“I can hardly wait to get started.” Once on the deck, Sadie stopped dancing, but excess energy had her bouncing on her toes. “I can’t tell you how inspired I feel about this story. I hope I can bring it to life on the page.”
“We never doubted your ability to do just that. But since the schedule is a little tight and the genre is new to you, I thought maybe you could send me the story in batches. That way, if there are any major issues we can catch them as you go.”
“I’d love to have your input as I write. How many pages would you like to see at a time?”
“Oh, whatever you’re comfortable with—seventy-five pages perhaps? Or one hundred?”
“One hundred sounds great. That should give me time to lay down the premise and get the story off the ground.”
“When can I expect to see the first pages? I know you’re on a tight deadline, and if I get it in my schedule, I’ll be able to provide quick feedback.”
Sadie did some quick mental math. She’d have to write sixty-five pages a week, so she should be able to easily produce a hundred pages in less than two weeks. But the destination wedding fell during that time, and she wouldn’t get much writing done there. She should also work in a little wiggle room in case she struggled with the story. “How about July seventh? Will that work for you?”
“That would be perfect. I’ll pencil you in. We’re so delighted you’re going this direction, Sadie, and I can’t wait to read your story.”
Sadie beamed. “Thank you for all your in-house support, Erin. It means so much to me and I can’t wait to write this story.”
After they said their goodbyes, Sadie let out a loud whoop, then looked up into the heavens. “Thank You, thank You, thank You!”
Her gaze fell on her dog. “I can’t believe it!” Rio stopped sniffing the sea oats long enough to glance at Sadie. “They liked my proposal and now I’m going to write a romance novel and hopefully it’ll sell a bajillion copies, and I won’t have to pay back my advance. Woo-hoo!”
Rio went back to sniffing.
She had to tell Sam. She rushed toward his door and knocked, barely resisting the urge to barge inside. He must be home by now, but he was taking forever to answer.Come on, Sam.You’re killing me here.
A moment later he slid open the door, seemingly fresh from his shower.
Sadie flung herself into his arms. “They liked my proposal! I’m going to be a romance writer.”
His welcoming embrace was like a warm bubble bath at the end of a difficult day. “Hey... that’s great, Sadie. I’m so happy for you.”
“It’s going to be a whirlwind—I only have eight weeks to produce a whole novel, but I couldn’t be more excited even though I’m a little scared. What if I can’t do it? What if I get writer’s block? Oh my gosh, what have I done?”
His husky chuckle stirred the hair at her temple—and her heart. “You can do it. I have no doubt.”
She smiled against his chest. She could’ve stayed on the beach with Jared when the call came in—then she would’ve been able to share her news with him. She’d told him she was on the island to write, after all. But she hadn’t wanted to share this moment with Jared. She’d wanted to share it with Sam.
Because he’d become such a good friend.
Her friend’s heart thumped in her ear. Once again her celebratory hug seemed to have shifted into embrace territory. How did that keep happening?
She had to be more careful. It wouldn’t do to fall for a man she could have no future with.
Sadie slipped from his arms, meeting his gaze.
His eyes crinkled and his dimple was out in full force.
She fought against the magnetic pull. “Sorry. I seem to be beside myself with excitement and nerves right now. I guess I’m kind of a mess. I truly can’t wait to get started. I can’t believe I’m saying that about this novel—but I’m actually dying to get started.”
“Go for it. Write when the inspiration strikes.”
She stepped out his door. “You’re right. I’m off to work. Wish me luck.”
“Have fun. And congratulations.”
If he said anything else, she didn’t hear it. She was already beating a path for her apartment and the laptop she’d left sitting on the living room sofa.
Twenty-Six
