Page 17 of Sparks Like Ours

“He’s good looking, yes.”

“The full package, then.” Gia pointed. “I’m up here on the right.”

Elle followed Gia’s directions until they pulled up to what shecould only describe as a boutique apartment complex. A post stood in front witha cute hanging sign that said Seven Shores, which made sense as that seemed tobe the address, 7 Shores Drive.

Elle nodded, studying the building. “This is where Gia Malonelives.”

Gia glanced up at her place. “It’s not fancy, but it’s blocks fromthe beach, which as you know, is important.”

“I’m guessing you’re training for Swatch Pro.” It was the nexttournament on the Championship Tour. This time they’d stay stateside in SanClemente, California.

“Only day and night.”

Elle nodded. “Me, too. It’s like I never sleep.”

“Bring it, Britton. I’m ready for you.” Gia raised her eyebrows ina challenge that was only half in jest. Elle shifted, knowing that as much asshe scoffed at Gia’s recent rankings climb, it did increase the pressure. Shepushed that much harder during her workouts knowing that Gia was only a handfulof points away from taking her title as they neared the end of the tour. Whilemotivating, it also left Elle nervous and a little off-kilter, which wasn’t herfavorite place to be.

Gia tapped the top of the Beetle once. “Hey, thanks for the lift.I appreciate it. You didn’t have to come all the way out here. Very cool ofyou.”

“Anytime,” Elle said, brightening to her typical smile. “It alsogives me a chance to scope out your practice beach.”

“Totally my territory. Don’t get any ideas.” The comment wasplayful and a good note to end on.

“Be good,” Elle said, and pulled away from the curb, realizingthat that whole thing could have gone a lot worse. Maybe they’d made a littleprogress today. At least, she hoped so. But it was time to push Gia Malone fromher brain altogether. She had a date to get to and an outfit to settle on. Shecranked the music and drove toward the setting sun, wondering just whatdelicious possibilities the night had in store for her.

* * *

“Freeze. Don’t move a muscle.”

Gia glanced up to see Autumn standing in the entryway to thecourtyard. “Why am I freezing exactly?”

“Oh, don’t play innocent with me. We saw you get out of ElleBritton’s car. What gives?”

Gia glanced around. “First of all, who’s we?”

“The three of us,” Autumn said, gesturing to her stomach. “As in,me and the twins.”

“I didn’t realize they kept tabs on me the way their nosy motherdoes.”

“Well, they do. They’re advanced for their age. Now spill.”

Gia walked on, passing Autumn, who turned and followed her, hot onher heels. “There’s nothing to tell. Jeep’s getting towed, which sucks.”

“Did she do something to the Jeep?”

“No.”

“Did you guys do somethinginthe Jeep? Together, perhaps?”

Gia whirled on her. “You need to stop hanging out with Isabel.She’s a bad influence on all three of you.” She made a circular gesture in thedirection of Autumn’s stomach.

“And why is that?”

Gia turned at the sound of Isabel’s voice and found her loungingon one of the courtyard couches, probably trying to steal some sun for thatpale skin of hers, a common and genuinely futile occurrence.

“What did I do now?”

Gia marched over to her. “You’re the one getting both Hadley and Autumngoing about Elle Britton and sparks and conflict.”

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