Chapter Two

Sophie stared blankly at the computer screen, her initial attempt at writing her book futile. Her stomach rumbled, and she leapt from her chair. She’d gnawed on a stale protein bar she’d found in her suitcase—not exactly the breakfast of champions.

Groceries. She needed groceries. She’d brave the roller-coaster ride into town and buy groceries. She snatched her car keys and purse and headed to the upscale grocery store she’d located on Google. Once she’d stocked the kitchen with healthy food, she’d be calm and focused.

Right.

Somehow, navigating back down the twisting, tree-lined lane was easier than her ascent. Amazing what a good night’s sleep and a fresh environment could do. The grocery store was a quick drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Charming restaurants and boutiques lined the main road through town, imparting a sense of sophistication. Luckily, when she turned into the store’s half-empty parking lot, she scored a spot close to the entrance.

She grabbed a cart and cruised through the aisles. Grocery shopping soothed her—probably because she loved to eat so much. Not that she could cook, but she had serious vegetable-chopping skills and could scramble the heck out of an egg. Because she planned on chaining herself to her computer for the foreseeable future, she crammed the cart with colorful produce, basic supplies, and enough chocolate to repair any crisis.

The checkout girl, tall and tan with a bouncy blond ponytail, smiled and asked if she was visiting town. Was Laguna so small that all the residents knew each other? What a concept.

Sophie returned the smile and shared she’d just relocated from San Diego. When Barbie asked where she’d moved to, her gut tightened. Inhaling deeply, she softened her shoulders. Her ex wouldn’t come looking for her, certainly not at the grocery store.

“I rented a cute little cottage up the hill.”

“Oh, are you Nick’s new tenant?” Blondie’s eyes widened.

“Um, yeah. How’d you guess?” She pulled out her wallet to pay, forcing her face to remain impassive. How tiny was this town?

“He and his sister are locals, and they put the word out they were looking for a reliable renter. So you must be reliable. Welcome to Laguna Beach.” Still smiling, she stuck her hand across the register. “I’m Mallory. Nice to meet you.”

“Sophie.” She could do this small-town gig.

“Are you single?”

“Excuse me?” Her mouth dropped open. Maybe she couldn’t.

“You know, single? Not dating? Looking for love?”

“Um, yes single, but not looking for love. Why?”

“Isn’t Nick just dreamy? You should totally go for it. Maybe you’ll be the one that sticks.” Mallory kept chattering as she bagged the groceries.

“The one that sticks?” How had this discussion started?

“Well, he’s been single forever, and every woman in town tries to snag him. Nobody lasts more than a few months. You should see his office manager chase after him—pretty obvious if you ask me. Not that I’m gossiping or anything. He and his buddy Brandt break all the hearts in town. We’ve always figured an outsider would have to come in and catch him.”

“Definitely not me. Thanks for the heads-up about him being a player, though. Good to know.”

“Oh no, he’s a really nice guy. That came out wrong. He just never stays with one woman for very long, that’s all.” She laughed, perhaps realizing she’d said too much.

“Thanks. I’ve got to run. Nice to meet you, Mallory.”

Sophie hurried to her car, eager to return to her safe haven. She made it back in record time and lugged the overflowing bags into the house. Her cell phone rang as she placed the last shiny apple into the refrigerator. She smiled when she recognized her best friend’s name on the screen.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“I’m calling to see how you’re doing. I didn’t hear from you last night and was worried,” Kelly said.

She decided to take the call outside. Looking around the cottage as she exited, she noted with satisfaction the home looked like hers now. Photos of her friends hanging out at the beach, one in front of the Eiffel Tower, and her favorite shot of the lighthouse in Kauai personalized the living room. A few novels waiting to be devoured lay on the coffee table, along with the latest issue of Healthy Woman. How strange to think it was the last issue where her name would be included.

Sophie crossed the verdant lawn and sat down on an ornate wrought-iron bench and savored the salty air caressing her face and hair. She hummed with pleasure as the fragrant smell of flowers wafted into her nostrils.

“It was basically the trip from hell, but I finally made it to paradise. You wouldn’t believe how peaceful the cottage is. I know I’ll be able to write here. At some point, anyway.” Niggling concerns over emptying half of her savings account and not having an actual income could be pushed back into the vault for now.

“Oh, I’m so glad. Are you sure you won’t come home? I miss you already.”

“I slept without interruption for the first time I can remember. You know what an insomniac I’ve been. I’m more certain about this move than anything I’ve done in the last four years.”

“Relax and do nothing for a while. You’ve got a year to write your book. I know you need the peace and quiet, but I worry about you isolating yourself. I’m coming to visit the first free weekend I have, okay?”

“I’d love that. Anything exciting happen since I left?” Sophie changed the subject.

“Actually, yes. Part of the reason I called was because Doug showed up at my office today, demanding to know where you were and that it was urgent he speak with you.”

Her contentment shattered as dismay slammed into her. Her heart began to race. “What? No, he can’t find me. Why is he looking for me?” She dug her fingernails into her now-sweaty palms.

“Don’t worry. I told him to get lost. I’ll never forgive the way that jerk treated you.”

“Does he really think he can use his smooth talk on me? This isn’t about me. It’s about him not being able to lose. Remember never date a man who has always been the Number One Salesman. I need to go. I’ll call you soon.” Sophie’s phone slipped from her fingers onto the grass.

Unable to stop herself, she flashed back to the day, almost two months ago, when she’d been sipping champagne with her best friends as she prepared to walk down the aisle. She’d been cackling at one of her old friend’s anecdotes from their high school misadventures when the wedding planner knocked on the door of the hotel suite. Vanessa’s expression was sober when she handed her an envelope. Doug’s message stopped her heart. He’d decided he didn’t want to marry her.

Shaking her head, Sophie dragged herself back to the present. No more blaming herself for trotting along, planning the wedding, without a clue he’d been sleeping with some bimbo for the previous eight months. She blinked furiously as her vision blurred.

She would not shed another tear for him.

She’d pulled together the tattered remnants of her heart. Doug was a vampire who’d sucked out all of her optimism, her light, and her strength. No man was ever getting that close to her again. Ever. The true love, marriage, family, happily-ever-after life was for others, not for her.

She could have a fulfilling, wonderful life filled with meaningful work, her friends, and sex with hot men and zero strings, thank you very much. She had Zack, who had adored her from the moment she rescued him. Animals’ love was pure. They always loved you, no matter what.

It was enough.

It had to be enough.

Now she’d pour every ounce of passion she’d wasted on Doug into making her childhood dream of publishing a novel a reality. She’d only stayed at Healthy Woman so long because he’d demanded it—they’d need a double income to get married. Even when she’d fallen ill from the stressful deadline-driven position, he’d insisted she be practical. Screw practical.

“Sophie, Sophie, earth to Sophie.” A deep voice buzzed in her ears.

Jerked from her reverie, she refocused and recognized her landlord standing in front of her, blocking out the sunshine. She shivered, attributing the chilled flesh on her arms to the shadow his tall frame created.

“You okay?” he asked.

“You’re stealing my sunlight.”

“I brought you the keys.” He pulled them from the pocket of his dark-washed denim jeans and offered them to her, unruffled by her rudeness.

“Oh, well, thanks. I appreciate it.” She stood and reached out her hand.

Sparks flew again the moment her fingers brushed his. Her knees weakened. His pupils darkened as he looked into her eyes, and his grip tightened on hers. She withdrew her hand as if she’d been burned. No more players.

“It’s nothing. Bailey sends her apologies and insists I take you to dinner.” Nick smiled, his green eyes warming. “There’s a great Italian place at the bottom of the hill.”

“No, no thanks. There’s no need. I told you I love dogs. You’ve done plenty by bringing the keys. I appreciate it.” She crossed her arms across her chest, rubbing at the goose bumps that popped up whenever he was close.

“Just dinner?” He arched his brow.

“Look, I’m sure you’re a nice guy, but I have no interest in going to dinner with you. I came here to simplify my life. So if you don’t mind, I really need to get back to work.”

“What work?”

“I write. I’m writing. And I cannot have these constant interruptions. Good-bye!” She turned and marched toward the cottage.

Retreat from Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick was her only option.

****

Nick remained rooted to the spot, watching her go. She’d been staring into space when he’d arrived. Definitely not working. Even seeing her pale and distressed couldn’t prevent him from admiring her sexy little body stalk away from him.

What the hell was wrong with him? Usually, he hightailed it at any overemotional displays by women. Life was too short for drama, but the raw pain he’d witnessed on Sophie’s unguarded face twisted a knife in his own heart.

After his family was ripped from him without warning when he was nineteen, he’d sworn never to allow anyone close enough to hurt him again. He’d raised his younger sister on his own while finishing college, and no time existed for entanglements. Building his business over the last decade gave him all the satisfaction he required.

Keeping his relationships simple and commitment free worked for him. He didn’t care if the small community of Laguna assumed he was a player. He enjoyed women, but if one began hinting at the white picket fence, he moved on to the next one.

No ties.

No problem.

Yet, something about Sophie stirred him despite her prickly behavior.

He needed to see her again.