Page 48 of California Waves

“I’m going to head in and take a seat on that log over there. What I’d like most is to watch you surf. Is that okay? You look incredible when you’re out there doing what you love.”

She was delighted. “Of course. I’ve missed having an audience, and now I have a super sexy one.”

* * *

Hersch settled himself on the log and breathed a huge sigh of relief. With Mila’s help, he’d managed to go farther into the water than he could have imagined. He slipped on his sunglasses to shield his eyes against the rising sun and followed Mila’s progress as she rode the waves. She was so beautiful and so brave. Right there, he made the decision to go to the beach with her every morning. He vowed that he would go deeper each time.

When she emerged from the water, he leaped to his feet and went to kiss her.

“You were amazing out there. Can you spend the day with me?”

“I wish I could, but I’ve got appointments this morning, then I’m tasting wedding cake and food with Tessa, my mom, and my sister.”

“Tasting wedding cake?” He looked puzzled. “For Archer and Tessa? But they just announced their engagement. I’m sure I saw something as I was flipping channels last night about a wedding in Scotland.”

She hesitated and then said, “That’s only for show. They’re really getting married here in Carmel, a really small wedding. Top secret.”

“Good for them.” He waited, wondering if she’d mentioned the cake because she was planning to invite him as her plus-one, but she didn’t.

She threw her arms around him. “You did so well today. I’ll see you tomorrow morning for surfing?”

He kissed her again, lingering longer this time, until she pulled away, breathless and laughing. “I really do need to go.”

“Go now, or I can’t promise that you’ll make it to the menu tasting. Enjoy every bite.”

She gave him a little nip on the lower lip. “I just did.”

He laughed and then stood beside her on the sand, watching her, wanting her more and more with every second that passed.

Is this what true love feels like?

From somewhere deep inside, he felt the reply. Yes.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Francesca’s Catering was famous for both its catering and its discretion. The storefront was tucked away in a high-end outdoor shopping center about fifteen minutes’ drive from Carmel. When Mila arrived, Crystal Lopez was standing in front of Francesca’s window, speaking on the phone. Mila knew Crystal, as she’d been in Erin’s year in high school and had been friends with Damien, two years older, for years. Back in high school, Crystal had been involved in organizing everything from school concerts to prom, so it was no surprise when she turned those skills into a living. Now, at thirty, she ran a successful event-planning business.

Crystal waved a greeting to Mila while giving someone instructions in Spanish. She gestured with her free hand to make a point, and the gold bracelets on her wrist flashed in the sunshine, as did the gold hoops in her ears. Crystal was gorgeous. There was no other word for it. She had long dark hair, which she wore in a ponytail today, huge dark eyes that could flash from tragedy to comedy in seconds, a full-lipped, sensuous mouth, and a lithe dancer’s body. She wore loose black trousers and a fuchsia blouse. She ended the call and came forward. “Mila, hi, it’s been ages.”

They kissed cheeks, and Crystal said, “I hope you’re hungry. We have lots of food to sample.”

“I brought my appetite,” Mila assured her.

Tessa turned up next, and after the quickest greeting, Crystal shepherded them into the storefront, scanning behind them as she did so. Mila knew she was looking for any paparazzi who might have followed Tessa.

They didn’t even speak to the woman at the front desk, but walked through a door that Crystal opened. They were met by a stylish older woman all in black. “Crystal, it’s lovely to see you again.” She held out her hands and kissed Crystal on both cheeks.

This was Francesca, the famous chef who’d decided to move into catering. Mila knew Crystal had pulled strings and called in favors to get Francesca to take on a rush job, but nothing in Francesca’s manner suggested she was anything but delighted to cook for them.

She showed them to a private room set up like a dining room and said Sergio would look after them.

When they were seated, each with a clipboard, pen, and menus of the items they’d be sampling, Mila noticed the two empty places at the table. “Where are Mom and Erin? Running late?”

Tessa shook her head. “Betsy had a crisis with a student, and Erin had a big story come in. She said she couldn’t get away.”

Mila scoffed. “A big story at the Sea Shell? Maybe the Dog of the Week got fleas.”

Tessa smiled briefly, but Mila could tell she wasn’t used to the teasing that went on among the Davenports.

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