To Spring With Love
A Novella
Seasons of Summer Novella Series: Book Three
By: Melissa Baldwin
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2017 Melissa Baldwin
All rights reserved.
CONTENTS
To Spring With Love
CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Take a sneak peek at the last book in this series . . . Return to Summer
Dear Reader:
About the Author
About the Book
I dedicate this book to you, the person reading this. Thank you for your support and for taking time out of your life to read my stories. I hope this book brings a smile to your face and makes you laugh out loud. Stay tuned for more fun coming your way!
Chapter One
Ah . . . I have really missed the sun. I absolutely love when spring comes, especially being able to sit outside and not worry about my toes falling off from frostbite. I probably should move to a warmer climate but my life is here in Connecticut. Speaking of moving, I’m finally looking at a few new places this afternoon.
I’ve been so busy with my company, Summer Interiors, that my moving plans have fallen by the wayside, and I’m sure my landlord, Mrs. Rothera, is happy about this. I think she actually likes having me there. It’s not that I don’t like where I live, I do. But with my apartment comes a reminder of my former relationship and a landlord who likes to give unsolicited advice. Let’s just say it seems a little crowded (and I’m not talking about the space).
My friend Angie thinks I’m subconsciously waiting for one of two things to happen, either an invitation to move in with my boyfriend or a marriage proposal. She tends to be slightly overdramatic because I doubt either of these will happen any time soon.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to live in my boyfriend’s house because it’s exactly what I picture my dream house would be. I still think both of those options may be a bit premature, even though we’ve both come a long way. When we got together last fall, we were both recently out of relationships, so we decided to take things slow. I was especially cautious because my heart was broken and my breakup was one-sided, and it wasn’t my side.
I’m still so cautious that I still haven’t said the L word, even after he blurted it out after a tumultuous Valentine’s date. Alexander, being the amazing guy he is, says that he’s patient and will wait until I’m ready. I know I have very strong feelings for him, but for some reason, I still can’t bring myself to admit these yet.
“Let’s do this,” Angie says cheerfully, interrupting my daydream. She seems to be in a great mood. Not that I blame her, after months of frigid winter the mild temperatures are having a great impact on everyone.
“We’ll go soon,” I tell her. “Just have a seat for a few minutes and enjoy the sunshine.” I’m expecting a lecture from her on my levels of procrastination, but she surprises me when she sits down and orders a latte.
“So, I have some news,” she yells. Angie talks really loudly, so it always seems like she’s yelling even when she’s not. “I think Brett’s going to propose to me.”
My mouth drops open. “What? How do you know?”
“Well, I don’t exactly, but Mrs. Rothera says something big is about to happen, and Brett has been acting funny. He says he’s planning a surprise trip for us.”
I shake my head. “Why don’t you let him surprise you? Don’t ruin it for him.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not ruining anything, and you know I hate surprises.”
I lean over and give her a hug. “This is so exciting. When’s the trip?”
Angie’s smile starts to fade. “What’s she doing here? Is she following you now?”
“Who?” I turn around to see whom she’s looking at. Sure enough, it’s Alexander’s assistant, Melanie, aka my archnemesis, sitting at a table by herself.
I groan and turn back around in my chair. I even put my sunglasses on in hopes that she doesn’t recognize me. “I doubt she’s following me. I actually haven’t seen her in a while since Alexander practically banished her from his house. I’m sure she has a voodoo doll with my name on it, though.”
Angie starts to giggle. “Probably. Maybe we should invite her to join us.”
I snort. “Um, that’s definitely not happening. I’m not spending this beautiful day with that . . .”
“No freaking way,” Angie interrupts me. She has an absolutely horrified look on her face.
“What now?” I exclaim.
I spin around again, but this time I see that Melanie is no longer by herself. Someone has joined her and that someone just happens to be my ex-boyfriend, Jake. The same ex-boyfriend who blindsided me by ending our relationship last summer.
“Do they know each other?” she asks in a loud whisper. At least she isn’t yelling across the café anymore.
My mind wanders back to Valentine’s night on a cold New York City street when Melanie walked outside to find me in Jake’s arms. It was completely innocent as he was trying to comfort me. I thought she was going to run to Alexander and make a scene, but it didn’t go down that way. I remember running down the street to clear my head, leaving Jake and Melanie standing alone.
“I think they do,” I reply absently.
“Do you think she’s up to something?” Angie asks.
I take a long sip of my coffee. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”
Angie folds her arms and stares me down. It almost feels like she’s my mother and she’s waiting for me to crack and admit I’ve done something bad. Like that time in high school when I snuck out of my window in the middle of the night to go watch movies at my friend’s house.
I admit I can’t look her in the eye right now.
“Okay, Ang, why are you staring at me like that?” I ask defensively.
She breaks her dead stare long enough to sip her latte.
“Does that bother you?”
“Does what bother me?”
She rolls her eyes. “Seeing Jake with someone else.”
Okay, maybe it does bother me a little, but I’m not sure if it bothers me that Jake is with another woman or the fact that the woman is Melanie. Melanie has made it her mission to cause issues in my relationship with Alexander. Up until recently, she’s been in my face daily, and according to Alexander’s ex-wife, this isn’t new behavior for her.
“If you’re implying that I’m jealous, I’m not,” I snap.
“Calm down,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I look over my shoulder once more and notice that Melanie is flirtatiously laughing. I’ve never heard her laugh like that before. Jake is smiling and clearly enjoying himself.
I scowl. I wonder if this is another ploy in her bag of tricks to drag me away from Alexander. Maybe she thinks I will get jealous and go back to Jake. He’s told me on a few occasions that he has regrets about the way things ended between us. (The way he ended things.)
“I think it’s time to go,” I say quickly.
Angie nods, trying to hide her smile.
“Shut up,” I say through my frustration.
We’re able to escape the café without either Melanie or Jake seeing us, at least I don’t think they saw us. When I looked back at them before leaving, they appeared to be pretty deep in their conversation. Honestly, if Jake keeps Melanie busy so she’s out of my life, then that’s better for me.
~*~*~
Next time I go apartment hunting, I’m going alone. Not that I mind having Angie with me but I think the pressure’s getting to me. I’m not sure what it is I’m looking for in a new apartment, but I’m not having much luck. To add to my rising stress level, I certainly don’t need Angie hanging over my shoulder suggesting I just ask Alexander if I can move in with him. Not even the topic of her possible engagement could distract her from Alexander and my dream home (aka his home).
When I finally get home, the last thing I want is a visit from my landlord. Of course, I’m in my apartment for approximately three minutes when I hear six familiar knocks on my door. (She always knocks six times.) I let out a loud sigh as I make my way to the door. I could totally lie and claim I was in the shower, but I know she wouldn’t buy it. And of course, there’s that whole psychic thing. She’s for real, too, and I’m not talking about those TV commercials where they charge you eight dollars a minute for your phone call.
“I’m sorry to bother you,” she says, as she pushes past me and walks into my apartment. She doesn’t seem the least bit sorry. “I just had to show you these photos I found online. Since we’ve finished the living room and kitchen, I think I would like to go ahead with the bedrooms now instead of waiting.”
I just finished decorating a few rooms in her apartment, and it wasn’t an easy task. In fact, it was quite the opposite since she changed her mind more times than I can count. She said she wanted to hold off on the bedrooms, but I guess she’s changed her mind already. Figures.
“I know I said I wanted to wait, but everything looks so new and fresh that I’m ready do it all.”
I grit my teeth. The problem with Mrs. Rothera is that I don’t know if I should try to pretend because I feel like she can see right through me.
“And since you will be moving out soon, I should take advantage of you living here for as long as I can,” she adds.
I shrug my shoulders. “Maybe.”
She gives me a curious look. “Is there a problem?”
I sit down at the table. “Not a problem exactly. I just haven’t had any luck finding a place yet.”
One corner of her mouth curls up, and it looks like she’s smiling. She hasn’t been happy about me moving out, which I can understand. I’m sure it can be stressful finding new tenants, and good ones for that matter.
“That’s a shame. I’m sure you’ll find something,” she says unconvincingly.
She joins me at the table. “Can I ask what else has you so distracted?”
I hate to ask her for any kind of advice because she will take it and run. I’ve been very vocal that I have no desire to hear any details about my future. But, I don’t think asking for advice is the same thing.
“My friend Angie says I should ask Alexander to move in with him.” I pause. “Remember, I’m asking for your advice, not a reading. I’m not sure if it’s too soon . . .”
“Much too soon,” she interrupts. “It’s best that you don’t take that kind of a step so early in your relationship.”
I nod. “Thank you. I agree.”
She closes her eyes for a few seconds, and then opens them again. Her blank stare is kind of creeping me out.
“Anyway, I really need to get some work done. It’s been a long day.” I jump up from the chair and make my way toward the door. Thankfully, she follows me. “Make a list of some ideas for the bedrooms, and I will stop by later this week.”
She pats me on the shoulder on her way out the door. “That would be wonderful.”
Before I have a chance to close the door, she holds her arm out. “Oh, and don’t forget you’re welcome to stay here for as long as you need.”
I force a smile and thank her before closing the door.
Chapter Two
I can’t help but stare at Alexander’s face. Seriously, my man is so gorgeous. I remember the first time I searched Alexander Williams online. And no, I’m not a crazy stalker; I was actually doing research before our first meeting. I admit I didn’t expect him to be so attractive. I had a picture in my mind of a man, maybe mid-fifties, kind of a recluse who was looking to redecorate his drafty old house. Imagine how surprised I was to find out he was a mid-thirties, recently divorced man who just happened to look like Clark Kent, aka Superman.
Staring at him definitely helps to keep me from getting irritated that Melanie has already called him two times since we arrived at the restaurant. I have no doubt she knows he’s with me.
“Tell him I will schedule a conference call in the morning,” he says.
I swirl my wine around while I semi-patiently wait for him to finish his call.
He puts his phone down. “I’m sorry. We’re in the middle of an acquisition, so everything is a bit more urgent.”
Everything is urgent to Melanie, I think to myself.
“Tell me about the apartments you looked at. Was there anything good?”
I shake my head. “Unfortunately, no.”
It’s very possible I’m being extra picky when it comes to moving. Maybe this is a sign that I shouldn’t move?
“I don’t know. I’m starting to think I should just stay where I am for now.”
Right at that moment, Alexander’s phone rings again. He lets out an exasperated sigh.
“I’m not answering it,” he insists.
Although I appreciate his gesture, I know he needs to answer it.
“It’s okay,” I tell him.
He grabs my hand and kisses it before picking up his phone. He doesn’t let go of my hand.
“Yes, Melanie.” He pauses. “That’s perfect. Yes, schedule it.”
As soon as he hangs up, I watch the phone intently, waiting for it to ring again.
“Melanie says she’s sorry for all the phone calls and she will leave me alone for the rest of the evening.”
Sure she is. All of a sudden, the image of her and Jake at the café flashes through my head.
“That reminds me, Angie and I saw Melanie at the café yesterday,” I tell him.
He tears off a piece of a roll and puts it in his mouth.
“Really? How did that go? Any punches thrown?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I giggle. “No, but I don’t think she saw us. She seemed . . . preoccupied.”
He gives me a funny look. “What do you mean?”
I shift around in my chair. I immediately regret bringing this up.
“It’s not a big deal. We were just surprised when we saw the person she was with.”
“Who was it?” he asks curiously. Now I definitely have his attention.
I bit my lower lip. “I’m sure it’s not a big deal, but she was with Jake.”
He looks completely shocked. “Jake? You mean your ex-boyfriend, Jake?”
I nod. “Yeah. I remember seeing them talking at the restaurant opening and . . . anyway, I don’t think they saw us. We left shortly after they arrived.”
Alexander doesn’t say anything. Perhaps this is the news he needed to hear to make him realize how much Melanie dislikes me? Why else would she be meeting with my ex-boyfriend?
“Do you think they’re seeing each other?” he asks.
I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. But it would be strange if they were, considering the situation.” And by situation, I mean the fact that she’s in love with Alexander and I’m the other woman. Not to mention Jake has been going out of his way to rectify what happened last summer.
He stares off into the distance. I probably shouldn’t have said anything.
“Yes, it would be strange. Of course, I have no right to tell Melanie whom she can be involved with, but considering the history here, I don’t think it’s appropriate.”
Hah! Take that, Melanie. Unfortunately, I can see how distracted Alexander is, and I only have myself to blame. I barely had his attention before, and now he’s completely shut down.
“Can we just forget about them for the rest of the evening?” I plead.
Without saying a word, he leans over and kisses me. Our dinner date ends up being very nice, and shockingly, Melanie keeps her promise. There isn’t one more phone call from her.
To Spring with Love: A Novella (Seasons of Summer Novella Series Book 3) Page 1
