Page 69 of Sweet Escape at Bayside
“Who the heck isDaisy?” Emery shouted. “Does he mean Vi? Oh my gosh!Daisy!” She burst into hysterics.
Violet tore her mouth away and glared at her. “Call me that anddie.”
Everyone laughed, except Violet and Andre, who were too busy sealing their love, and their future, with kisses to care.
MUCH LATER, AFTER being calledDaisytoo many times to count, eating too much pizza, and finally breathing again, Violet sat beside Andre, watching her worlds blend together. Gavin, Daphne, Chloe, Justin, Dwayne, and Cory hadn’t stopped talking since dinner was served. Dean played Rod’s guitar while Steph and Emery sang. Desiree sat with Joni on her lap, chatting with Rod, Gabe, Matt, and Mira, who was nursing Holly. Beside them, Hagen, Drake, and Rick were trying to convince Rowan to come fishing with them. Hadley sat stoically on Rowan’s lap, pulling at his beard, but even he couldn’t charm a smile out of her. Elliott moved from group to group, getting to know everyone.
Andre pressed his lips beside her ear in a tender kiss and whispered, “I can’t believe you told everyone all your secrets.”
“I didn’t. I told them I sculpt, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell Des or anyone else about the torsos. That still feels too private.”
“Good,” he said, kissing her again.
She whispered, “I have another secret. I justmighthave a naughty-nurse costume waiting for us at home.”
“Damn, baby.” His gorgeous eyes darkened. “Now I’ll be aroused all night.”
He drew her face to his, taking her in a divinely delicious kiss.
“You know, babe, when Desiree said you’d gone off on your own several hours before they got here, I thought you had changed your mind about going away with me. I was sure you needed time alone to figure out how to tell me you were staying on the Cape.”
“Oh no! I almost forgot something.” She popped up to her feet, then leaned down and said, “They’re my friends, and they’re important. But you’re the love of my life, and I’ll never make the mistake of leaving you again.” She gave him a chaste kiss and said, “Be right back.”
She grabbed Elliott and they headed for the kitchen.
“I was waiting for you to give me the signal,” he said as they began placing blackberries on the five-layered heart-shaped puff pastries they’d spent the afternoon making. There was a layer of cream between each of the three layers of pastry, and they were topped with powdered sugar. They smelled heavenly.
“I’m sorry. I got so sidetracked I forgot. El, I can’t thank you enough for taking so much time to help me make these. I kind of suck at cooking.”
Elliott smiled and said, “I’m your friend. I’ll always make time for you.”
“Thank you. That means the world to me.”
They finished garnishing the pastries, and Violet realized she’d be leaving soon and wouldn’t see Elliott for a very long time. Like the rest of his family, he had a special way of seeing the best in people and, she liked to think, bringing that out in them, too. Suddenly overwhelmed with emotions, she said, “I think I need to hug you.”
Elliott’s eyes widened. “But you told me no hugs.”
“I know, but that was when we first met, and I’m going away for a few months. I think I’m ready now.” She opened her arms, and Elliott squeezed her so tight she choked out, “Okay, okay!”
“Sorry,” he said sheepishly, still holding her tight. “You’re moving away. I have to stock up.”
Gabe walked in as he was releasing her and said, “Whoa! Was that ahug? I want in on that action.” She pulled Violet into an embrace and said, “I’ll miss you. You really are part of our family.”
“I’ll miss you guys, too.” She choked up for the millionth time in the last month and cleared her throat to try to get a grip on her emotions. “All right, kiddo. Are you ready?”
“You bet!” Elliot reached for a tray. “Andre will be surprised!”
“I’ll get the plates,” Gabe said, following them out.
They set the treats on the table, and everyone gathered around to check them out.
“Oh my! Those look delicious.” Serena reached for one.
Emery pushed closer, reaching around Serena to grab one. “Yum!”
Violet started to glare at them, wanting to give the first one to Andre, but she caught herself and let the girls grab their fill.
“They’re like sharks,” Elliott teased.
