by Kay Correll
“Here he is.” His sister stepped to the side.
Rick did a double-take. “What are you doing here?”
“What do you mean? I was on the guest list, of course.” Shawna flipped her hair over her shoulder and smiled at him. Her movie star, look-at-me smile, not her genuine smile. He knew the difference. If he was right, she actually was a bit perturbed with him. He could see it in her eyes.
“I told her I’d find you.” Christina had a self-satisfied look on her face.
He wanted to strangle both of them.
“My agent said I should come, of course. Yours agreed with him. We need to stop this nonsense about the local girl. It’s not good for our image.” Shawna threaded an arm around him, and before he could move away, a flash went off, momentarily blinding him. “I paid good money for those photos to be taken of us in New York. Let’s not let them to go waste.”
“You did what?”
“You didn’t think it was just a coincidence, did you?”
Rick slipped out of Shawna’s arm. “You know how I feel about that. I like my privacy.”
“We needed the publicity. You playing around with this townie isn’t helping us at all. People need to see us as a couple, an item. I couldn’t let you mess up our getting this next movie.”
“She’s not some townie, as you put it. I like her. I like her a lot.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You just met her. She’s just a fling, but your timing is awful. We need to be seen together.”
Chapter 21
“Hello, dear.”
Whitney turned at the sound of Viola’s voice.
“I was hoping you’d come. I want to thank you for making this beautiful necklace. I love it.” Viola ran a finger over the delicate silver wraps around the emerald green sea glass. “I love the bracelet, too. You are quite the artist.”
“I’m glad you like them.” She smiled at the older woman.
“You are very talented. This is so unique, and every time I wear it, it will remind me of Indigo Bay. I can’t think of a more perfect gift.”
“Rick helped decide on what I should make.”
Viola laughed. “That’s what he said, but I wasn’t sure. He usually has his assistant order presents.”
“He wanted to pick this out for you himself.”
“Well, he did a wonderful job.” Viola leaned closer and whispered. “He’s my favorite, not that I’d let anyone else know. He’s had a hard time with his family accepting his choice in careers. He’s a good actor, though.”
“I think so. I admit, after I met him, I streamed about everything he’s ever acted in. I know he’s a star on the big screen, but my favorite of all his roles was when he had that main part in the TV drama. He was amazing.”
“Ah, I think that was his best acting, too. You have a very good eye, my dear. He enjoyed doing that show. It really showed the depths of his talents. I fear he’s being pegged as a romantic comedy actor now, not that there is anything wrong with that. But I don’t see his eyes light up when he talks about these recent roles he’s gotten.” Viola gave a small shrug and touched her necklace again. “I just want him to be happy.”
“Me, too.” She smiled at the woman.
“Well, I guess I should go mingle with my guests.” Viola swept the crowd with a look, then frowned. “Hm, I see Shawna Jacobson has come to celebrate my birthday.”
She turned and searched the crowd. Sure enough, there was Shawna.
With Rick.
With her hand around his waist.
Whitney’s heart did a quick flip.
“You know, dear. He really doesn’t care for her. Not like that, though I do think Shawna would like him to.” Viola turned and looked directly at Whitney. “I know he has feelings for you, though. He told you there is nothing between him and Shawna, didn’t he?”
“He told me.”
“And you believed him.”
“I did. I do.” She did believe him. She trusted him, she’d told him she did. It didn’t matter what this looked like. He’d said there was nothing between him and Shawna.
“Good. He needs a woman who believes him and believes in him.” Viola rested a hand on her arm. “I think you should go over there and introduce yourself.”
“I think you’re right.” She covered Viola’s hand with a gentle squeeze then turned and threaded her way through the crowd.
Rick glared at Shawna. She threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, I annoy you sometimes, but we get each other. We understand each other. This town girl thing will pass soon enough.”
“Listen to her, Richard. She’s right. She’s good for you.” Christina added in her two cents. Two cents he didn’t need. He didn’t need to be told what he thought or what he should do by either of them.
Before he knew what Shawna was doing, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Flashes went off. As his eyes adjusted from the flares, he saw Whitney standing directly across from them.
“Whitney… I…”
She smiled, took a step forward, and extended her hand. “Hi, you must be Shawna.”
He wasn’t sure who was more startled—Shawna, Christina, or him.
Shawna frowned, shook Whitney’s hand, then dropped her hand to rest on his arm possessively. He reached down and disengaged himself.
“Rick has told me so much about you.” Whitney stepped closer. “I’m glad to finally meet you.”
Shawna looked at the photographer and shook her head no, signaling with a wave of her hand not to take any photos of the three of them. She turned back toward Whitney. “So, you’re Rick’s little friend here in Indigo Bay.”
“Friend.” Whitney laughed her sweet, melodious laugh. “I am his friend, yes. I think all couples should have their relationship based on friendship, don’t you?”
He stared at Whitney in awe of her poise and grace. Not many people stood up to Shawna.
“I’m sure he’s had a nice little fling with you while he was here.” There was no missing Shawna’s condescending tone. “Now it’s time for us to get back to real life and our careers.” Shawna put her hand back on his arm. Again. “Anyway, I need to steal Rick away for a bit. Our agents arranged a photo shoot on the beach. Good for publicity, you know. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Actually, Rick and I were just going to grab a drink. You don’t mind, do you?” Whitney stood her ground.
Rick threw back his head and laughed, plucked Shawna’s hand off his arm, walked two strides over to Whitney, and took her in his arms. He leaned down and kissed her, her body molding into his. Lightbulbs flashed. She kissed him back, oblivious to the photographer.
She pulled away with a delightful bemused look on her face. “We’re going to have our photo in the news again.”
“I believe we will.” He couldn’t wait for the world to see how much he cared for her. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “You’re magnificent.”
“You’re not going with me for the photoshoot I arranged?” Shawna pouted and turned to Christina for help.
“Richard, your career needs to come first.”
“Ah, but you see. That’s where you are wrong. This woman right here…” He kissed Whitney again. “This woman comes first.”
“You’re making a big mistake.” Shawna glared at him and spun around, shoving her way through the crowd.
“I will never understand you.” Christina shook her head and walked away.
“I come first?” Whitney looked up at him, her eyes bright.
“You come first.” He grinned at her. “And, by the way, I stand in awe of you. Not many people stand up to Shawna.”
“You said there was nothing going on with her. I believed you.” Her brow furrowed. “I’m not sure she does, though.”
“She’ll figure it out soon enough.” He leaned down and kissed her one more time, grateful she was here in his arms, grateful she believed him, and super grateful he’d ever decided to have his grandmother’s birthday party in Indigo Bay.
> Chapter 22
Rick and Whitney stood in the great room of Pink Lady One with Viola. She was surrounded by suitcases. “I’m sorry to be going. I had such a wonderful time. And Richard, you did a wonderful job planning the party and especially picking out my present. I’ll cherish it always.”
“Well, it’s important to celebrate someone’s eightieth birthday.” He kissed his grandmother’s cheek.
Her eyes twinkled. “I’m sure it is.”
Grandmere walked over and kissed Whitney’s cheek. “Goodbye, dear. It was so nice meeting you. I’m glad you and Richard seem to have worked things out. He’s a good boy.”
“I’m not exactly a boy anymore.”
“Well, you are to someone who is… eighty.” His grandmother smiled.
He laughed. “I love you, Grandmere.”
“I love you, too.” She turned and picked up a small bag. “Oh, and Richard, I meant to tell you. The director, Franklin DeVille—you know him, right?”
“Of course. He’s very talented. He directed that drama that won all those awards last year.” He respected all the man had accomplished and had followed his career closely.
“Yes, that was Franklin. He’s a friend of mine and he called me. He wondered if I thought you’d be interested in a new series he’s set to direct. He thinks you’d be perfect for the lead. It’s a drama. I know it’s not a movie, but it’s a role I think you’d really enjoy. I gave him your number. He’ll be calling.”
“I… thank you.” Surprise washed over him. How did his grandmother always know what he needed, before he even knew it himself?
“I think you should consider it. At least for a change of pace.” Grandmere took a few steps, then turned and looked back over her shoulder with a grin on her wrinkled yet oh-so-beautiful face. “Oh, and did I mention the show is set in Charleston?”
He grinned. “No. That’s a nice bit of information to know, though.”
“Just thought you’d like to know that.”
A glorious week later after spending every single day with Rick, Whitney stood on the beach in front of her cottage. The moon tossed beams of light onto the surrounding sand. Rick stood by her side, with his arm wrapped around her waist. They looked out at the endless ocean and the rolling waves caressing the shore.
“I guess I’ll be able to spend a lot more time here than I thought.” Rick’s eyes shone. “I think I just might take that role in Franklin’s TV series. He already sent me some sample scripts. It’s a good role. A meaty one that will challenge me. Some will be shot on location in Charleston, some at the studio in Hollywood.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” She looked into the depths of his eyes, holding her breath, waiting for his answer.
“Would you rather I take another movie role?” A look of uncertainty flashed across his face.
“I want you to take whatever role you want. I know you’ll be fabulous at whatever you do. I think you’re very talented.” She touched his face. “I believe in you, Richard Nicholson or Rick Nichols. I want you to do whatever makes you happy.”
“You make me happy.”
Her heart fluttered in her chest. “You make me happy, too.”
Rick tilted her face up and looked directly into her eyes. “I love you.”
Her heart somersaulted, and tears chased the corners of her eyes. He loved her. They had come so far since that day he’d walked into her shop. Being with him brought a light into her life that she’d never realized she’d been missing. At that very moment she knew, deep in her soul, how she felt about him, too. “And I love you.”
Rick leaned down and kissed her gently, then wrapped his arms around her. She stood feeling his heart beat in rhythm to her own while the starlight rained down around them with a magical glow.
I hope you enjoyed this trio of stories from Indigo Bay. If you haven’t read my other series, you can see all my books on my website kaycorrell.com .
Whitney’s brother, Will, is a regular in the Lighthouse Point series. Try Wish Upon a Shell - Book One in the Lighthouse Point series.
Or visit Comfort Crossing, a small Southern town with three best friends and secrets, lots of secrets. Click here to get the first book for free now! The Shop on Main - Book One.
Or try the charming Sweet River series set in Colorado. Meet Nora and Annie, BFFs for a very long time. A Dream to Believe In - Book One
I hope you enjoyed these stories. I’m always grateful to my wonderful readers. Thank you.
Happy reading,
Kay
Dedication and Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to those special moments on the beach. Those lazy, sunny days. The sound of the surf and the call of the birds. The warm sunshine bathing the earth with its golden glow. The simple pleasure of walking along the seashore.
The sea calls to me and I must go visit.
The original Indigo Bay covers were by
Najla Qamber Designs
www.najlaqamberdesigns.com
Also by Kay Correll
Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoyed it.
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Comfort Crossing ~ The Series
Did you miss the start of this series? Click here to get the first book for free now! The Shop on Main - Book One
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See all my books at my website.
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COMFORT CROSSING ~ THE SERIES
The Shop on Main - Book One
The Memory Box - Book Two
The Christmas Cottage - A Holiday Novella (Book 2.5)
The Letter - Book Three
The Christmas Scarf - A Holiday Novella (Book 3.5)
The Magnolia Cafe - Book Four
The Unexpected Wedding - Book Five
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The Wedding in the Grove (crossover short story between series - Josephine and Paul from The Letter.)
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LIGHTHOUSE POINT ~ THE SERIES
Wish Upon a Shell - Book One
Wedding on the Beach - Book Two
Love at the Lighthouse - Book Three
Cottage near the Point - Book Four
Return to the Island - Book Five
Bungalow by the Bay - Book Six
Click here to learn more about the series.
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SWEET RIVER ~ THE SERIES
A Dream to Believe In - Book One
A Memory to Cherish - Book Two
A Song to Remember - Book Three
A Time to Forgive - Book Four
A Summer of Secrets - Book Five
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INDIGO BAY ~ a multi-author series of sweet romance
Sweet Sunrise - Book Three
Sweet Holiday Memories - A short holiday story
Sweet Starlight - Book Nine
About the Author
Kay writes sweet, heartwarming stories that are a cross between women’s fiction and contemporary romance. She is known for her charming small towns, quirky townsfolk, and enduring strong friendships between the women in her books.
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Kay lives in the Midwest of the U.S. and can often be found out and about with her camera, taking a myriad of photographs which she likes to incorporate into her book covers. When not lost in her writing or photography, she can be found spending time with her ever-supportive husband, knitting, or playing with her puppies—two cavaliers and one naughty but adorable Australian shepherd. Kay and her husband also love to travel. When it comes to vacation time, she is torn between a nice trip to the beach or the mountains—but the mountains only get considered in the summer—she swears she’s allergic to s
now.
Learn more about Kay and her books at kaycorrell.com
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kaycorrell.com
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