“Come admire my handiwork.”
Chloe followed Meghan to the window display. Three years agothey’d been bemoaning the lack of real-life heroes. Chloe’s boyfriend of nearly a year had cheated on her, leaving her heartbroken. Evan was just the last in a string of romantic disappointments.
Meghan insisted Chloe should pen that novel she’d always wanted to write. And inspiration struck—Chloe could custom-build the hero to her own specifications. If the perfect man didn’t exist, she would simply write him into existence!
And that’s just what she did.
The epic love story featured a young widow who returned to her seaside hometown and reunited with the childhood sweetheart who’d broken her heart years before. With the help of an agent she’d sold it to Rosewood Press.
Ledger Ford had resonated with romance readers on a scale Chloe hadn’t dared to dream of. And then several months after her big launch, her publisher had optioned the story to a major film producer. Was it any wonder Chloe was still pinching herself?
“Any more casting news?” Meghan asked.
Daisy Hughes had been casted as Cate—a perfect pick as far as Chloe was concerned. “I haven’t heard anything lately. I’m so nervous about who they’ll choose to play Ledger. He’s the key to making this movie adaptation work.”
“I’m still hoping for Chris Evans.”
“I put a word in for him, but we’ll see. I hope whoever they settle on has a good reputation, you know?”
“Sure, but the actor and the character aren’t the same thing.”
“I know. I just don’t want any nasty scandals besmirching Ledger’s good name.”
“Well, you’re consulting producer, so you do have some leverage. But I know how important—how personal—this is to you.”
Because, yes, Ledger was the hero of Chloe’s heart. The man she hoped actually existed in real life, somewhere. One who would love her. One who would be loyal to her. One who would stick around.She was willing, eager even, to return the favors. “They’ve been pretty good about keeping me in the loop and hearing my thoughts, but it’s not like I have final say on anything.”
They stopped at the window display. “Where did you get all this sand?”
“The beach, of course. I’m surprised your brother didn’t mention it.”
“What does Sean have to do with it?”
“I asked to borrow his truck and then he ended up helping me. Some environmentalist chased us away, but not before we’d absconded with enough sand for the display. It was actually pretty fun.”
Chloe frowned at the small smile lifting Meghan’s lips. At the secret glimmer in her eyes. Chloe loved her brother, she did. But her friend was in such a vulnerable place, and Sean had a certain charm that tended to leave a trail of heartbroken women in his wake. She feared he’d never settle down.
“What do you think? Are the pails too much?”
“No, it’s great. You’re so creative.” Chloe’s eyes sharpened on the cover of a historical and she reached for the novel. “This looks good. I love the muted colors.”
“It’s set in Chicago in the 1920s. The protagonist is a chocoholic who opens a gourmet chocolate shop.”
“Relatable.” Chloe tucked it under her arm, and they turned for the register. “I should get home and change for work.” She and Sean ran Docksiders Bar and Grille with their mom, who owned the place.
When Meghan was ringing her up, a call buzzed in on Chloe’s phone. It was the executive producer of Chloe’s movie. Her veins instantly flooded with adrenaline. “It’s Simone Jackson.”
“Movie news! Answer it.”
Heart pulsing in her throat, Chloe swiped the screen and greeted the woman.
“Hello, Chloe,” Simone replied. “How are you, dear?”
“Great. I’m doing well. How’s everything for you?”
Meghan jabbed at her palm, mouthing,Speakerphone.
Chloe acquiesced and Simone’s smoky voice filled the bookshop. “I have some excellent news for you, and I couldn’t wait to call you.”
