Allen ushered them through an enormous front door. It had to be at least six feet wide. Her eyes immediately zeroed in on the gorgeous azure sea framed by massive windows on the other side of the house.
They didn't stop until they were on a palm shaded veranda overlooking the pool and another expanse of green grass and of course, the ocean. The space was breathtaking, and Sabrina said so.
“Thanks. We like it,” Allen said.
“It's so much calmer out here I think. It'll be good for the baby.”
“You're staying on the east coast?” David asked as they settled into the most comfortable patio furniture Sabrina had ever felt.
It probably cost more than her car but the buttery soft fabric and down like pillows would be worth it. Especially with a view like that. She might just live out here.
“Until after the baby is born.”
A woman in black slacks and a white button up brought out a tray of drinks.
“Are you guys hungry? It’s not a long flight from Atlanta so I wasn’t sure if they’d feed you on the plane,” Marissa said.
“I could eat,” David said.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Allen pulled out his cell phone and tapped away for a few seconds.
Sabrina had to admit, this life wasn’t bad. Having delicious food delivered at the touch of a button. The view couldn’t be beat. The slight breeze and the warm air was to die for. She felt David’s gaze and smiled over at him.
He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers. Yeah, she could get used to living like this.
That night they went out to a restaurant with an incredible skyline view. The security team that followed Allen around took a little getting used to, but David seemed to enjoy chatting with them.
When he was happy, she was happy.
She couldn’t imagine needing that kind of protection though. Seeing David standing shoulder to shoulder with the men dressed in black, she was reminded of the haunted house.
When that car had back-fired, there hadn’t been a moment of hesitation in David. He’d simply reacted, protected her, covered her body with his own. Even then, when he was fighting their attraction, he’d cared for her deeply.
Her chest ached with how much she loved him. For a time, she’d tried to deny that she could fall so far, so fast. But that was pointless.
Sometimes love just found you, wrapped its arms around you and whispered, ‘hold on tight.’ Sabrina intended to do just that.
David had grown from her best friend to the man of her dreams.
Whatever it took to make him happy, that’s what she wanted. That’s what she’d do. Wherever it took her. Even if it meant packing her apartment up and heading to the bayou.
Back at the house, she encouraged David to hang out with Allen as long as he wanted. That was the whole point of the trip, and she liked to think she could survive a few hours without him.
Maybe.
“I’ll be up in a few,” he told her with a kiss to the cheek. Desire coiled deep inside her; she loved the bloom of anticipation.
In the guest room she found their luggage and an incredible arrangement of flowers on the dresser. She paused with her toiletry bag to inhale the sweet scent of the enormous white lilies.
The adjoining bathroom, like the rest of the house, was elegantly appointed. Uncluttered but not sparse or cold. She ran her finger-tip along the smooth granite counter, appreciating the soft tones and gorgeous orchids.
After slipping into her favorite satin pajamas, she called Layla and hit the speaker phone button.
“How's life in South Beach?” her partner said by way of greeting.
“Gorgeous, as expected. How are things there? Did the envelopes arrive for Stephanie's project?”
“They did. I got Kristen's suite mailed and picked up stamps for Candy's invitations.”
“You're so good to me.” Having Layla as a partner was a Godsend. In fact, Sabrina couldn't remember how she'd survived without her. What had started out as a part time job had morphed into a full time assistant and now a partner who kept her on track and handled the licensing of her product line. “How's Jamie?”
A dreamy sigh echoed through the line. “Wonderful. We have plans for the whole weekend.”
“Good. You deserve to cut loose. I really appreciate all your help, so David and I could make this trip.”
She'd felt a little guilty when Layla had canceled her date on Thursday night to help out. But as usual, her partner had come to the rescue. And Jamie had insisted that it was no big deal, he'd get her all to himself all weekend.
The man was smitten. It was obvious by the smile in his voice and the way he sent her sweet little texts throughout the day.
If Sabrina were a jealous person, she'd be green eyed after watching those two fall in love. But she was so excited for them and if she wasn't mistaken, she'd be designing a wedding invite for the two of them sometime next year.
That prospect made her a little giddy.
“How are things with David?”
Sabrina patted her face dry and picked up the phone before stepping into the bedroom to make sure she was alone. It's not that she had secrets from him, not anymore, not ever again. But there were some things you could confide in your girlfriends before spilling the beans to your lover.
“I'm excited he's getting this opportunity. Allen is really impressed with his work and his work ethic. Plus you know how much Allen respects the military.” He'd done several movies highlighting the ravages of battle and the toll on the friends and family of the soldier.
“Yes, but how are you two doing?”
Sabrina sat down on the end of the bed with a sigh.
“It feels precarious. That's my fault, really. I'm ready to settle down. I'm not getting any younger--”
“He isn't either...”
“But that was part of my reason for moving from California. I left all those memories behind and I wanted to build something fresh,
