“What about lunch tomorrow?”
Chloe puts a hand to her mouth. “Yeah, that should work.”
“Great, can I pick you up at noon?”
“Okay. I’ll see you then.”
I watch her duck inside. Her wetsuit squeaks as she walks. I feel relieved and excited that I’ll get to meet up with her in less than twenty-four hours. I’m supposed to be here just for business. That’s what I care about the most, right?
I pound a hand to my forehead. Chloe is not my type in the least. She’s quiet, kind and reserved. I’m more into the aspiring super models and reality star hopefuls. Maybe that makes me shallow, but I don’t want anything serious. I’m not planning to settle down…ever. From what I can tell, Chloe is sweet and genuine. She definitely deserves someone who isn’t commitment averse. My brain knows this, but yet I’m curious.
I can’t believe I’m even thinking about Chloe as more than a deal for my client. I can’t be interested in her, and I definitely can’t date her. It would break my number one rule.
I take a deep breath and pull out my phone. The fact that I’m feeling attracted to a woman like Chloe makes my stomach churn. It’s official. I really am having a midlife crisis. Panic is setting in, so I click on Instagram to find the name of the model who DM’ed me a few weeks ago. She said she was from somewhere near Orlando. Maybe I can meet up with her tonight and remember all the perks of being Bronson Campbell, “the young, up-and-coming agent with movie star looks,” according toTMZ.
Chapter 12
Chloe
Iraceupstairstochange out of my wetsuit. My thighs burn from all the pop up reps. I’m supposed to pick Benjamin up in thirty minutes, but my brain is functioning in slow motion, trying to process the events of the last hour. Bronson Campbell, the hottest literary agent in the business…literally and professionally, came to Sunshine Shores to see me. He has a handful of impressive clients, but Mitch Landry is the top of them all.
And Mitch Landry wants to work directly with me…and co-write a book with me. I pick up a magazine and fan myself with it. I really need to free myself from this rubber body suit. I mechanically peel it from my skin and jump in the shower.
As water hits my body, I replay seeing Bronson. His presence made me catatonic. Did I black out? I hope I didn’t drool. What did I even say to him? I think I was frozen for the first five minutes. I duck my head under the water stream hoping it will confirm this is real life. Water goes up my nose, choking me. Yep, I’m conscious. I cough up water. This isn’t a dream.
After my speed rinse, I scan over the clothes hanging in my closet. Jeans, a tank top and blazer will have to do. It’s toasty outside, but it’s the most casual clothing in my wardrobe. I slide my feet into my new flip-flops and grin thinking about Leo. These Rainbows might as well be glass slippers because I’m feeling like Cinderella.
Hollywood doesn’t even know it yet, but Prince Charming is real. He’s incognito as a construction working, single dad surfer named Leo Cruz. The craziest part is that he’s interested in me. And he’s not just a far off crush. He’s buying me flip-flops and giving me surfing lessons and kissing me like I’m a princess. If these flip-flops weren’t so comfortable, I might frame them.
I catch a glimpse of my watch, and I realize I need to leave immediately to pick up Benjamin or I’ll be late. I head down the stairs and let out a gasp. Bronson Campbell is sitting at the island, scrolling on his phone. He’s still here…alone…in my aunt’s house, lounging like he’s starring in a Home Goods commercial.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” Bronson sounds amused by my shock.
“Oh it’s okay. I’m just heading out…Where’d the other two go?”
“They went for a walk…on the beach.” He draws out the second half of his statement.
My head tilts to the side as I ponder the implications. There’s no way anything…romantic is happening between Bronson’s grandfather and my aunt is there?
Bronson watches me, and I can tell we’re both wondering the same thing. I have no idea how to feel about this potential situation, and I don’t have time to mull it over.
“Interesting…” is all I can think to say. “Sorry to rush off, but I have to get going.”
“See you tomorrow,” Bronson calls.
I put my hand on the door handle and wave.
There is too much happening all at once for my brain to comprehend. How did I get here again? First, I had a surfing lesson with Leo. I met his son. We walked on the beach. We kissed. Eek that’s by far my favorite thing of the morning. Oh, and he asked me out on a dinner date tonight. Then, I arrived home only to find Bronson Campbell in the kitchen.
Crazy. Mind-bending. I still cannot believe it. As if his presence wasn’t enough to completely throw me out of whack…he told me that Mitch Landry wants to hire me directly to edit his manuscript AND CO-WRITE A BOOK with him.What is happening!?And now, my aunt is walking on the beach with Bronson’s grandfather.
I’m not sure how much more I can take. But I need to put it all on the back-burner because I am on my way to pick up Leo’s nine-year-old son, Benjamin. I wish there was an off button on my brain, because I’ll most likely obsess over this situation until it’s resolved or I burn myself out.
I’m really enjoying my first week in Sunshine Shores. Leo has a lot to do with it, but being here with Aunt Val in an amazing beach house has been fun too. I couldn’t ask for a more inspirational place to pursue writing, but investing time into something that might not pay off is a risk. I only have so much in my savings account. I’m going to need to get a job sooner or later.
I should seriously consider Bronson’s offer. Working with Mitch would give me real writing experience…at least after I finish editing his current manuscript.
My hands are sweaty as I grip the steering wheel. Do I want to go back to editing? Maybe it would be worth it if it means working with one of the best in the business. I could get valuable feedback. There’s a chance he could help me with my manuscript, which I still need a title for. I’m currently calling itAdelena’s Story…but I’m thinking something along the lines of:Adelena Against the Authority. Is that lame? Mitch Landry might know what to call it.
