idea of Archer wanting her to meet his family that she let him lead her away. When she finally found her voice again, she said, “It’s okay, I’m sure you have lots to do and lots of people to speak with. It’s your father’s birthday after all.”
“Trust me,” Archer said with a grin—one that was so sexy it made her heart beat even faster than it already was. “He’s had his pound of flesh and more. He had me gardening this morning, and I’ve been fetching and carrying pretty much since I left you on the beach. Even I’m allowed a dinner break.”
She hid her smile and decided that if he wanted to introduce her to his family, she wasn’t about to argue. He led her first to where a tall, athletic-looking woman stood in a corner with a petite strawberry-blonde. The tall woman had hair so blonde it was nearly white. Tessa guessed that she must spend a lot of time in the sun—or in the beauty salon. But something about her suggested the former. Her toned shoulders and arms were set off to advantage by a short black dress. Her legs weren’t slim, but they were muscular and gorgeous. She stood as though she were on the prow of a ship. No, as though she were on a surfboard. One foot slightly back, the other forward, her body inching ever so slightly toward the center of the room. She had eyes the color of the sea, blue-green, and was obviously in a good mood as she and her friend laughed together.
Archer said, “Mila, I want you to meet Tessa. She’s new to Carmel.”
The woman’s eyes lit up as they shook hands. “New to Carmel as in looking for a house?” There was determination and focus in the gaze that assessed Tessa.
Arch nudged Mila’s shoulder. “We’re not here to sell anybody a house. It’s Dad’s birthday.”
She shrugged, not seeming at all bothered by his comment. “A Realtor’s always doing business.” Then she grinned. “That’s how I got to be one of the top Realtors in Carmel-by-the-Sea.”
“She’s modest too,” he said to Tessa with a fond shake of his head.
Tessa had never met anyone who seemed so fearless. Even though she felt intimidated by this dynamic woman, at the same time she wanted to know her better. Because Mila was so bold, she felt she could be too. “I’d have guessed you were an athlete.”
For an instant, pure pain crossed Mila’s beautiful face, and Tessa wished she’d kept her mouth shut. She knew all about private pain, but it was too late. The words were out, and she couldn’t call them back.
“I used to be,” was all Mila said.
Before the silence could grow more awkward, Archer said, “And this is my youngest sister, Erin.”
For a second, Tessa was surprised that these two were related. Mila was so tall and muscular, while Erin was petite and not someone you would notice when you first walked into a room. At least, not when she was standing beside Mila.
Erin said, “I’m happy to meet you, Tessa. How do you like Carmel so far?”
She was pleased that she could say honestly, “I love it. I think Carmel-by-the-Sea is the most beautiful town I’ve ever been in.”