A hopeful expression replaces the upset one on her face. “Are you really going to stay here in Beverly Hills with us?”
I let out a chuckle. “Well, maybe not Beverly Hills, but I’ll find a place somewhere in LA.”
A happy smile returns to her beautiful features. “I’m really glad you’re here, Nova.”
My heart fills with warmth as I reply, “Me too.”
Chapter 7
Nova
Oh my God. My feet are aching something fierce.
Lainey shopped until I was ready to drop. After stopping to get milkshakes at The Sweet Spot, Izak drove us to Santa Monica Beach.
My gaze is glued to the waves rolling in as I push open the door to get out of the SUV.
Oh God. The smells. The sounds. The sights. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.
I stand and stare at the ocean for a few seconds before Lainey says, “Take off your shoes so we can leave them in the SUV.”
The moment I slip off my flats, I can’t help but groan as I wiggle my toes.
That feels sooooo good.
“My shoes were killing me,” I chuckle while we walk toward the stretch of sand. When we step onto the beach and I feel the soft sand beneath my feet, a wide smile spreads over my face. “Gosh, it’s so beautiful.”
“I like coming here,” Lainey says.
“I’ve never seen the ocean before,” I admit. “Well, apart from in magazines and on TV.”
She points at a spot. “Let’s sit over there.”
I can’t tear my eyes away from the waves as I plop down beside Lainey. For a minute or two, we drink our creamy milkshakes while enjoying the view, then Lainey asks, “Can I tell you a secret?”
I turn my full attention to her. “Of course.”
A shy smile ghosts around her lips. “There’s this boy. Tyrel. He gave me a chocolate. I was happy until I heard that he gave one to both Casey and Abigail as well.”
“That sucks,” I mutter.
She gives me a questioning look. “I know I should ignore Tyrel because he’s a player. But ...” I patiently wait for her to finish. “But I really like him. I feel stupid.”
Lifting my right hand, I brush my palm over her hair. “Oh, sweetie. You’re not stupid. It’s okay to like him, but don’t let him walk all over you. You deserve the moon and the stars and everything in between.”
If only I’d taken my own advice in the past.
Her eyebrows draw together. “Why are boys like that?”
“Not all boys,” I reply. I glance at the ocean before admitting, “There are men like your uncle who are amazing. One day, you’ll meet a nice boy who only wants to give you chocolates and no one else.”
She lets out a sigh. “I hope so.” She thinks for a moment, then says, “He has a twin brother, Shiloh, who’s always polite. But he’s always awkward around me.”
My smile widens. “Maybe he’s awkward because he likes you.”
Her eyes widen. “You think so?”
“I’m awkward around men I like,” I admit. “The more I like a guy, the more I turn into a bumbling idiot.”
