Sunsets At Pelican Beach
Pelican Beach Series Book Two
Michele Gilcrest
Contents
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1. Lexi
2. Payton
3. Cole
4. Payton
5. Payton
6. Rebecca
7. Payton
8. Payton
9. Lexi
10. Rebecca
11. Payton
12. Cole
13. Rebecca
14. Payton
15. Cole
16. Payton
17. Epilogue: Payton
Also by Michele Gilcrest
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Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing Sunsets At Pelican Beach. If you haven’t read book one in the series, The Inn At Pelican Beach, be sure to read it first.
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Copyright © 2020 by Michele Gilcrest
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Lexi
Cole and his crew carefully carried in the granite for my parents' new center island. Once it was in place, he stood back, admiring the cut and gliding his hand along the surface. She chose the most elegant European granite that Cole could find. It was just like her to spare no expense. Dad gave his stamp of approval but really didn't care about the details. I stood nearby in the dining area, admiring his skills and other aspects of him as I prepared lunch. In a little while, I'd head back to the boutique, but not before seeing to it that Cole had everything he needed.
"Lexi, that's quite a spread you have there," he said.
As a client and long time friend of Cole’s family, I thought it was only right to take good care.
"Yes, I made it for you and the crew. I thought you might need a little fuel to help you get through the rest of the day."
"I know the guys will appreciate it. You really didn't have to do this. I'm sure you're already busy with running the boutique. Coming over here during the day and feeding us is way beyond your call of duty."
"It's no big deal. I promised I would be here to help Mom oversee things whenever she couldn't be here."
Cole whistled for the crew members working outside to get their attention.
"Everybody, Miss Donovan has some food here for you. I'll take care of the counter while you guys go ahead and take a lunch break."
He turned back toward me.
"You're going to have some, too, aren't you? There's a variety to choose from. Over here, you have turkey or ham and cheese on croissants, and then you also have…"
"Thank you, Lexi. I appreciate it. I really do. However, my girlfriend, Payton, should be stopping by any moment now. Usually, once a week, she whips together a surprise lunch for me. I'd hate to disappoint her by spoiling my appetite."
"Oh, I see. That's awfully nice of her. Does she make it a habit to come to your worksite?"
"She doesn't stay long. My clients don't normally have an issue with it, but if it's a problem, I can call her."
"Oh, no. Don't be silly. I wouldn't give it another thought. I'll just lay the tray of food over here, so it doesn't interfere with your workspace."
I laid the tray on a table that was out of the way. I was irritated at the idea of Payton stopping by. I didn't want his time at the house to end without me telling Cole that I was in love with him. With a little encouragement, hopefully, he'd realize that I was perfect for him. We were perfect for each other.
"Cole, I have to get ready to head back to the boutique. My mother and I are swapping this afternoon. I'm covering the boutique while she'll be here with the crew. Before I go, I was wondering if you heard about the fundraiser that we're hosting for the young boys and girls club?"
"No, I wasn't aware."
"It's going to be a huge event. All of the proceeds will go to the children. We thought it would be a great way to give back to the community. Hopefully, if we can get all the locals with deep pockets to participate, we can raise enough funds to provide school supplies, activities, and new clothing to the children this year."
"Well, that certainly sounds like a good cause. I'm all for anything that will benefit the kids."
"I figured you would be. I was thinking this might be a good opportunity for you and your daughter, Emmie, to get involved. I know how much she loves to help out.”
"Really? What did you have in mind?"
"Mom wants to have a live auction at the fundraiser. She's been in touch with quite a few business owners to ask them to donate some of their services."
Cole leaned back on the counter and folded his arms.
"That makes sense for businesses like the bakery that could offer a free gift basket, or the nail salon that could offer a… what do you ladies call it?"
"A mani-pedi?" I said.
"Yes, a mani-pedi or a spa day. But I'm not sure my business falls in line with all of the other services."
"Yes, but there is something else you could offer."
"And what's that?"
"Perhaps a small donation and spreading the word around Pelican Beach, of course. But even more importantly, we want you to be there with sweet Emmie."
"Oh, Lexi, I'm happy to give a donation, but I don't know about…"
"Now, now. Think about how helpful it would be for you to attend and mingle with the town officials. Come on. You know them all on a first-name basis because they all speak highly of your renovation work. Your reputation spreads beyond Pelican Beach and is well known here in Naples as well."
"Yes, but.."
"And... perhaps if you're there, you can encourage the donors to give up a little bit more money for the fundraiser. Emmie can help out with the games, and you can feel good in knowing
