He put the last plate in the dishwasher, aiming that laser at the side of Hayley’s head.Do not tell her.
“Oh, my family is nice enough. It’s big though. Lots of cousins. My mom has seven siblings, so—”
“Goodness. I can’t even imagine. I have no siblings and only two cousins. A big family sounds like a lot of fun though.”
“It’s a lot of something,” Hayley said dryly.
Sam closed the dishwasher door at the same time Hayley scooted back from the table. “Well, I really should run. I’m going to spend the night with a friend.”
Hayley thanked Sadie again as the two said their goodbyes, sharing hugs, even.Women.
While Sadie started the dishwasher, Sam walked Hayley to the door.
She turned on the stoop and patted his cheek. “Relax, bro. I got you covered.”
Then she turned and hopped down the stoop before getting into her rusty Saturn.
Hard to believe the girl was old enough to drive, much less appreciate the nuances of his complicated feelings. But apparently she was old enough for both.
Eighteen
Like dominoes, each scene in your story should cause a toppling effect that keeps the action flowing throughout the novel.
—Romance Writing 101
What was taking that woman so long to return her call? Sadie’s bare toes dug into the deep sand with each step as she checked her phone. On a leash, Rio trotted alongside her. The late-afternoon sun beat down from a clear blue sky, and a warm breeze fluttered her shirt and tugged at her hair.
She’d tried to call Mary twice today and had gotten voice mail both times—her inbox was too full to take another message.
On a positive note Sadie had gotten a text from Gillian this morning, raving about the synopsis. Sadie had danced a jig on her deck in full public view.
Unfortunately, Erin hadn’t gotten back to her agent by the end of yesterday, so Sadie would have to wait till Monday to hearher opinion. Hopefully she loved it, too, and it would be approved at pub board on Tuesday.
If it was, Sadie could start writing the novel itself on Wednesday. That would give her just over two months to finish it—a challenge, for sure. But since the plot was based in reality, the writing should go quickly. She hoped.
She reached the public-access path and checked the Little Library on her way back to the house. New books appeared here and there. Someone had put a lovely conch shell inside the box.
Sadie straightened the books and headed back inside. The copy ofChristywas safely tucked away in her nightstand drawer. If Mary would just call, they could get all this figured out. Sadie couldn’t wait to return that ring and see the look on that man’s face.
In the kitchen she refilled Rio’s water dish and ruffled her fur. “Drink up, sweetheart. Can’t have you getting dehydrated now, can we?”
Next she started dinner, which consisted of reheating last night’s shrimp scampi. The evening before floated through her mind, inducing a wistful smile. Sam had been so funny. It was obvious he hadn’t wanted his sister there. Why, she couldn’t imagine. Hayley was delightful with her youthful energy and wry sense of humor. She obviously enjoyed tormenting her brother. Having no siblings herself, Sadie was intrigued by the relationship and enjoyed watching the dynamics between the two.
When the scampi was reheated, Sadie carried it to the dining room and sat down, scanning the empty table. She missed eating with her roommate on occasion. She’d love to go out to dinner and sample some of the island’s restaurants, but it wasn’t really in the budget. Besides, she disliked the thought of dining alone.She briefly considered inviting Sam over. He was home—she’d heard his truck pull into the drive.
But she’d already invited him over to watch a movie and have dinner. The ball was in his court now. She hoped their friendship would continue though. She enjoyed his company and wondered if anything more could develop between the two of them.
More to the point: Did she want it to?
She’d never been in a relationship that had developed outside of traditional dating. She was accustomed to cutting things off after a first or second date when she realized the man in question didn’t suit for whatever reason. And sometimes her date didn’t ask her out again. Fair enough.
But she knew Sam fairly well now. And sometimes he did regard her in a way that made her insides flutter. Made her skin flush with heat. The moment she’d awakened against his side on the sofa, for instance. She’d definitely gotten the feeling he hadn’t minded her closeness.
Was he interested in something more than friendship?
Her pulse thudded in her chest at the thought. Excitement? Fear? Maybe a little of both. With regard to Sam, she hadn’t seen any red flags yet, though his recent failed relationship might still be a factor. Was he still in love with the woman? Hmm.
He was a little broody, but that seemed to have waned as they’d gotten to know each other.
