by Traci Hall
Celia marched into the store. Dax jumped back, his hands out to his sides.
White foam clung to her hair, but her jaw was set and her pert nose lifted with pride. “Are you two laughing at me?”
Khanti toned her giggles into snickers.
Dax gulped a chuckle that hurt his throat. “We, I,” he said. God, he shouldn’t have gotten carried away at her antics.
“I see. You are laughing at me.” She straightened her shoulders, her expression hurt as well as angry. “I did nothing to deserve being the butt of your jokes.” Her chin tilted at an impossible angle. “I find it rude, and hardly fitting with your friendly home-town vibe.”
Dax stepped forward, sorry. Damn, he was sorry. “Celia, here. Let me. You have something in your hair.” He pulled the blob of white foam free as Khanti hooted into the bags of potato chips.
Celia simultaneously burst into tears and pushed his arm away.
“Oh, God,” Celia said, her tone mortified. She sniffed, then patted the spot on Dax’s arm where she’d shoved him. A quick touch, as if she didn’t want any contact at all. “I don’t usually do that. I mean, go around and hit people. Or cry. I don’t usually do that either.”
“No worries. I have a sister who knows how to really punch.”
She frowned at him, uncertain. Her body gave off a frenetic energy that he knew he was partially at fault for.
“I feel bad for laughing,” Dax said. “How about you pull your car by the garage, so Nino can fix the tire when he comes in? I’ll take you home.”
She rubbed her hands together, then stopped as she realized she was making it worse. “I don’t need your pity.”
Dax stepped back at her sharp tone. “I’m just being neighborly. Where do you live?”
“I can call a taxi,” Celia said.
“Why would you do that? It’s a waste of money and time.” Dax swallowed his annoyance. He wanted to make things right.
Khanti, now under control, stood next to him. “Caspian’s Nest isn’t far, Celia. And it’ll be a few hours before Nino is able to fix your tire. Let Dax run you over.”
Celia eyed them both with faint suspicion. “I have luggage in the trunk.”
“Nobody will break into your car,” Khanti said. “Besides, I can see it from the window. Just take what you need. A change of clothes or something.”
Celia shifted from one foot to the next. After a full minute of silent deliberation, she released a held breath. Did she always take so long to make up her mind about stuff?
“Okay,” she said. “It might be nice to get settled.”
“Wait right here,” Dax said. “I’ll get my jeep.”
Continue reading AMBROSIA by the Sea
A Note From the Author
Thank you for reading Sandy Kisses by the Sea.
I healed in Lauderdale by the Sea after my personal life was turned upside down. The ocean's tranquility gave peace during a tumultuous time. My hope is that these stories will offer a soothing seaside escape and a continued belief in happily ever after.
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About the Author
With an impressive bibliography in an array of genres, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall has garnered a notable fan base. She pens stories guaranteed to touch the heart while transporting the reader to another time and place. Her belief in happily ever after shines through, whether it's a romantic glimpse into history or a love affair for today.
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