Page 35 of Sweet Escape at Bayside
Emery stood up, drawing Violet’s attention as she adjusted her yoga pants, and said, “You should get Abby to deliver a few Perpetual Bliss doughnuts every morning.” Serena and Drake had befriended Abby Crew, the owner of Kane’s Donuts in Boston, and Abby had been so inspired by their love, she’d created the Perpetual Bliss doughnut just for them. The delicious doughnut was filled with Belgian chocolate pudding, frosted with Taza chocolate, and topped with creamy white and dark chocolate crispy pearls, and Serena was addicted to them.
Violet gazed out at the water, wondering if Cosmos was driving the guys crazy. The ragamuffin had taken a liking to Andre, and Andre had told her last night that he was taking the pup with him on his run this morning.
“Great, Em. Now I want doughnuts.” Serena lifted a spoonful of cereal and said, “Daph, you’re a mom. Can’tyoucook?”
Daphne bit into her toast and shook her head. “But I can throw Cheerios on a tray really well.”
“That’s a skill that’ll hook a husband,” Chloe teased.
“I’m not looking to hook a husband. But I wouldn’t be opposed to a little romance in my life. We’re reading an erotic romance with the book club this month, andoh my gosh…” Daphne mouthed,Hot!
“Erotic romance?” Serena asked. “I thought book clubs read literary fiction.”
“Not ours.” Daphne pushed to her feet and brushed the crumbs from her sweater and jeans. “But then again, I’m not sure we’re considered aregularonline book club since we meet once a month at different locations.”
“Whoever’s turn it is to select the book chooses the place we meet,” Chloe explained. “The only requirement is that there has to be a beach wherever we go. That’s why it’s called Oceanside Book Club.”
“What if you meet at the bay, or a river or cove?” Violet said absently. Cosmos darted up the path, and she sat up straighter, watching as Andre came into view.
“She speaks?” Emery said with a joking smile.
Violet turned an unamused stare in her direction.
Emery rolled her eyes. “Oh please, Vi. You’ve been staring at the dunes since we got here.”
“I’ve got to take off,” Daphne said. “I want to make a few calls before I open the office.” She headed out of the gate and said, “Chloe, we might have to talk to the girls and rethink our book club name. I think Vi has a point. I’ll see you guys later.”
“I’m on it,” Chloe called after her. She looked at Violet and said, “Thanks, Vi. It took us amonthto come up with that name.”
Violet was busy watching Andre pull off his shirt. Cosmos darted back toward him, and Violet wanted to run to him too. But she could just hear the gossip girls if she did. She’d never live it down. His broad chest and shoulders glistened in the sun as he dragged his arm across his forehead. He glanced over and her insides went hot.
“Violet!” Serena tapped the table.
Violet shook her head to try to focus. “What?”
“I was suggesting book club names—beachside, waterside, dockside—but you’re all googly-eyed over Dr. Dreamy. I never thought I’d see you this way.” Serena picked up her glass of juice and said, “I do believe our tough-as-nails Violet isman whipped.”
“Then we’re due some incredible breakfasts.” Emery reached across the table and snagged a piece of toast. “She does have that sexed-up look.”
No kidding, Violet thought, smiling to herself. There was no hiding her feelings for Andre, or how he made her feel.Sexed-upbarely touched the surface when love was brewing all around them. She’d miss him today. He was catching up on phone calls and reviewing reports this morning and seeing a colleague this afternoon, which was perfect since she’d be gone for most of the day.
The guys came through the gate, and Andre set his dark eyes on her with a look hot enough to smolder metal.
“Dr. Do Me Right looks like he stepped off the pages ofMen’s Healthmagazine,” Chloe said quietly.
Emery leaned in and said, “Why do you think Vi is drooling?”
He’s so far aboveMen’s Healthpretty boys. You have no idea what a man like him is really like.Violet pushed to her feet and lowered her voice as she said, “Hands off, ladies. He’smine.” She strutted over to Andre, who swept her into his arms, and she kissed him good and hard.
“Dang,” Dean said as he walked past. “Someone’s got Vi’s attention.”
Serena shouted, “It’s about time.”
“Then why are we eating cereal?” Drake asked as he sat beside Serena.
Violet dug her keys from her pocket and said, “Subject change, please.”
Andre laughed. “I’ll make something hot and delicious tomorrow.”
