Seaside Dances: A Sweet Romance (The Seaside Hunters Book 3)

by Stacy Claflin

  He hadn't, though. Zachary had kept his balance while running with her in his arms. Then he'd set her down, and they had wandered the beach, hand in hand, stopping at all the little shows. A dog jumped through hula hoops. A baby monkey rode backwards on a pig. Some little girls juggled half a dozen bowling pins each.

  Just as she grew hungry, he received a text, blind-folded her, and took her to a little field where a beautiful picnic sat waiting for them. Later, he'd told her that he'd talked Jake and Rafael into setting it up. She and Zachary had eaten a delicious meal prepared by one of his favorite local restaurants.

  Then they'd gone to a movie, had whatever snacks she wanted—which hadn't been much after such a delicious meal. She'd overeaten because it had all been so good. After the movie was over, they toured a store that made candy and got free samples of taffy, which had been ridiculously sweet and tasty.

  After that, when she thought the day couldn't be any better, he'd taken her to a store outside of town filled with gorgeous dresses and told her to pick any one of her choosing. Zachary said he wanted to help her replace her wardrobe and to make sure she had something she adored. He'd stepped outside, whispering something to the manager. She'd spent nearly an hour trying on dresses, with the lady helping her assuring her that she had plenty of time.

  Now, they sat in a beautiful restaurant, next to a flowing fountain, not too far away from some live music. Soft, sweet melodies had been playing since they arrived. Jasmine glanced down at her beautiful new dress, feeling the soft fabric as she crossed one leg over the other.

  Zachary turned to her. "What would you like to eat?"

  Jasmine turned to the waiter and gave him her order, and then he hurried off. She turned back to Zachary. "This whole day has been beyond anything I had hoped for. I can't believe the lengths you went to in preparing this."

  He smiled, melting her on the spot. "You deserve nothing less than the best, and with everything going on lately, it's been challenging to spend time with you, much less attempting to give you what you deserve."

  "I don't feel like I deserve any of this," she admitted.

  Zachary reached across the table and took her hand. "Yes you do, and so much more." He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles, giving her the chills. "I wish I could give you everything you wanted, but I hope this comes close."

  She put her other hand on top of his. "It's more, far more. You've made me feel like a princess."

  He lifted her hand and kissed it, first on the back of it, then on each knuckle. "I'm so lucky to have met you, Jasmine. I hope this day has helped make your stay in Kittle Falls a little brighter." It seemed like he wanted to say more, but he just stared into her eyes.

  "You have," she whispered. "I'll never forget today, even if I get old and forget everything else."

  His heart-melting smile widened. "And that goes double for me."

  The appetizers arrived, and he let go of her hands. "I hope you're hungry."

  She was, and she also hoped she would have time to exercise the next day. Instead, she smiled back and said, "Of course. Everything looks delicious." He had ordered enough appetizers to feed his entire family.

  They ate food so fancy Jasmine had never heard of, much less seen or tasted. She tried a little bit from each plate, her mouth watering for more. She would lose her dancer's figure if she kept this up, but she couldn't bring herself to stop. It was the ideal end to their flawless dream date.

  Zachary told funny stories from his life growing up in Kittle Falls with five siblings, and Jasmine loved all of it. He was a delightful storyteller in person—not that it was any big surprise. Then he turned it around and asked questions about her. Unfortunately, talking about her childhood was the last thing she wanted to do, especially on this most wonderful of days.

  He didn't seem put off by her short answers, and instead asked her about her dancing career. A topic she was far more eager to talk about. He seemed genuinely interested in hearing about how she'd traveled around the country participating in various performances.

  The food arrived and Jasmine realized she'd already stuffed herself. The meal smelled and looked delicious, and even made her mouth water when the steam and smells came to her face, but her stomach twisted in knots, begging her not to eat anymore.

  Zachary dug in, and like many guys she'd met, he seemed to have a bottomless pit for a stomach. She picked at her food, moving it around the plate more than she actually ate.

  When the meal was over, he asked her if she wanted to walk along the beach. "There's a small one not far from here that most people know nothing about. I don't know about you, but I could stand to walk some of this food off."

  "I'd love to."

  The waiter came by and Zachary asked him to box up what was left and keep it chilled while they went to the beach.

  "Of course, sir." The waiter walked away.

  "They'll keep it chilled for you?" Jasmine asked, surprised. "I've never heard of that."

  "People love to go for walks after eating here. Usually, they go to a different beach than I'm going to take you, but in order to keep the food fresh, they have a special refrigeration unit just for customer's leftovers."

  "That's crazy, but also really cool."

  "It's one of the things that draws people here. Who wants to box up their food on a hot evening and then stick in their car? This solves that problem, and I think it makes this place all the more attractive."

  "No more than you." She smiled.

  "Or you." He took her hand.

  When they left, just before going out the door, one of the staff stopped them and took their picture in front of a beautiful potted tree.

  "We'll have that ready for you when you return for your food."

  "Thank you," Zachary said and then took Jasmine's hand again.

  "Is that another one of their many services?" she asked.

  "No. I asked them specifically to take our picture and print it out for us. They were most accommodating."

  Jasmine squeezed his hand. "And you're most thoughtful. I can't believe any of this—really."

  "Is it too much?" he asked.

  "Not at all. I feel like royalty. I'm just not used to it."

  "You should. I want you to feel like the most special woman alive."

  Heat crept into her face, and then she nodded. "You have." She truly felt unworthy.

  They went back into his car and drove for about ten minutes before pulling off the road. "Like I said, not many people know about this particular beach."

  He wrapped his arm around her and then they stepped over logs and branches. Jasmine was careful not to damage her new dress as they made their way to the private, little beach.

  After they stepped over the last log, she let out a breath. "It's gorgeous."

  "Isn't it? Sorry about the logs, though. It wasn't always this challenging to get here. I think some storms must have made it worse."

  She stared at the water. "Don't apologize. It was good exercise."

  "Speaking of," he rubbed her palm with his thumb and then led her toward the water. They walked along the edge of the water, close enough to feel the spray of water, but not actually walking in it.

  "I've had the most wonderful day," Jasmine said.

  "Me, too. I want to give you more days like this, but I can't promise every date will be like this."

  "I wouldn't expect it. This is… perfection."

  He took her other hand, and stood facing her. "I couldn't agree more." He brushed soft his lips against hers. She pressed her lips against his, taking in both the smells of the ocean and of him. She could still smell his cologne after the long, elaborate day.

  Zachary stepped back. "Will you teach me to dance some more? If my girlfriend," he looked hesitant, "is a dance instructor, I should know the basics, right?"

  Her heart raced. "I couldn't agree more. The boyfriend," she grinned, "of a dance instructor really should know his stuff."

  His face relaxed, and she pulled him toward he
r. "It's really about following your instincts."

  "When it comes to dancing, I don't have any." He laughed, looking embarrassed. "I'm surprised your feet survived last time."

  "Don't be silly. It just takes practice, and then your reservations will melt away."

  Zachary didn't appear convinced.

  "Think about writing," she said, sliding his arm to the small of her back. "You didn't wake up one day writing masterpieces, did you?"

  "No, of course not. In fact, I haven't written one yet."

  "I beg to differ," Jasmine said, "but that's not my point. You started writing stories as a boy, right?"

  Zachary moved his legs, stepping on her right foot. "Sorry. See?"

  She shook her head. "Not a problem. So, even something you're naturally gifted at has taken practice. This is no different."

  Zachary looked down at his feet. "I suppose." He looked back up at her. "You know, I see what you're saying. Even before I started writing stories, I'd been telling them since I could speak."

  "Exactly. That's like me with dancing. From what I've been told, I was dancing long before I even walked."

  "How's that?" he asked.

  "I would bust out moves while sitting whenever I heard music. My feet would kick even though they couldn't support my weight yet."

  He laughed. "That's kind of how I feel now."

  Jasmine shook her head. "Just follow my lead. I know it won't be long before I'm following yours."

  "I wouldn't count on that."

  "You have to drop your reservations and find your natural instincts. Once you do, you'll be golden."

  "That's going to be easier said than done."

  "And I think you're going to surprise yourself." She helped him glide along the sand to 'music' of the waves and birdsong. After a little while, he seemed to feel more comfortable—and step on her new shoes less. "See? You're already getting the hang of it."

  "I wouldn't count on that."

  "Oh, stop." They continued dancing around the shore. Watching him try so hard warmed her heart. She knew it was a challenge, just like trying to write a novel would be for her. But he was doing a lot better than she would at writing. Before long, he was moving with more confidence and grace.

  He even got to the point where he stopped focusing on their feet and he looked up at her and danced, staring into her eyes.

  Jasmine laced her fingers through his. "You're taking the training wheels off now," she whispered. "Soon you'll be learning the waltz."

  "I doubt that. I'd just be happy to be able to take you to a dance and not step on your feet."

  He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.

  Twenty Two

  Jasmine hung the dress in her closet and slipped on her still-new pajamas, ready to fall asleep after a long, wonderful day.

  Someone knocked on the door.

  "Come in," she called, withholding a groan.

  Lana entered, smiling. "How did your date go? You were gone all day." She looked Jasmine over. "And you look tanner, too."

  Jasmine sighed dramatically. "It was the best—everything. He put so much thought into the date. I really don't know how he pulled it off. I know Rafael and Jake helped out with part of it."

  Lana's eyes lit up. "Those Hunters are incredible, aren't they?"

  Jasmine nodded. "That they are. I've never seen a family so dedicated to each other."

  "Or so gorgeous." Lana fanned herself.

  Jasmine laughed nervously.

  "You know I'm right. I only have eyes for Brayden, but there's no denying how beautiful they all are."

  "I can't. Even though I did get the best looking one."

  "We'll just have to agree to disagree." Lana sat down on Jasmine's bed. "So, tell me everything."

  "This could take a while."

  "I don't have anywhere to be." Lana leaned against the headboard, resting her hands behind her head.

  "Okay." Jasmine sat at the end of the bed and started from the beginning and told her almost everything, leaving out some of the sweet words and kisses exchanged.

  "That does sound like the perfect date. Did you talk to him about publishing his book online?"

  "Before the date started, I brought it up. He wasn't very excited about it. Just said he was willing to wait as long as he needed to get the deal of his dreams."

  Lana frowned. "I talked to Erin, and she said it's super easy to get started. The hard part is writing a good book, getting it edited, and marketing it."

  "He already has that—well, the good book and the editing—but he doesn't want it as an ebook."

  Lana leaned forward. "What if you surprised him by putting it up for him?"

  Jasmine's stomach twisted in knots. "I don't think he'd like it."

  "Not even if he sold enough to actually get a publisher's attention? According to Erin, they notice stuff like that, and if his book is as good as you say, they'll have to."

  "But what if they don't?" Jasmine's mind raced. She would love to help Zachary reach his dreams, but she didn't want to risk making him mad, either. It was his book, his decision.

  "Don't you think they will?" Lana asked. "You're the one who's read it."

  Jasmine's palms sweated. "I don't know anything about publishing houses or ebook marketing."

  "But we can talk to my cousin."

  Jasmine's heart pounded in her chest. She shook her head, feeling sick. "I don't think I can."

  "I'll talk to her," Lana said.

  "That's not what I meant."

  Lana's eyes lit up. "Imagine how thrilled Zachary will be to get a deal. Think of his smile."

  Jasmine's mouth went dry. "I don't think it's a good idea. He'll feel better if he gets it himself."

  "It's his book, right? You're not going to do anything to change it. It's all him, just a little bit of marketing help from you."

  "I'd be going behind his back."

  Lana frowned. "Not really. It's more like a surprise party. Sure, you have to sneak around and fib a little, but it's all for the greater good."

  "I'm not so sure."

  Lana patted Jasmine's knee. "Tell you what. Think about it—sleep on it. We'll talk in the morning. I'm supposed to call Erin then, anyway. If you don't want to do this, I'll let her know. But if you do, then she can walk us through the process. Sound good?"

  Jasmine's heart pounded so hard she swore Lana could hear it, too. "I'll sleep on it."

  "And if you really think it's a bad idea, I won't bring it up again. I just can't help but think how happy you'll make him."

  "Maybe."

  "Okay." Lana stood, stretching. "It's late, anyhow. Probably not the best time for making big decisions. Have a good night."

  "You, too." Jasmine turned out the lights and climbed into bed, her mind still racing. She loved the idea of helping Zachary sell his book, but he had seemed pretty certain about not going to ebooks first. But what if it was like dancing? What if he just needed to see what was possible first?

  Jasmine closed her eyes, her mind racing. The last thing she wanted to do was go behind his back, and she wasn't sure it was like Lana had said. It didn't feel like planning a surprise party. This was Zachary's career—his dream. It was his book, and if he didn't want to put it out there without a publishing house, who was she to do it?

  He was the best thing to have happened to her—ever. Zachary was better than landing the lead in the Nutcracker. Granted, that had been in Delaware, but she had always wanted to dance that part on stage, and she had done it. She would give up dancing altogether if it meant she could be with him.

  Never before had she met anyone who had gone to so much trouble to make her feel special.

  Jasmine finally fell asleep, and she dreamed of Zachary and his novel all night long. In some dreams, she had uploaded his book and it had sold millions of copies, winning him deals he'd never thought of. In other dreams, she did the same and he ended up angry with her, yelling at her to leave Kittle Falls and never return.


  She woke up twisted in the sheets, sweating. Never before had she been so conflicted over anything. She glanced over at the time, and saw that it was still early.

  Her mind raced, and she felt like she had barely slept—it certainly hadn't been a restful sleep. She got up and looked out the window. It seemed darker than it should be, even though it was still early. Could the summer be winding down already? Time for the daylight hours to start lessening?

  Looking up at the sky, she noticed clouds. Jasmine hadn't even thought they existed here in Kittle Falls. Maybe it was going to rain.

  She hoped to stay longer and find out what the rest of the seasons were like.

  Did she dare set up his book online? Lana would want to know soon.

  She felt like throwing up.

  If he had been even slightly positive about the idea of ebooks, she would feel better about surprising him, but the look on his face the day before told her it wasn't a good idea. On the other hand, he would be thrilled to know that people loved his books.

  She knew they would. That was why she hadn't been able to put down his novel, despite her lack of sleep and the other stresses in her life. It had been the ideal escape—the world that her boyfriend created had given her the perfect getaway.

  Zachary deserved to be noticed. It seemed like the only way his future fans would find him would be without publishers. They wouldn't even read the best book ever written. How would they ever publish it, much less market it to thriller readers, if they wouldn't give him the chance he deserved?

  His book could easily have its own table in the bookstores with all the other bestselling authors. Jasmine knew she was biased, but at the same time, she also knew he had written a great book. One that only needed a little push, and then it would explode in popularity. That much she knew with all of her heart.

  Maybe Lana was right. Then he would adore her even more. Zachary might look at her with that beautiful smile, even wider and more gorgeous than she'd ever seen.

  Smiling, Jasmine grabbed some clothes and went into the bathroom and took a shower. This was going to be a big day. Obviously, not the day she would tell him about putting his book out there. She would wait until it had sold so many books he would be shocked—impressed even, looking at her with more love and caring than before.