On the way to the resort, she paused as she drove Shar’s Jeep past the marina and scanned the boats docked there but didn’t see him. She tried to tell herself not to be nervous. That he hadn’t left. But there was a small part of her that feared exactly that. Would BJ stay in Windswept Bay?
“Yes, he will,” she chided herself as she drove on to the resort. She had hopes that what they’d shared over the last week had been as special to him as it was to her. He acted like it. His kisses, his gentleness with her, the way he looked at her. It all told her in her heart that he had fallen for her as much as she’d fallen for him.
It was too soon to be spouting words of love. It was time to let their relationship develop.
She just needed to relax and let things continue to develop.
Horace was changing out a wall socket when she entered the lobby and immediately she went over to him. “Horace, I am so glad to see you and be able to tell you thank you for helping out the other evening.”
“Olivia, I’ve been hoping you’d come by now that those vultures are gone. It is really nice to have you back home.”
“I’m glad too. Did you hear the news that I’m coming on board with Cali and Jillian here at the resort?”
He looked over his glasses. “I heard. And Superwoman is free to fly.”
Olivia smiled at the nickname. “Yes, she is. Her love for the sea turtles and helping grow the hospital and the efforts along the coast is just where she needs to be. And now she has Gage to partner with. It’s going to be perfect for her, and for me.”
“Good. You gals are making your parents proud. The resort is doing good, looking good, and when they finally get the rooms remodeled, it’s going to be classier than it’s ever been.”
“That’s due to Shar, Jillian, and Cali. I hope I can add something to what they’ve done.”
“You will. No doubt in my mind.”
“Thanks. See you later.”
“I’m always hanging out somewhere.”
Olivia smiled at everyone she passed and noticed many of the workers do a double take as she passed by. Being Jillian’s identical twin was going to cause a few humorous moments… It hit her suddenly that BJ had never gotten her and Jillian mixed up except the first time they met on the roof and he’d thought she was Jillian. After that, he’d never confused them again.
Not that they had been together all that much when BJ had been around but still somehow she felt he knew who she was no matter what. Why or how did he know?
It was a question she planned to ask him.
She entered the office smiling. “I’m reporting for duty.” She loved the startled look on Cali’s face. “What, you didn’t expect me? And you weren’t watching the surveillance cameras?”
Cali jumped up and rushed forward. “I’m thrilled you’re here. I just didn’t expect you to start right after we talked about it.”
Olivia set her purse down. “Cali, I have had about all the downtime I can tolerate. And truthfully, if I continue to have nothing to do, I’m afraid I’m going to start stalking BJ and looking needy.”
Cali put her hands to her cheeks and laughed.
“I heard that.” Jillian chuckled as she came through the door behind Olivia. She was in jeans with a big work shirt and dirt clung to her knees. She carried a potted plant; she set it on the desk and turned to Olivia with a huge smile. “Ignore my attire—it’s gardening day. You look lovely and not needy at all and I have a very good feeling that BJ would not object to you being in his life twenty-four hours a day. He could not take his eyes off you last night. And even offered to walk you home.”
Cali agreed. “And you denied him the privilege and rode with Jillian instead.”
“He needed time with Gage.”
“True.” Jillian plucked a leaf from her sleeve. “But he wanted to spend time with you. We could tell.”
“I’m a full-grown, independent, career woman and I’m feeling a little vulnerable where he’s concerned.”
“There’s no need.” BJ stepped around the corner. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was just looking for you and I found you. Olivia, my world feels steady and right when you’re in it. Before I came to Windswept Bay, I was a content man in every way I could think of. Now, the only time I’m content is when you’re with me.”
He walked up to her and Olivia had to place a hand on the desk beside her to steady the sudden way the room spun. “I feel the same way,” she said. “I just wanted to give you space. You helped me out so much last week.”
He took her into his arms. “Last night, Gage and I decided to sell Lancaster Industries. We had a long talk about our father and when we finally parted ways and he went back up to the house, all I wanted was to see you. To tell you what we’d discussed. It didn’t feel complete without sharing it with you.”
“I love you, BJ,” she said, unable to contain her feelings any longer.
His expression grew somber. “And I love you. Through no effort or merit of my own, I’m about to become a very wealthy man. That means I can go anywhere I want, live anywhere I want, and I only want to be where you are. That money means nothing to me except that I can do some good in this world with it. But even that thought means nothing to me without you.”
Olivia was smiling through tears as BJ went down on one knee.
“Olivia Sinclair, will you please marry me?”
She leaned down and kissed him. “Yes,” she whispered against his lips.
BJ rose and took her into his arms, his blue eyes so tender. “This is the best moment of my life.” And then he kissed her breathless and lifted his head. “No, that was the best moment of my life.” And then he kissed her again.
When he pulled back, Olivia realized they were alone and the doors to the office were closed. “BJ, I can’t believe it.”
“Believe what? That I love you?”
“No.” She looked around. “That I wish there had been at least one paparazzi hanging around to document that special moment when you knelt and asked me to marry you.”
He grinned. “That poor dude Levi arrested might still be at the jailhouse. We could see if he’d take our picture.”
Olivia giggled. “Poor guy. I think I’d just rather have you kiss me again…forever.”
“Now, that I can do. Always.” And he lowered his lips to hers to prove it.
More Books in the Windswept Bay Series
FROM THIS MOMENT ON (Book 1)
Hurt by her failed marriage and dashed dreams, Cali Sinclair returns home to Windswept Bay with her heart wary and closed to the dreams of true love she so desperately wanted. Determined to never again risk her heart, she throws herself into running the family’s small boutique resort on the Florida coast, a place so full of romance that it’s a reminder every day of what she’ll never have. But when renowned artist Grant Ellington shows up to paint a mural on the wall of the resort, she’s swept away by her response to the artist. Suddenly, every time he looks at her, Cali finds it harder than she ever thought possible to keep her heart protected.
Grant Ellington loves his ranch, his horses, and his life as a sought-after artist. But after walking away from a plane crash that killed his best friend and the young pilot, he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt as he heads to Windswept Bay. Painting a sea life mural at the resort started out as a favor to his neighbor, but one meeting with the beautiful Cali and he feels alive again—and determined to spend time on the moonlit beaches with her in his arms…
But, like him, Cali has her own emotional scars—can they learn to trust the love that sparks between them and move forward from this moment on?
SOMEWHERE WITH YOU (Book 2)
Sassy, opinionated Shar Sinclair is passionate about the sea turtles she rescues in the Windswept Bay area and as needful of her freedom as they are. She’s content with her life, helping run the family resort and looking out for the wildlife around her. But sometimes she wishes she had someone to share her passion, and passions, with.
But that might mean giving up some of her freedom and she’s not sure she could do that for anyone…
Gage Landcaster is a self-made millionaire used to getting what he wants, but lately there’s an emptiness and a restlessness to his life that he can’t seem to fill. While visiting Windswept Bay, he spies a beautiful woman on the beach, struggling to rescue a sea turtle tangled in fishing line, and goes to help. Gage is captivated by the fire and passion that radiates from Shar and he knows instantly he wants her. But this may be one time when what he wants might not be an option.
Sparks fly on the sunset beach and sparkling blue waters of the romantic Windswept Bay as Gage and Shar battle through their attraction. Gage is determined that this is one time he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants. But can Shar open her heart to him? Can he convince Shar that love doesn’t mean shackles...but a lifetime shared with the one you love?
WITH THIS KISS (Book 3)
A Windswept Bay Short Story
A kiss is just a kiss…or so some say. But I disagree…this kiss, can change a life. It did mine.
YOU are officially invited to the wedding of Shar Sinclair to the man of her dreams, Gage Lancaster…if the groom ever makes it to the wedding.
Where is Gage?
There’s only an hour until the wedding ceremony and no one has heard from Gage, and he’s not answering his phone. Now, Shar’s ready to go looking for her man, because something just doesn’t feel right.
After Gage receives the message he’s been waiting for from a private investigator, Gage can’t help but make a life-changing stop on his way to his wedding.
But, things quickly spiral out of control and everything about this wedding day is about change…
HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE (Book 5)
Windswept Bay Series: Like the sweet music of a love song, Windswept Bay has a magic of its own and on moonlight nights and sun bronzed days love is in the air. Debra Clopton’s new series will sweep you away to romance that leaves your heart thumping with the satisfaction of pure heartwarming romance.
WITH THIS RING (Book 6)
A Windswept Bay Valentine Short Story
Like the sweet music of a love song, Windswept Bay has a magic of its own and on moonlight nights and sun bronzed days love is in the air. Debra Clopton’s new series will sweep you away to romance that leaves your heart thumping with the satisfaction of pure heartwarming romance.
About the Author
Bestselling author Debra Clopton has sold over 2.5 million books. Her book OPERATION: MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS has been optioned for an ABC Family Movie. Debra is known for her contemporary, western romances, Texas cowboys and feisty heroines. Sweet romance and humor are always intertwined to make readers smile. A sixth generation Texan she lives with her husband on a ranch deep in the heart of Texas. She loves being contacted by readers.
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Forever and For Always
Copyright © 2016 Debra Clopton Parks ISBN: 978-1-941491-17-1
This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please contact the author through her website: www.debraclopton.com
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