Bayside Evenings Page 18

  "I handed out several business cards." She glanced inside at the bulletin board. "And it looks like I'm going to have to restock the brochures."

  "Like I said."

  Catcalls and whistles sounded. Twice as many bubbles appeared all around the crowd. Charlotte and Hugh waved and blew kisses from the limo's sunroof as the brightly-colored vehicle's engine roared to life.

  Someone called out for them to kiss. Then another and another, until the entire crowd demanded one last kiss for show.

  Hugh cupped Charlotte's face and planted such an intense display of affection that Dakota turned away, embarrassed. Celebrities definitely had their own way of doing things.

  A moment later, the limousine pulled forward. Charlotte laughed and waved again to everyone. Soon, they were out of sight and the guests dispersed into the parking lot.

  "We should probably start cleaning up," Clay said.

  Dakota shook her head. "My entire cleaning staff is on duty tonight. Our only job is some serious rest and relaxation. Especially for you—you saved the day."

  He pulled some hair behind his ears. "Hardly. I just figured out what she needed to hear, then I said it."

  "Yeah, but I couldn't do that. If I'd have kept talking, she'd probably be in Seattle right now, eating from a tub of ice cream and drinking wine while watching some sappy movie."

  Clay arched a brow. "That's pretty specific. Have you been there?"

  She glanced away. "That's just what girls do when they're upset."

  "Hey, I'm not knockin' it. So, are you sure you don't want any help with anything?"

  "No. I just have a few loose ends to tie up, and then I'm going to crash."

  "I can—"

  Dakota shoved him. "I'm serious. Go home and get some rest. We have a lot of work next week updating the policies."

  "Sounds like good times." He paused. "Maybe I'll see you before then?"

  She smiled. "Give me a call."

  He nodded. "Can't wait."

  Dakota's breath caught. She would have to work on one policy as soon as possible.

  Clay opened his mouth to say something, but Marina ran over with a harried expression. She looked at Clay. "Do you know where the microphone is that the best man had for his speech?"

  "I think he put it on that shelf near the DJ."

  "Can you show me? I didn't see it."

  "Sure."

  Dakota exchanged a quick smile with Clay as he headed toward the reception hall with Marina. She headed for her office to clear her head. She paced, but felt like she needed to do something with her hands, so she pulled out some files that hadn't yet been entered into the computer system. Her mind raced—there was no way she could concentrate on them. She dumped them on the desk and knocked over some other papers. Sighing, she picked everything off the floor and set them on the desk without even glancing at them.

  She felt like she should do something, but it was time to go home and rest. Her entire body ached, calling for a hot bubble bath—that would help rid her of the nervous energy. She gathered some papers from her desk, making sure to get the sketch she'd drawn of Clay. The last thing she'd wanted was for him to see it. She'd have died of embarrassment.

  Out in the main part of the building, things were much quieter. It appeared that most everyone had left, except for the cleaning staff. A vacuum sounded from the direction of the reception hall and a janitor was mopping the main entrance.

  She walked around him to the door.

  He tipped his hat toward her. "Goodnight."

  "'Night." She flashed him a smile and hurried out to her car.

  As she drove, her mind drifted to Clay's discussion with Charlotte at the bay. It made her heart skip a beat thinking over his words of wisdom about love and relationships. It was as though he was also talking to Dakota at the same time he spoke to Charlotte.

  He'd said something along the lines of Hugh being a winner, but Clay was the real catch.

  Suddenly, she knew without a doubt what she needed to do—throw out her policy about mixing work with pleasure. Not only get rid of it, but rip it to shreds and burn it.

  Twenty-Nine

  The next morning, Dakota woke up with a smile on her face. Now that she'd decided to throw out her outdated policy, she couldn't wait to see Clay. The thought of his gorgeous, smiling face was enough to make her heart expand and swallow her whole.

  Hopefully he had no plans for the day because she wanted to surprise him with coffee and go on a really romantic date. They could go for a bike ride or hike in the woods—she'd do anything he suggested. As long as they were together and she could run her hands along his stubble and kiss those lips, she didn't care if they were at a pig farm.

  She practically soared out of bed and floated into the shower. Not only would they have a wonderful day together, but she would get to see him at work all week long, too. Her life had gone from always finding the wrong guy to having found the best one around—and he felt the same way about her, also.

  Once she looked perfect, she rushed out the door and into her car. She thought about calling him first—what if he was still sleeping? But she didn't want to. Part of her wanted him to answer the door in flannel pajama pants and a ratty t-shirt. She just wanted to see the look of surprise on his face and then kiss him like she'd never kissed anyone before.

  She headed for her favorite coffee stand, ready to pick up two drinks.

  Dakota slowed before she got there. She thought she saw Clay's bike parked on the side of the road. She slowed, seeing that it was his, and parked in front of the jewelry store again. Confusion swept through her as she also parked along the curb.

  What was going on?

  She craned her neck to look inside. Clay was in there, looking at something. The jeweler stood on the other side of the counter, talking. Then he handed Clay a little black, square box.

  Dakota's throat closed up. Disappointment crushed her.

  He couldn't be buying back Lauryn's engagement ring, could he? All that talk about not being able to see love when it was right in front of you…? No, he couldn't have been talking about Lauryn. He just couldn't have.

  Her entire body trembled.

  Last time this had happened, she'd made assumptions and ran off.

  Not this time. As much as she felt like throwing up, she had to find out what was going on.

  Her heart sank at the thought of confronting him. What if he really had changed his mind about Lauryn? They'd been together forever. Maybe the—whatever he and Dakota had—what if it was just the catalyst he needed to see that his old girlfriend was actually the one for him?

  Still shaking, she grabbed her purse and cut the engine. Whatever he was doing, she needed to know right then. She hurried inside the shop.

  Both Clay and the jeweler turned to her in surprise. Clay's eyes widened larger than she'd ever seen.

  That couldn't be good.

  "Can I help you?" asked the jeweler. "I'm about to close shop."

  She shook her head, trying to gain her bearings. "No, thanks."

  "Okay. Feel free to stop by tomorrow." He disappeared into a backroom.

  "What's that?" Dakota asked Clay and nodded toward the box in his hand.

  "Oh, this?"

  "Did you change your mind about the engagement?" Her voice wavered.

  He quickly hid the black box behind his back. "Well, when you know you've met the right person, it only—"

  "Well, she's very lucky."

  "I hope she thinks so."

  Tears stung Dakota's eyes. She reached for the door. "Offer Lauryn my congratulations."

  Confusion washed over his face. "What? No, this is a different ring."

  Dakota swallowed. "That's nice. I'm sure she'll be happy with—"

  Clay came over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Would you stop? I told you Lauryn's out of my life, and I meant it. This is a different ring for a different girl."

  Dakota stared at him, too dumbstruck to speak. Who did he mean?


  "I know this is premature, and now a little awkward, but I wanted to have this,"—he held up the little box—"for when the right moment came up. I didn't want to miss the perfect opportunity because I wasn't ready."

  Her mouth dropped open. Realization smacked her in the face. "You mean…?"

  Clay held her gaze and ran his fingertips along her jawline. "I never knew what love was before. I thought I did, but I was wrong. Now I do. You've shown me—it's wonderful and beautiful, just like you."

  She stared at him, now shaking for an entirely different reason.

  "I love you, Dakota. I just hope that knowing about the ring doesn't scare you away."

  Breathless, she shook her head.

  He tipped her chin up and pressed his lips against hers. "I don't ever want you to doubt how I feel about you again."

  She nodded, still holding his gaze. "Can I see it?"

  "The ring?" His eyes widened. "Well, I was going to wait until… you know… later."

  Her heart thundered against her ribcage. "But you want to give it to me?"

  Clay nodded.

  "Show me," she whispered.

  He took a deep breath and stepped back. "This isn't how I pictured it, but okay." He lowered himself down onto one knee.

  Dakota's pulse went afire. He was really doing this.

  Clay opened the box and held a beautiful diamond ring that shone brightly in the lights of the store. He looked into her eyes. "Dakota, you're the most amazing woman I've ever met. Gorgeous and kindhearted. Sweet and funny. The perfect mixture of everything. More importantly, you make me want to be a better man." He cleared his throat. "Will you marry me?"

  Her vision blurred. "Yes. I will." She grinned, trying to blink her tears away, and fell to her knees. "I love you, too, Clay." Dakota threw her arms around him and pressed her lips on his. He kissed her back with equal passion and excitement before pulling back.

  He carefully took the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. It was the perfect fit.

  Dakota held her hand out and looked at the ring from every angle, hardly able to believe that was an engagement ring on her finger. She glanced up at Clay, happier than she ever thought possible. "I'm sorry I charged in here, once again assuming—"

  "I'm not." He kissed her again. "What do you say we get out of here and celebrate?"

  "Nothing sounds better."

  Her fiancé rose and helped her up. "How does a romantic, candle-lit meal sound?"

  "Perfect."

  "Let's see what's open. It's early enough, we shouldn't have to wait anywhere."

  "Or," Dakota said, "we could hop on your bike, pick up something from the burger shack, and eat at the beach."

  His smile widened as he held her gaze. "Did I ever tell you how perfect you are?"

  She brushed her mouth across his. "You can tell me anytime you want."

  He kissed her nose. "I plan to."

  Thirty

  Dakota leaned against Clay as the spray from the waterfall misted them. It felt great. "It's getting hot early."

  He brushed some of her hair aside and kissed her cheek.

  She turned and kissed him greedily. Their wedding date wouldn't arrive fast enough. The last year and few months had flown since their sudden engagement. They'd managed to grow closer, and Dakota was more convinced than ever that they were right for each other. She couldn't wait to move into their new home after returning from the honeymoon.

  He pulled away and laughed. "Easy there. Cruz and Talia will be back before long."

  "You think they've never seen anyone kiss before?" She arched a brow.

  "We should get back to the campsite. They're working hard, and we're just relaxing."

  "It's the weekend before our wedding. Don't you think we're entitled? Between planning our wedding and the two celebrity weddings in a row. I don't know about you, but I need this weekend."

  Clay kissed her nose. "We're crazy, you know."

  "Why?"

  "There are so many loose ends to tie up in less than a week. I never expected Adelind Wheeler to throw so many changes at us so close to the ceremony."

  Dakota took his hand and laced her fingers through his. "But everything worked out, and you handled it like a hero."

  He shook his head, getting hair into his eyes. "You sure you don't want me to cut my hair for the wedding?"

  "Don't even think about it—and don't listen to your mom. It's perfect. Just like you."

  His dimple showed as he grinned.

  "I think that dimple might just be my favorite thing in the world."

  Clay pulled his hair behind his ears. "I thought I was your favorite," he teased.

  "It shows me when you're happy, and that makes me happy." She leaned against him again and watched the waterfall.

  After a little while, footsteps sounded.

  "They're back with breakfast already," Dakota exclaimed.

  "We'd better get the fire started." Clay rose and helped her up.

  They rushed over to the campsite. Dakota dove into the girls' tent and pulled out the cooking utensils they would need to cook the fish her cousin and his wife had caught.

  Cruz and Clay prepared the fish while Talia and Dakota got everything ready to cook them for fish burritos. They had caught enough for fish tacos later. Maybe even fish for dinner, too.

  Once the meat was cooking, Cruz turned to Dakota and Clay. "Let me see those tattoos again."

  They both pulled up their sleeves to show their matching motorcycle tats. Dakota's had Clay's name with a heart in the 'a,' and Clay's had Dakota's name with a heart on the second 'a.'

  Cruz grinned as he stared, obviously proud of his workmanship. "Still planning on revealing them at the wedding?"

  Clay glanced at Dakota. "I think so."

  "Of course." She released her sleeve and wrapped her arm around him.

  Cruz chuckled. "I sure hope Aunt Judy takes yours better than Mom took mine."

  Dakota laughed, remembering the story of her aunt's initial reaction, which included tears. "She likes them now, though. And besides, Mom and Dad like Sullivan's tattoo."

  "Oh, that's right," Cruz said. "I almost forgot about that. He always keeps it covered."

  "Depends on the season." Dakota shrugged. "And if he's around clients." Her brother swore the sun-shaped tattoo was for good luck.

  Black smoke and flames rose from the pan.

  Everyone jumped for the food at the same time. Cruz grabbed it and poured a little water, until the flames diminished. "Hope you don't mind burnt fish."

  Clay put an arm around Dakota. "Doesn't bother me. I have all I need right here."

  Sneak Peek of Bayside Promises

  Haley Faraway took a deep breath as she stepped into the large, elegant wedding hall. Why had she let her sister talk her into this?

  She pulled some loose blonde hair behind her ear, straightened her back, and followed the noise of conversation. It led her down a sweet-smelling hallway decorated with beautiful summer flowers. She came to a set of already-open double doors leading outside.

  "Are you here for the bride or groom?" asked an usher in a tuxedo.

  Neither. Haley cleared her throat. She had sort of known the bride a long time ago. "The bride."

  Her heart raced, threatening to break through her ribcage and ruin her new turquoise dress.

  The usher held out his elbow. "Come with me."

  Haley linked her arm through his and hoped he didn't notice her shaking.

  He stopped walking next to the seats on the left side. "Do you see anyone you would like to sit with, ma'am?"

  Ma'am? What was she, sixty?

  "No, I'm by myself."

  The usher walked her a few rows down and gestured for her to take a seat. Haley thanked him and sat on the far end, giving actual friends and family a chance to sit by the aisle the bride would walk down soon enough. Haley adjusted the fabric of her dress, pulled out her phone, and pretended to be busy with it.

  Someone sque
ezed Haley's bare shoulder. She glanced up to see the high schooler sporting blue streaks in her dark hair, a nose ring, and an eyebrow piercing. "Thanks for coming." The tough-looking girl smiled with confidence, but Haley could see straight through her baby sister's bravado to the insecurity underneath.

  Haley forced a smile. "You'll do great, Jensyn."

  She nodded. "I really need this job."

  "Yeah, you do, but don't think about that. Just focus on what needs to be done. You've always been a hard worker. Just tap into that."

  Jensyn twirled a strand of blue around her finger. "That was a long time ago, Hales. You haven't been back to Enchantment Bay since I was seven."

  Haley squirmed in the seat. She wouldn't have been back if Mom hadn't begged and pleaded with her to keep an eye on Jensyn over the summer. Haley squeezed Jensyn's arm. "And now we finally get to know each other beyond screen time."

  Jensyn's gaze darted to the back of the courtyard. "I gotta go. Wish me luck. This is my boss's wedding. No pressure."

  "You're a Faraway. You'll do great."

  "I hope so." Jensyn ran back.

  Haley jumped when her phone beeped with a text. She muted the device and checked the message. It was from Mom.

  How are my girls?

  Good. Jensyn talked me into coming to the wedding.

  She didn't wear that short leather skirt, did she?

  No. Black pants.

  Oh, good. I can't thank you enough for watching her this summer. Aunt Elma's place is worse than I thought.

  Don't worry about us. Just get her house ready to sell.

  You'll help with that?

  Yes, Mom. The wedding's going to start soon. Talk later.

  Thanks again.

  Haley stuffed her phone inside her purse and glanced around for any familiar faces. After ten years away from the small town she'd grown up in, everyone and everything had changed. She had done her best to put everything about Enchantment Bay out of her mind during those years. In all that time, she hadn't kept in touch with anyone, choosing instead to focus on her work as a realtor and spending most of her waking hours working her way up in the company.