His phone chirped and he saw a text message from his mother. He gestured to his phone. “Do you see this? You have my mom reading your column.”
“I love your mom. Tell her I said hi.”
Sawyer gritted his teeth. “My mom follows the Bayside Blogger. My mom mentioned the article and I told her it wasn’t true. She just asked me via text if I was planning to propose to Holly and when I said no, she asked if I was gay.”
“Fair question,” she said with a wry smile.
He nailed her with a hard stare. Riley remained completely unaffected. They’d known each other too long for intimidation. Hell, they’d known each other their entire lives. Of course, that’s what happened when you grew up in a small coastal town like Bayside, Virginia.
“You know I’m not gay.”
Her gaze ran over him. “Of course you’re not gay. Look at that outfit.”
“Cute.”
“Thanks.” She plopped down in a chair. “Honestly, I don’t know what you’re upset about. I didn’t write anything that bad.”
He leaned toward her. “You said I was on a date.”
“I had multiple sources email and direct message me on Twitter about your little daytime rendezvous.”
Sawyer knew Riley got tips all day long from her many sources. For, as much as they complained, the residents of Bayside couldn’t keep themselves from joining the gossip train. They apparently loved helping the Bayside Blogger report on one another. They emailed her directly or through the Bugle’s website and left Facebook and Twitter messages. Last summer Riley had been able to take a weeklong vacation without the gossip stopping.
He’d claim the whole thing was preposterous, but the numbers didn’t lie. The gossip column was the most viewed area of the online edition of the paper. He couldn’t help but wonder what his ancestors who’d started the newspaper would think of that.
Still, he wasn’t letting her off the hook that easily. “You know I wasn’t on a date with Holly.”
She raised her nose in a regal gesture. “I know nothing of the kind.”
“She’s one of our best freelance photographers. We were meeting about an assignment.” Even he could hear the defensiveness in his voice. And why did he feel the need to explain himself to Riley?
“You could’ve met here at the office.”
“I needed caffeine.” And he’d needed to get away for a little bit.
Running a daily newspaper wasn’t the easiest of jobs these days. Not that it ever had been. Balancing editorial with the business side, advertisers and marketing. Not to mention the dwindling circulation numbers.
He really wished he didn’t have to mention that.
“Is the Bugle in trouble?”
Damn, she was the most perceptive person he’d ever met. Probably why she was so good at being the Bayside Blogger.
He noticed the concern on her face. It probably mirrored his own. Still, he didn’t want to worry her or anyone on staff. So far he’d been able to keep all of the financial concerns to himself. “No more than every other paper in the country.”
“Maybe you could raise the price. I’m sure people would pay...”
He shook his head as she trailed off. “You know that circulation doesn’t keep newspapers afloat. Advertisers do.”
A small line formed on her forehead as she considered that. “But you said that advertisers have been fighting to get in.”
“Just in your section.” Which was true. Everyone wanted to appear in the Bayside Blogger’s section since they knew that everyone in town was reading the gossip. Bayside had its fair share of restaurants and local businesses, but a small town offered only so many resources. And without more advertising, they’d be closing up shop by the end of the next summer season.
The truth was, Riley’s question was on target. The Bugle was in trouble. Sawyer had tried to stay on top of it by utilizing their website and digital edition and making sure the design was up-to-date. He’d even downsized the print edition to cut costs at every corner.
But now he had some tough decisions to make, the biggest being layoffs. He was already running with a skeleton crew in the advertising department. He hated to think about shrinking the editorial team. He swiped a hand over his face. Employee layoffs at Christmastime. Could there be anything worse?
“Sawyer, are you okay? What’s going on?”
Riley’s voice pulled him out of his funk even though he knew he was going to have to deal with it soon. In the meantime, he’d explore all options and do everything in his power to not have to fire anyone. At Christmas or any other time. And he’d definitely work hard to keep this from his team. Even if it meant not drawing his own salary.
“Nothing is going on and I’m fine. Stop worrying. On to other business. The upcoming Christmas Kickoff Festival.”
Riley eyed him skeptically for another moment before flipping open her reporter’s notebook. “Day after Thanksgiving, just like always.”
“With a twist,” Sawyer interjected. “Usually, this is a townie thing. But I was at the council meeting the other night. They want to go big, attract people from other towns and areas of Virginia.”
“Impressive.”
“They want it to be a smaller version of New York’s lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree.”
He noticed her pen skip at the mention of New York. “I want you to cover the event. This is right up your alley. Plus, you lived there, so you’d have the experience of knowing what their ceremony is like.”
“I never went to the tree lighting when I lived there,” she said in a soft voice.
Sawyer knew that wasn’t true. Riley had lived in New York for four years. During that time, she’d always been active on social media, and he remembered seeing her Facebook pictures of tree lightings over the years. But, once again, she didn’t want to talk about New York. So, once again, he would let it go. For now.
“Still, I’d like you to head up the festival for the Bugle. Let’s start getting some pre-event coverage in both the print and online editions.”
Now she was scribbling in her notebook. Concentrating. Looking sexy as hell.
Get a grip, Wallace.
“Oh, I wanted to ask you about that recent social media promotion you and Claudia ran. Why were the numbers so low?”
Her gaze flicked up quickly to his. Her eyes narrowed. “The numbers were fine. Normal.”
“Not from the report you sent me. The reach was lower than the last contest.”
She gifted him with an overdramatic sigh. “How many times do I have to explain social media to you?”
The side of his mouth twitched but he held in the smile. One of his favorite things about Riley was how bright she was. Most people didn’t realize that under her coordinated outfits and talk of the latest docudrama airing on Bravo, Riley had a shrewd eye for social media, pop culture and how to use those things in business.
“Humor me,” he told her.
“You were looking at the total reach of the posts on all the platforms. Did you check the organic reach? The numbers were fabulous, especially considering how you cut our social media advertising budget to shreds.”
“I don’t see how that—”
She continued on her rant and Sawyer couldn’t follow it, although, he was impressed as hell. He might not understand a lick of what she was saying, but he really loved watching how passionate she became as she explained it.
“Are you listening to me?”
Her question jerked him away from his thoughts. He decided that talking to Riley about social media wasn’t going to help anything. Especially because he didn’t want to reveal that she was going to have even less money in the budget next year.
“What are you up to this weekend?” he asked.
If his change in topic came as a surprise to her, she didn’t show it. “Same as you,�
�� she said with a bemused smile. He racked his brain and couldn’t think of any shared family gatherings until Thanksgiving. Riley rolled her eyes. “Tomorrow is Elle and Cam’s engagement party at the Dumont estate. There’s no way you could have forgotten that.”
His turn to roll his eyes. “Blocked, perhaps.”
“Sawyer, it’s not that bad. Most people love when the Dumonts throw parties.”
“Which is practically every week.”
The Dumont family had also been in Bayside for generations. They owned Dumont Incorporated, headed up by Jasper Dumont now. Jasper was Cam’s brother and Sawyer was close with both of them. He was happy his friend had popped the question to Elle. Thrilled to celebrate with them. What he didn’t particularly look forward to was dressing in a monkey suit and mingling with most of the town at yet another black-tie party.
He saw the excitement on Riley’s face, though. This kind of event was much more her thing. She was so good at socializing and enjoying large crowds. Not to mention, she looked damn fine in a gown.
“Come on,” she cooed. “There has to be something about tomorrow’s party you can look forward to.”
An image of her in a tight black dress from the last Dumont soiree flitted into his mind. All of that amazing red hair had been piled in curls atop her head. Her shoulders had been bare and she’d worn the sexiest pair of stilettos... His mouth went dry thinking about it.
He almost jerked backward. What in the heck was he doing? He couldn’t think about Riley like that. He could still remember the doll she used to carry around when they were kids.
“Earth to Sawyer,” she said impatiently.
“There’s always the free alcohol,” he covered.
Oblivious to his thoughts, she nodded. “There you go. Now, you just have to get your date Holly on board.”
He gritted his teeth. “I am not dating Holly.”
“I wouldn’t care if you were.” Her eyes narrowed as she considered. “Are you bringing anyone else tomorrow? Like, as a date?”
He shook his head. “Nope. You?” He held his breath.
“No. It’s hard to be Riley Hudson, the Bayside Blogger, and enjoy being on a date. You know that.”
He did. She committed her life to the Bugle, sacrificing much of her social life to write the column that was keeping the paper in the black—barely. He opened his mouth to thank her, but the words caught in his throat. The sun was slanting through the blinds, highlighting her coppery hair, the freckles on her ivory nose, that amazing body.
Had she always been this beautiful? Why was he only noticing her now, when he couldn’t possibly make a move?
Ah, heck. He was feeling something for his lifelong friend that he had no business feeling.
She stood to leave but hesitated next to her chair. “Sawyer, are you sure you’re okay?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m fine.”
She reached for the door but turned back again. “And the Bugle is fine, too? It’s not in any trouble?”
Her hand was on her hip, accentuating the fact that even for a petite woman she had curves. He swallowed hard. “Don’t worry, Riley. Everything will be fine.”
Sawyer wasn’t entirely sure if she believed him. She lingered a moment more before departing.
He felt bad about lying to his oldest friend, saying the Bugle wasn’t in trouble. But it sure was—and so was he.
Chapter Two
Who’s excited for tonight’s party at the Dumonts’? I can’t think of a better way to ring in the holiday season than champagne and dancing with a view of the bay! And you just never know who might show up at a Dumont affair, so this blogger is keeping her eyes open, Baysiders!
Riley crossed the terrace and took in the sight of the Dumont estate in full party mode. A cold breeze caused goose bumps to rise on her skin, hardly surprising since it was almost Thanksgiving. Not to mention that Riley was wearing nothing more than a gown and a thin wrap. Still, she couldn’t help but take a moment to soak in her surroundings.
With its cascading terraces and gorgeous grounds, this was so much more than a house. It was like something out of an old black-and-white movie. With tennis courts and swimming pools, even an atrium, the Dumont mansion sat right on the bay, surrounded by strategically placed fences and bushes for privacy.
Riley made her way into the large heated tent set up on the lower grounds. Several bars occupied the corners of the space, while waiters flitted throughout the crowd of black tie–bedecked guests listening to a large band seated on a raised platform. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and tasteful twinkly lights were strung from one corner to another. And then there were the candles. Riley had never seen so many in one place. Mrs. Dumont had gone above and beyond tonight.
All Dumont parties were special, but this one was extra special. Cameron, the oldest Dumont brother, had recently popped the question to Elle Owens, one of Riley’s two best friends. Everyone in town was thrilled to see the two of them together, but Riley in particular. She liked to think the Bayside Blogger had had a hand in their relationship. Sometimes people just needed a push.
And speaking of pushes...
Riley did a quick glance around the tent, taking in all the players. She had a keen memory, which came in handy for recalling details when she wrote her column.
She snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter as she continued surveying the party. A handful of people were already dancing, but mostly there was a lot of chatting over appetizers. And...she grinned. Over in the corner she saw Simone Graves getting her flirt on with Sam Roberts, who’d just taken a job at the high school. Interesting. She whipped her cell phone out and quickly made a note.
“What’s that sly smile for?”
Riley looked up to see her other best friend, Carissa Blackwell, smirking back at her. “Look at you, gorgeous,” Riley said, instead of answering the question.
“You like?”
Carissa was wearing a navy blue floor-length dress. Her blond hair was piled on top of her head and her makeup was flawless. She was tall and curvy with the most beautiful gray eyes. If they weren’t friends, Riley would hate her on principle.
“Stunning,” Riley replied. “I can see the drool on Jasper’s chin from here.” She waved at Jasper, who was all the way on the other side of the tent. He’d been beaming with adoration at his girlfriend the whole time. Carissa turned and winked at him.
It was official. Both Dumont brothers were off the market. Too bad for Bayside’s singletons, but hooray for her friends. She couldn’t be happier they’d found their soul mates.
She sighed. Well...mostly happy. Totally happy, she amended quickly. She was thrilled for Carissa and Elle. It was just that it would be kind of nice to find someone for herself.
Of course, last time she’d had a serious boyfriend it hadn’t turned out so great. Maybe she should watch what she wished for.
“Riley!”
She shook her head and tuned back into Carissa, who was standing with her hands on her hips, an expectant look on her face.
“Sorry, what?” Riley asked.
Carissa narrowed her eyes. “I said, you look great, too.”
Riley was wearing a new curve-hugging, low-backed dress in her favorite color, emerald green. She’d put her hair up in a messy yet chic ponytail, leaving wild strands loose around her face.
“Oh well, thank you. And speaking of looking good...” She wiggled her eyebrows as Elle, the bride-to-be, sidled up to them.
“You look very bridal,” Riley said, gesturing to Elle’s off-white gown. Of course, she’d helped her pick out the dress a month ago. “Practicing for the big day already?”
“Don’t mention the big day. I’m stressed.” She grabbed a champagne flute from a passing waiter.
“Oh no,” Riley said. “What can we do?”
“Are you kidding? Y
ou’ve both been bridesmaids of the year so far. Between you two, my soon-to-be mother-in-law, every bridal magazine ever written, and even my dad, I think I may be approaching too much help.”
“Too many opinions?” Carissa guessed.
Elle grimaced. “Too many very strong opinions.”
As they chatted about the upcoming spring wedding a little longer, Riley couldn’t help noticing that something was off with Carissa.
“What?” Riley asked.
“What do you mean what?” Carissa countered.
Riley wiggled her pointer finger in front of Carissa. “Something’s up. I can tell.”
Carissa turned to Elle. “I swear, she’s a psychic or something.”
“It is eerie sometimes,” Elle agreed. “But is something wrong, Car? You look a little pale.”
“No, not wrong. The opposite of wrong, actually. Just scary.”
“Can you be a little more cryptic?” Riley laughed.
“Sorry.” Carissa glanced across the tent. Riley followed her gaze and saw that Jasper was deep in conversation with his brother. “Jasper asked me to move in with him this morning.”
“Whoa, that’s huge.”
Riley wondered if the Bayside Blogger should mention this. She chewed on her lip as she considered. It was pretty major news. Carissa and Jasper had been hot and heavy back in high school. Then they’d broken up right after graduation and hadn’t seen each other for years. After Carissa’s divorce, she’d moved back to Bayside to start her catering business, Save the Day Catering, which had really taken off. She’d not only gotten back together with Jasper, but they would be opening a bookstore and café soon. And now they were taking the next step. Cohabitation.
All of this was right up the Bayside Blogger’s alley, but Riley knew that her friends—just like Sawyer—hated being written about. Still, she couldn’t leave them out of the column. She’d become tight with Elle and Car. Everyone in town knew that. If she didn’t mention them from time to time, then her identity would be obvious.
Maybe she should wait a couple days and see how this played out.
Bayside's Most Unexpected Bride Page 2
