Sweet Dreams (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series Book 1) Read online

  Sky laughed and had fun as she chased Pixie dancing through the sand. The best part was that though they passed people, nobody paid her any attention. It was still too early to tell for sure, but so far, Indigo Bay seemed like the right place to be. Of all the people she'd passed and met, not one had mistaken her for Aspen. Nobody had run up to her, begging for an autograph or selfie with her.

  She could finally breathe.

  They stayed on the beach until Pixie tired. Sky scooped her up, dusted the sand off her fur, and headed back to the cottage, yawning and hungry. As soon as they stepped inside, Pixie ran to her little bed and fell asleep.

  "Wish I could do the same. I won't be able to sleep until I eat something more than that protein bar." She pulled her long hair into a low ponytail, put on a pink plaid bucket hat and big sunglasses—just in case. She'd been okay so far, but she wasn't taking any chances.

  After double-checking on Pixie, she grabbed her purse and headed outside. She just wanted something quick. Zoe had said Sweet Caroline's would fit the bill for that, and it was close. Sky held the map under the porch light then headed for the coffee shop and found it easily.

  Inside, the atmosphere was warm. People were sprawled across the cafe, some sitting on couches and others at tables. Sky kept her sunglasses on as she strolled over to the counter and smiled at the pretty brunette who was about her mom's age.

  The lady smiled. "Welcome to Sweet Caroline's. I'm Caroline."

  Sky extended her hand. "I'm Sky Hampton."

  Caroline shook her hand. "Welcome to Indigo Bay. Feel free to take off your glasses and make yourself comfortable. I like folks to think of this as their second home."

  "I'm fine for now, but thanks." Sky had gotten used to wearing sunglasses inside—not that it always kept people from thinking she was Aspen. She could wear army fatigues, complete with black all over her face, and some of Aspen's super-fans would still mistake Sky for her sister.

  "Well, bless your heart." Caroline tucked some of her short hair behind her ear and studied Sky. "Want some coffee? Something to eat?"

  Coffee sounded way too strong. She wanted to go to sleep soon. "Maybe something to eat." She glanced at the sandwiches behind the counter and pointed to an overstuffed one called the Oceanic. "I'll try that one."

  Caroline reached for it. "What'cha want to drink? This sandwich has a little kick to it."

  "Maybe a Coke." That would have just enough caffeine to keep her going until crashing. She yawned just thinking about the fluffy bed in the cottage.

  "What kind?" Caroline asked.

  Sky met her gaze. "Of what?"

  "You said you wanted a coke."

  "Right."

  "Oh," Caroline said. "You must be from up north. We call all the soft drinks a coke around here, sweetie. You want a Coca-Cola brand coke?"

  "Or water. Water's fine."

  "Don't worry about it." She grabbed a glass bottle of Coke and rang up the bill.

  Sky handed her a card and then hurried over to an open table, eager to eat in peace. She dug into the sandwich filled with shrimp, sprouts, avocado, and something a little spicy. It was really good, and she scarfed it down, only then realizing just how hungry she'd let herself get.

  Caroline walked around the coffee shop with a rag, spot-cleaning various surfaces. She came over to Sky and wiped a spot at the other end of the table. "How is it?"

  "Delicious." Sky wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "I could eat that every day."

  "Feel free. We make those daily—they're a staple. Mind if I have a seat?"

  "Sure. I'm not much of a conversationalist right now, though."

  Caroline raked her fingers through her hair. "Just get in today?"

  Sky sipped her pop and nodded. "Drove from Oregon."

  "Oh, my. That's a long ways. What brings you to Indigo Bay?"

  "A friend vacationed here and thought I might like it."

  Caroline arched a brow. "For a vacation?"

  Sky shrugged. "We'll see."

  "Looking for a quieter pace of life?"

  "Something like that."

  Caroline leaned back and tapped the table. "Well, I hope you like it here—and that you eventually feel comfortable enough to take off the sunglasses."

  Sky could feel the request between the lines. She took a deep breath and removed the shades, sliding them into her purse.

  "You're so pretty," Caroline said. "Why hide?"

  A few tables away, a group of three teenage girls whispered to each other.

  Sky sighed. And it starts. She turned back to Caroline. "I look a lot like a celebrity."

  Caroline tilted her head. "I don't see it. Who?"

  "Aspen Hampton."

  "Hampton? Didn't you say your last name was Hampton?"

  "That would be why I'm mistaken for her—all the time." From the corner of her eyes, Sky could still see the teens whispering. One pointed her way. Another slid her finger around a cell phone screen, probably comparing her with pictures of Aspen. It didn't matter that Aspen always had some crazy hair color—turquoise, magenta, violet, or anything unusual and attention-grabbing—and Sky always kept hers natural, she and Aspen had the same face. There was no getting around it.

  "Sky?" Caroline's voice broke through her thoughts.

  "Sorry." Sky turned to her and shook her head. "Like I said, I'm not—"

  "No worries, dear. I'll be sure to let folks know to leave you alone."

  She was overcome with gratitude. "You will?"

  "Of course. If you ever need anything, just let me know. I know this town like the back of my hand."

  The three girls came over to the table, whispering to each other.

  Caroline waved them away. "Off with y'all. I know your mamas taught you better manners than this."

  They scampered off, giggling and looking back at Sky.

  "Thanks," Sky said.

  Caroline rose and started to walk away. "Happy to help. I'd better get this place cleaned up."

  Hope rose in Sky as she finished her drink. She felt like she'd actually made a friend.

  Four

  Jace stepped outside and breathed in the fresh morning air. For the moment, nothing needed to be fixed at the cottages, so he was going to take advantage of the quiet early hours and get some groceries. He adjusted the bill of his Panthers cap just above his eyes and hopped into his pickup.

  Lucky for him, the parking lot was nearly empty. He could get in and out without having to talk to anyone. Jace parked near the front and went inside, taking his usual path around the store, sliding easy-to-make food into the shopping buggy.

  He stopped at the pastry counter, trying to decide what to eat for breakfast. As usual, everything made his mouth water.

  "Well, if it isn't Jace Fisher," came a familiar feminine voice from behind.

  He spun around to see the blonde, seventy-ish southern belle. Lucille Sanderson wore a knee-length polka-dotted dress, high heels, and too much makeup. She fluffed her perfectly styled hair and smiled.

  "Hello, Miss Lucille," Jace muttered.

  "What brings you in so early?"

  "Gotta eat." He turned back to the pastries.

  "What have you been up to?" Lucille stepped up to the counter, her shoes clacking on the floor with each step.

  Jace took a deep breath. "Just taking care of the cottages." He turned to the kid behind the counter and pointed to some Danishes. "I'll take three of those."

  "Sure thing." The kid gathered them into a box.

  "How's your mama?" Lucille stared at Jace. "Doing okay?"

  Jace didn't want to talk about her. "She's all right."

  "Do you visit her much?" She pointed to some chocolate pastries. "I'll have an éclair."

  "Several times a week." Jace took the box of pastries and set it in the buggy. He took off, hoping to lose her, but he didn't even make it to the next aisle before he heard her shoes hurrying his way.

  "How does Claire like the Manor?"

  He
turned to Lucille. "She likes the assisted living home just fine, ma'am. I don't mean to be rude, but I need to get going."

  "Does the poor dear remember you?"

  "Sometimes. Why don't you stop by and visit her? I'm sure she'd love your company."

  "Maybe I will. Does she get many guests?"

  "Not really. Excuse me. I have to—"

  "And what about you?" Lucille stepped close enough that he could smell her heavy floral perfume. "I never see you around. Are you seeing anyone?"

  Jace choked on air. "No, and I'm not lookin', either."

  Lucille pulled out a small mirror and looked at it. "I ask because my daughter's niece is coming to town, visiting family. Maggie's a real sweet girl. Why, I'll bet she could pull you right out of your shell. You used to be such an outgoing boy before your brother's—"

  "Sorry to be rude, but I really have to go. Have a nice day." Jace hurried away, fast enough that he was sure she couldn't catch up to him in those towering heels. He raced to the checkout line even though he needed a few more things—he could live without them.

  Jace glanced over his shoulder as he exited the building. Lucille was paying for her pastry. He practically threw his bags into the passenger seat, barely took the time to shove the buggy to the return area, and then squealed the tires on the way out. He breathed a sigh of relief.

  Now all he'd have to do was keep avoiding her, and that might be easier said than done in a place like Indigo Bay.

  He made it home quickly and put his groceries away as he checked for messages, but everything seemed to be running just fine in the cottages. Dallas still hadn't called about that AC unit in the dark blue cottage. Jace might just have to go over to his office and talk to his boss face to face.

  He grabbed one of the Danishes and sat at the table. His mind wandered back to seeing Alisha and Ben at the beach with their two kids. His stomach knotted just thinking about it—not that he still had any feelings left for Alisha. He was just glad that he found out about their relationship before getting married, even if he had been standing at the altar like some fool wondering what was going on.

  Jace could still hear the whispers running through the crowd and the pitiful expressions—that was the worst part. He didn't want pity from anyone. Not even after being humiliated in front of everyone he cared about. Jace Fisher was a guy who didn't need anybody, and he'd spent the last few years proving that.

  He took the next pastry, and as he ate, his mind wandered back to his conversation with Lucille. Not the part about her trying to set him up with her niece, but about his mom. It had been close to a week since he'd stopped by the Manor to visit her. Not that she was counting the days. It was rare when she even recognized him, and usually if she did, she mistook him for one of her brothers.

  Jace left another message for Dallas about the AC unit and then he called the Manor to let them know he would be on his way over around lunchtime.

  Five

  Wet doggie kisses woke Sky. She rolled over, hoping to get more sleep. Pixie jumped over her and continued licking her face.

  "Go back to sleep." She pulled the blanket over her head, but little paws stepped all over her, making it clear that Pixie wouldn't relent until Sky got out of bed. "When we get something permanent, it's going to have a fenced-in yard and a dog door."

  The pup worked her way under the covers and licked Sky's arm.

  "I'm awake, I'm awake." Rubbing her eyes, Sky sat up. "Let's get you outside."

  Pixie panted happily. Sky rubbed the top of Pixie's head and tried to shake the sleepiness. The sun shone brightly from behind the curtains, splashing light onto the wall. Maybe it was later than it felt.

  She yawned. "Okay, let's go outside." After pulling her hair into a messy bun, she slipped on a hoodie and flip-flops, and found Pixie's leash. As soon as she opened the sliding glass door, the warm, humid morning greeted her.

  How did people live like this? She'd have to figure it out. Once outside, she started to adjust. Pixie took care of her business pretty quickly, so they were able to head back into the cool cottage. Yawning, Sky poured dog food into the bowl, and then she ate a protein bar for breakfast.

  "We're going shopping after I get dressed."

  Pixie yapped in reply.

  "Glad you agree." Sky chuckled and headed back into the bedroom. She checked her phone. Everything had exploded with alerts—social media, texts, and new podcasts. That reminded her that she needed to update her blog as soon as possible.

  She checked all of her notifications and then an hour later, climbed into the shower feeling more awake. Once she was done, she was more in the mood to work on her blog than to get groceries.

  Sky pulled out her phone, turned on the video camera, and aimed it at her. "Hey, everybody! I've finally made it to my new home. Indigo Bay is totally as cute as I thought it'd be. You guys are going to love the videos and pictures. I'm inspired to do a beach-themed series—beachwear, a makeup or beach wave hairstyle tutorial, and more. Leave comments and let me know what you want! You've got to see this adorable cottage I'm staying in." She turned the phone out and scanned the bedroom and then took her fans on the grand tour.

  By the time she had the video edited, she was hungry. That was what she got for barely having any breakfast. She uploaded the video to YouTube so her fans would have that much. She would work on the blog post after eating. Likes and comments came in before she had a chance to step away from her laptop.

  Sky smiled and grabbed one of her large purses, figuring Pixie wouldn't be allowed to walk through the store on her leash. She called for the pup, and they headed out. Sky groaned as she locked the front door. It had gotten significantly warmer. She almost missed the crisp northwestern springtime weather. Pixie pranced toward the street, pulling on the leash.

  She'd forgotten to look at the town map and tried to go by memory. People passed, waving friendly hellos. Not one person asked for an autograph or selfie with her. Sky found herself relaxing. Maybe this really would be a good place to settle down—assuming she could get used to the humidity. Sweat was already threatening to form—nobody else seemed as miserable as she was. Maybe she could acclimate, too.

  Pixie stopped in front of a building that had a dog bowl filled with water and drank.

  "That's thoughtful." Sky studied the black-paneled building. Happy Paws Pet Shop. It had two big picture windows, filled with pet items. "Oh, my gosh. That has to be the cutest thing I've ever seen. We have to go inside!"

  She waited for Pixie to finish drinking—she'd emptied the bowl. Sky would have to go in and let the workers know, anyway. They went inside, Pixie prancing on in ahead of her. The door dinged above them.

  "Greetings!" called a tall guy with sandy-brown hair. He looked to be about Sky's age. He shoved a large dog bed onto a shelf and walked over, extending his hand. "Welcome to the Happy Paws Pet Shop. I'm Sterling Montgomery, and my wife Violet is around here somewhere."

  Sky shook his hand. "I'm Sky Hampton. Oh, and before I forget, we emptied your water bowl out there."

  "Ah, thanks. I'll get to that. Is there anything I can help you find first?"

  "We're just looking around for now. This place is so cute."

  "That'd be Violet's doing. She has a real eye for that stuff. Are you vacationing?"

  "Actually, I'm trying to figure out if this is where I want to move."

  "Oh, really? Well, Indigo Bay is a wonderful place to live. But then again, I'm biased. Lived here my whole life."

  Sky smiled. "Sounds like you know what you're talking about, then."

  "I like to think so. Just don't tell Violet." He winked.

  "Is someone here?" came a feminine voice. A pretty lady with long black hair came out from a doorway.

  "We've got a customer. Sky Hampton is thinking of moving to Indigo Bay."

  Violet's eyes widened. "You are?" She rushed over and grasped Sky's hands in hers. "You'll love it here. This is the best place you could pick." She glanced down at Pixie. "An
d who is this?"

  "Pixie."

  "What an adorable name!" Violet squatted and rubbed the pup's belly, speaking to Pixie in a high-pitched voice.

  "So, can I help you find anything?" Sterling asked. "Otherwise, I should get back to stocking the beds."

  "Actually, I don't suppose you know anyone looking for doggie play dates?" Sky asked.

  Sterling shook his head. "Nope. Never had that request."

  Violet sprang to her feet. "But what a great idea. Maybe that's a service we should offer."

  "Let me know if you do. I'm going to look around if you don't mind."

  "Of course," Violet said. "Just let us know if you need anything."

  Sky stepped around a rack of leashes to look at the wall of dog toys. They had everything from doggie plushies to plastic squeakers to balls of every shape, size, and color.

  Sterling came over. "You mentioned a doggie play date?"

  She nodded and grabbed a tiny plastic boomerang.

  "I just had a thought. I don't know if you're interested, but I know someone who'd love a visit from your little Yorkie."

  "Oh?" Sky raised an eyebrow.

  He nodded. "My grandpa lives in the Manor—it's an assisted living home over by the boardwalk. He doesn't get a lot of guests, but he adores dogs. He's actually the one who instilled the love of pets in me from a young age."

  "That actually sounds like fun." Sky put the boomerang back. "It's okay to just show up with a dog?"

  "Oh, sure. The staff encourages anyone to stop by and visit. So many residents are lonely."

  "Aw, that's sad. Yeah, Pixie and I would love to visit your grandpa. We'll head over today."

  Sterling's face lit up. "Great. I'll call Nurse Gabby and let her know to expect you."

  Six

  Jace walked up to the refurbished sprawling mansion and removed his cap when he reached the glass door. Inside, Gabby, one of the nurses, waved. The door buzzed as it unlocked, and Jace let himself in.