Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
But if she was being completely honest with herself, that wasn’t the only reason she was feeling nervous. Truth be told, the last twenty-four hours had been a total emotional whirlwind.
After Arch had suggested she share his bed last night, she had swung between two conflicting reactions. To her mortification, her first instinct had been to jump on in. He had looked so incredibly hot sitting up in bed, shirtless, with that sexy look in his eyes. It had been torture to tear her eyes away from his rippling, tanned abs.
But she had promised herself to stay professional. Professional was the only way to protect her heart.
At the same time, his easy charm—and his obvious expectations that he could show her such a good time that she wouldn’t regret sleeping with him—riled her up the wrong way. Clearly, her movie-star client was used to getting what he wanted.
Margaret had assured her that Archer Davenport was a real gentleman, just like his father. And in the end, he had been. But only after she’d rejected his invitation to be the flavor of the week.
So, she had picked up his crutches, which clearly had only been a ploy to get her down there in the first place, and fled his bedroom.
Only to find that when she got back upstairs and into her own bed, it felt cold and lonely. And then she couldn’t help wondering whether Arch had anything on beneath the covers over his hips. All of which were very bad thoughts for her to have about a client.
Needless to say, she did not sleep well.
That wasn’t even the worst of it, though. Out of nowhere, she had told Arch about her husband. She never talked to anyone about Lewis, let alone a client. Even Margaret knew almost nothing about Tessa’s past.
But at breakfast, she’d found herself opening up to Arch with an ease that was both surprising and frightening. There was something about him that made her want to tell him things she’d never tell anyone else. An openness and an interest in her—but also a distinct feeling that he’d never judge her for her actions or thoughts.
And then, after they’d shared the stack of buckwheat pancakes she’d made, he’d helped her with the dishes again. She found it so endearing. And that was all it took for her to wonder what it would be like to feel his hands on her skin…
The devil on her shoulder told her she’d been an idiot to turn down his offer to join him in bed. Thank God the rational part of her brain won out in the end.
Getting involved with a client was a massive no-no. She could get fired over it. But more than that, if she did become intimate with him, she’d leave with a broken heart as soon as their affair was over. Because how could she not fall for him? And how could he stay for long in Carmel after his leg healed, when he would need to return to his real life in Hollywood? He already had more films scheduled.
His life was so far away from her own that it truly was unimaginable that anything could ever work out for them long term.
Not that he’d been asking for long term last night.
She was so lost in her thoughts, she almost didn’t notice that she’d stepped onto Ocean Avenue, where so many of Carmel’s restaurants and high-end boutiques lined the streets. Tessa didn’t have the money to go inside most of them. Her usual coffee place was down a little side alley, but Erin had said to meet them at Saint Anna’s, a beautiful coffee shop with European-style pâtisseries à la crème arranged in rows in the window.
She stared at the gorgeous array of delicacies, took a breath to steady her nerves, and went inside.
The shop was bustling with customers, each circular table occupied. She soon spotted Mila and Erin, who had already secured a table in the corner and were chatting with the couple at the neighboring table. Tessa smiled. These two were so friendly and open, they probably knew everyone in town.
Erin spotted Tessa and waved her over. She was wearing a silk blouse and tailored jeans, and Tessa was glad she’d made the effort to change out of her uniform before leaving the house.
“Morning!” Erin said, bright as anything. “We saved you a seat. Don’t you look pretty. What are you having?”
Tessa sat next to Erin and said she’d love a cappuccino. She definitely needed another coffee after the sleepless night she’d had. Although she wasn’t about to tell Arch’s sister that.
Erin waved the waiter over and ordered Tessa’s coffee, as well as a refill for herself and a plate of the assorted French pastries that she said Saint Anna’s was famous for.
After saying hello, Mila, who looked all kinds of fabulous in a beautifully made pale gray suit, told Tessa, “This is Estelle.”