The woman found the novel and glanced over the back cover. “Don’t believe I have. It looks good though.”

  “I think you’ll like this one. It’s romantic and heartwarming.”

  “Oh, come on now,” Nick said. “I won’t see her face for a week.”

  Anna swatted him with the book. “Don’t be silly. I’ll have it finished in a day or two.” She addressed Sadie again. “I’ll stop and grab it on our way back by.”

  “I’ll guard it with my life.” Sadie grinned at the pair as they waved and headed for the beach.

  They seemed like such a happy couple, walking closely, hand in hand. Did they always get along so well? Did they ever get into loud arguments? Had Nick ever left for weeks on end as her dad was prone to doing?

  Did Sadie have what it took to sustain such a long relationship? Her longest so far had only been five months, and that was an anomaly. She wanted true love—who didn’t?

  Caroline said she only looked for flaws in the guys she went out with. Maybe her friend had a point. But wasn’t it also wise to go into relationships with your eyes wide open? Too many women projected positive traits on men they didn’t really know. That only set them both up for disappointment.

  Perhaps Sadie was too picky. But she wanted a man who was kind and forgiving. She wanted a man with a generous heart and a flexible spirit. She wanted the kind of devotion that promised they would work things out instead of just giving up.

  He didn’t have to be perfect. Heaven knew she had her own flaws. She could be a bit much—she’d been told that a time or two. She talked a lot, especially when she was nervous. She could be a little scattered. She wasn’t good with numbers and she procrastinated on anything having to do with them—including paying the bills and doing her taxes.

  But she loved people, she loved socializing, and she was a fun date. At least she thought so. Oftentimes she was the one turning down that second date. But there was no point in pursuing a relationship she didn’t see as promising, and it was kinder to be honest about it up front.

  Maybe that was the recipe for becoming a twenty-six-year-old who’d never been in love. But she just hadn’t met the right man yet. She would surely recognize him when he came into her life.

  She glanced at her laptop and woke it up again, brightened the screen. And yet somehow she’d agreed to write a romance novel. What were you thinking?

  The phone buzzed with another incoming call. She checked the screen, hoping it was Mary returning her call. But no, it was her agent, and Sadie had already ignored two phone calls.

  She accepted the call and forced some positive energy into her greeting. “Well, hello there. How are you, Gillian?”

  “I’m doing well, thank you. How’s the beach?”

  “Oh, sunny and just perfect. The weather’s been divine. And this house is to die for. Big huge windows overlooking the seashore. Rio and I are having a blast.”

  Hearing her name, the dog perked her ears and tilted her head.

  “Lucky you. We’ve had nothing but rain in the city. Our lower level flooded a little and ruined some old mementos I had in boxes.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. How’s your family doing otherwise? Are your kids stir-crazy now that school’s over?”

  “The kids are busy with summer activities, and Kyle and I are taking turns shuttling them around. I can’t wait till Megan gets her driver’s license—did I really just say that?”

  Sadie chuckled. “It’ll take the pressure off for sure. I know my mom was glad when I got mine. Not only did I drive myself to all those practices, I became her errand girl.”

  “That does sound tempting. But listen, I wanted to let you know that I spoke with Erin this morning, and she’s eager to see that proposal from you. Thought I’d check in and see how it was coming along.”

  “Oh, it’s going great. The juices are really flowing. These characters, they’re just—” The cursor blinked on the blank page, mocking her. Sadie closed out the document with a jab. “They have me by the heart, what can I say? I should have something for her soon.”

  “Soon like later this week . . . ? She was hoping to have it in time to read over and present it at pub board, which is next Tuesday. So it would be great if she could have it no later than end of day Friday.”

  Friday? Sadie clutched her chest. That was only three days away! And she still had no idea what this story would be about. “Um, sure! Of course. It just needs a little tweaking is all. I’ll flesh it out a bit and get it to her sometime Friday.” She palmed her face.

  “Perfect. She’ll be so glad to hear that. I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with.”

  Me too. “You’re going to love it so much. Just as much as I do.”

  After they said their goodbyes, Sadie’s smile wilted as she face-planted into her keyboard. What was she going to do? She had nothing.

  Nothing!

  She’d been so focused on finding the owner of that ring, which was ever so much more fun and exciting than drafting a dry synopsis for a genre she’d never written before.

  Fun and exciting.

  The words gave her pause. The whole ring thing was exciting and interesting and unique. Certainly nothing like this had happened to her before. Could she weave a plot around that?

  She bolted upright. Write what you know. Why not? Real life inspired fiction all the time, didn’t it? There was even an engagement ring involved in this story—very romantic. She’d already decided on a hero and heroine who were staying on the beach next door to each other. They would go on a quest and end up falling in love!

  It was perfect. The plot she’d been beating her head against a brick wall over had been right at her fingertips all along.

  Fourteen

  Just like in real life, characters reveal themselves through thought, action, and dialogue.

  —Romance Writing 101

  Sadie had a bucketful of nervous energy. So after dinner she took Rio for a walk on the beach. The poor thing had such short legs she couldn’t accompany Sadie on her morning jogs.

  The surf crashed against the shoreline, making the two of them periodically hurry up the beach. Rio had no interest in getting wet. She barked at the breaking waves. She barked at the seagulls and chased them as far as her leash would allow. She tried to get friendly with other walkers and dogs heading the opposite direction. Most of the time, they stopped to give her some attention. Who could blame them? She was just so darn cute.

  Now that Sadie knew what her story would be about, she was eager to get the plot down on paper. But first she needed to organize her thoughts, and she did that best while she was busy doing something else.

  When she reached the pier, she stopped and let Sadie sniff around the pilings and scare off the seagulls before she turned and headed back toward the house.

  “Come on, Rio, let’s head home! That’s my good girl. Come with Mommy. Oh, you don’t like those waves, do you? They just keep chasing you.”

  Sam would surely be home from work by now. She was eager to find out if Mary had called him. Even though Sadie had left her own number on the voice mail, she had called from his phone. It was possible Mary might call him instead.

  The thought quickened her pace. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they could get their answer tonight? The man wouldn’t get the ring back until they returned from the cruise, but at least the mystery would be solved and the ring would be returned to its rightful owner.

  Perhaps the guy would propose on the cruise without the ring—would tell his future bride the tragic story of the lost ring and book. And wouldn’t they both be so delighted when they discovered it had been found?

  In her story she wouldn’t have to follow the real-life version of things—that was the glory of fiction. She’d do whatever worked best as she wrote it. But, oh, it was practically going to write itself now. What a load off her mind. She hadn’t realized the full weight of that pressure until it lifted.

  The hero and heroine would make a bargain—the wedding date for his help—just as she and Sam had done. When they attended the wedding, sparks would fly. Could anything be more perfect? She’d felt sparks before, of course—that she could write about with confidence. The more touchy-feely emotions of love were going to require some imagination. But she’d read enough romance novels now that she was pretty sure she could fake her way through it.

  When she reached the shoreline in front of the cottage, she spotted a man with a black Lab. The thirtysomething guy wore a fitted tee with a pair of board shorts. His golden-blond hair was just long enough to flutter in the wind.

  Upon seeing the other dog, Rio barked and strained against her leash like mad.

  Sadie chuckled. “Settle down. You want to be friends, don’t you? Where are your manners?”

  The man’s face broke out into a perfect smile as his Lab tugged him closer to Rio. The dogs checked each other out.

  “Beautiful Lab you’ve got there,” Sadie said. “His coat’s so shiny.”

  “He likes your little friend. Roscoe, take it easy, boy. She’s littler than you.”

  “He’s being very much a gentleman. Good boy, Roscoe.” Sadie petted the dog.

  “I haven’t seen you around here,” he said.

  “I’ve only been here a week and a half. I’m here for the summer. Mostly I jog the beach in the mornings, but Rio wanted a walk tonight. It’s so beautiful out. Do you live here?”

  “About a mile that way.” He gestured south.

  “Lucky you. The island is beautiful.”

  “First time here?”

  “Yes. What do you have to do to get a house on the beach?”

  “I have no idea. I’m not that lucky. My girlfriend and I live inland a couple blocks. But we have access to the beach and enjoy mild winters, so we’re not complaining. Where are you from?”

  “Queens currently. I do not get to enjoy mild winters. But the snow is lovely to look at in the city. From the windows. In front of a fireplace. With a blanket, hot chocolate, and a book.”

  His chuckle rode the wind like a kite. “I’m Jared.”

  * * *

  It had been a long day. Sam grabbed takeout from PJ’s Clam Shack and ate it sitting on his sofa. He missed having meals with someone. Sharing about his day and listening to her talk about hers.

  Today hadn’t been so good. The work had been fine, but the memory of that day—of finding his girlfriend and cousin making out on the couch—had plagued him. He needed to completely let it go. Plenty of time had passed. No doubt they’d handled the situation badly, but people couldn’t help who they loved, could they? Especially when life kept throwing them together.

  He didn’t love Amanda anymore. His heart didn’t hurt when he saw them together. Instead there was just sort of a vacant feeling inside when he thought of her. And he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to fill that empty spot with someone else. At least not for a long time.

  When he finished his meal he stepped out onto the deck. Sadie was home and would no doubt come outside when she realized he was here. He was curious to know if she’d heard from Mary—though Sadie probably would’ve texted him twenty times by now if she had. Or called him and left a rambling four-minute voice mail.

  He leaned against the deck railing and caught sight of her at the shoreline with Rio. She was talking to some guy while his black Lab got to know her lapdog. It appeared their owners were also becoming acquainted. Sadie didn’t know a stranger. She was already on a first-name basis with at least a dozen people.

  She drew people in. It had annoyed him at first. He’d come here to be alone, and suddenly strangers were sitting on his deck, stopping by to chat with her.

  But really, that was a pretty handy skill she had. He admired it.

  She threw her head back and let out a laugh he couldn’t hear over the sounds of surf and wind. What had the man said to make her laugh like that?

  She squatted and gave the Lab some attention. No doubt jealous, Rio jumped up on her knees and Sadie spread the love around.

  A moment later she stood back up and resumed her conversation. Sam had seen the guy around but didn’t know him personally. The island was too big to know everyone, especially with the influx of tourists from spring through fall. But he was probably single, judging by how engaged he was with Sadie. And he’d probably have her number before it was all said and done.

  The thought pinched.

  He pushed the feeling away. Maybe Sadie had grown on him a bit over the past week. He liked her optimism and ready smile. And she was certainly appealing to the eye. But he wasn’t prepared for anything more than friendship. They were barely acquaintances. Anyway, she probably had a boyfriend back home. She was too good a catch to be single.

  Movement on the beach signaled that Sadie was parting ways with the guy. Sam couldn’t miss the way he glanced back at Sadie as she cut up the beach toward the cottage.

  When she spotted Sam on the deck, her face broke out into a wide grin, and she gave an enthusiastic wave. He lifted a hand and tried to view her as the man on the beach might’ve. Her feathery blonde hair, currently wind tousled, and a turquoise scoop-neck T-shirt that revealed shapely arms. It was tucked into a pair of shorts that sat high on her torso, accentuating her small waistline and hourglass figure.

  How could the guy not be interested?

  When she reached the yard she set Rio free, and the dog came running to him.

  He gave her a little affection while Sadie made her way across the deck. “Did you hear from Mary?”

  Her lips twisted. “Well, hello, Sam. My day was terrific—how was yours?”

  “It was fine. So did you hear from her?”

  “I was about to ask you the same thing if that answers your question. Shoot. They don’t disembark for three whole days.”

  “Maybe she’ll check her phone at one of the ports.”

  “That’s the hope. Did you get a lot of yards done today? It was a hot one.”

  “Just two. I did some landscaping.”

  Her gaze flittered over him.

  He glanced down to make sure he hadn’t missed any dirt in his shower. Nope.

  “Well, I really did have a terrific day. My agent called and said my editor wanted a synopsis by Friday. This Friday. And I panicked—only on the inside, mind you. I totally played it off like, of course! No problem! I’ll get that right over to you. But then a few minutes after we got off the phone, guess what? An idea came to me—the perfect idea.” She slid him an expectant look.

  When he didn’t say anything she added, “That’s wonderful to hear, Sadie. You must be so relieved. Why, yes, Sam, that’s it exactly. I’m absolutely giddy with relief.”

  He arched a brow. “Do all writers do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Carry on conversations by themselves?”

  “What do you think dialogue is? Of course, most of my characters have been cowboys up to this point. That will be a real challenge for me—having modern-day people in my head.”

  Okay, then.

  “Not real people. Characters and voices—and before you give me that look again, not those kinds of voices. It’s all perfectly normal writer stuff. Sometimes a piece of dialogue will come to me, and I have to write it down right now. Otherwise I forget and it’s gone forever.” She snapped her fingers, then narrowed her eyes at him. “Now why does this always happen? I talk and talk and you say nothing, and now you know way too much about me, and I know practically nothing about you.” She plopped down in one of his chairs. “It’s your turn. Talk.”

  He turned at the railing and chuckled.

  “You have a dimple. I said that out loud, didn’t I? But I’ve never seen you smile and you have a dimple. Sit down. Tell me about your work. How’d your dad end up starting a landscaping business?”

  She made him dizzy and he wasn’t entirely sure he liked it. But he did as she asked and admitted, if only to himself, that it wasn’t so bad having a little company in the evening. Especially after a day like today. Besides, he wasn’t usually this taciturn. But when Sadie had initially arrived, he’d been busy sulking about sharing his sanctuary.

  “Hi, Sadie!” A middle-aged lady waved from the beach pathway. “Oh, what’s this? Is this new?”

  “It’s a Little Library. I just put it up a week ago. Help yourself to a book. There are some good novels in there.”

  “Oh, I wish! I’m working on my master’s, and all my reading time is devoted to deadly dull material.”

  “Oh, poor you. This is my neighbor, Sam. Sam, this is Rhonda.”

  They exchanged greetings and Rhonda knelt to give Rio some attention through the fence.

  After she was gone Sam just stared at Sadie. Seriously, he half expected the woman to be elected mayor in the fall.

  “What?” she asked.

  “What what?”

  “Why are you staring at me like that?”

  “I think you already know more people on the island than I do.”

  “Oh, I do not. I just enjoy conversations—real ones with real human beings. I find people interesting, don’t you? And Little Libraries are great because you put one up and voilà! You have a common interest with a stranger. Nothing brings people together like books. I’d love to know your favorite book, but first you were going to tell me about your business.”

  “Oh, was I?”

  “Only if you want. Otherwise, that favorite book.” Sadie settled into the chair, lacing her fingers on her stomach as Rio flopped down on her bare feet. Two turquoise toenails peeked out from under the dog’s head.

  “The business story is pretty basic. My dad worked for another landscaping company in his younger days. He didn’t like how it was run, how they ripped people off, so he decided to start his own.”

  “Were you and your sister born yet?”

  “I was only eight, so she wasn’t even a thought. Money was a little tight for a while. My mom got a part-time job at my school so she could help out financially but still be home for me. When I was thirteen I started helping Dad in the summer. My cousin came along a couple summers later. And now we have eight crews, lots of equipment.” He closed his mouth. He’d practically given a speech.