If you liked Haley’s friend Sky, you’ll love Sweet Dreams!
Indigo Bay Sweet Romances
A shared-world sweet romance series by multiple authors.
Now Available!
Ever since her twin became a singing sensation, Sky Hampton has struggled to be appreciated for who she is—apart from her sister. She wards off Aspen’s fans, who beg for autographs and selfies everywhere Sky goes. She can’t even find a guy who likes her for her. Sky flees to the small coastal town of Indigo Bay in hopes of blending in and building her blossoming career.
Jace Fisher is the textbook definition of the strong silent type—nobody can break through his tough exterior. He has suffered more than his fair share of tragedies, and to protect his shattered heart, he pushes everyone away. Jace spends his days fixing the Indigo Bay cottages, and his nights… nobody really knows. He keeps to himself.
When Jace shows up to fix Sky’s AC, he barely notices her and she’s distracted with settling in. It takes an emergency situation to get them talking, and when they do, the two find they have more in common than first appeared. As their attraction grows, defenses soar. Will they be able to risk love when they’ve both been burned in the past?
Sneak Peek of Sweet Dreams
Sky Hampton pulled into the parking spot, double-checked the address on the quaint building, and turned off the car. The little Yorkie in the passenger seat gave a curious whine.
She stretched and rubbed Pixie’s head. “Yeah, I’m ready to get out, too.” Sky unbuckled the doggie seat belt and held open her large Coach bag for the pup to hop into. Once Pixie was settled, Sky got out of her Audi. The humidity clung to her like a wet towel. She slid on sunglasses, donned a hat, then headed for the building marked Guest Services.
“Are we going to be guests, or will we settle?” Sky pulled at her collar. “We’re not in Oregon anymore, are we?”
Pixie gave a little yap. Her tail whipped lightly against the purse.
“You’re right. That’s exactly what we want. Something completely different. We’ll adjust to this—assuming they have AC.” It was only springtime, and the heat and humidity were already oppressive. She didn’t even want to think about what the summer might be like. At least they could ease into the heat.
Sky pushed the door open and took in the little building. No one sat at the reception desk, and everything was quiet. A plate of sticky buns sat next to a pot of coffee.
“Hello?” Sky called.
A brunette about her age came out from around the corner. She smiled wide at Sky. “Hi! I didn’t realize we had guests.” She nodded toward Sky’s purse. Pixie had popped her head out.
Sky rubbed the Yorkie’s head. “I’m Sky Hampton. I’m renting a cottage.”
“Oh, yes. I talked with you on the phone. My name’s Zoe.” She typed on the computer. “Have a bun or some coffee. Do you want to take off your sunglasses?”
Sky didn’t reach for the refreshments or her sunglasses.
Zoe glanced up. “You should really try one. They’re from Sweet Caroline’s, and they’re to die for.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.” Sky smiled.
An awkward silence followed.
Zoe quickly grabbed a key and some paperwork. “You’re in the dark blue cottage. Looks like you’re paid for the month. Staying longer, by any chance?”
“Hopefully. We’ll see.”
“Vacationing?”
Sky chewed on her lower lip. What was the best way to describe her situation? She’d probably get asked about that a lot in the small town of Indigo Bay. “It’s complicated.” That would have to do for now.
“Hmm. Well, I hope you enjoy your stay. Let us know as soon as you know if you’ll be staying or leaving.”
“Sure thing.”
Zoe shoved the papers across the desk. “Just sign where the X’s are.”
Sky grabbed a pen and signed.
“If you need anything, the numbers are on this sheet.” Zoe handed it to her. “If you have anything that needs fixin’, Jace is your man. He’s the cottage handyman.”
“Sounds good.”
Zoe handed her some other papers and a key. “Hope you enjoy your time in the cottages. There’s lots to do. The beach is real close, and so is a lot of other stuff. Stop by Sweet Caroline’s for refreshments—it’s a great place to meet people, too.”
“Thanks so much.” Sky returned the smile that hadn’t left Zoe’s face, and took her stuff.
“Don’t forget, if you need anything, just holler.”
“Will do.” Sky tucked the papers in her purse next to Pixie and headed back to the car. It was a short drive to the dark blue cottage. She parked in front and studied the structure. It was bigger than she’d imagined and looked well cared for. She scratched Pixie behind the ear. “Ready to see our new home?”
Pixie licked her hand.
Sky got out of the car and set the pup on a patch of grass, holding tightly to the leash. Pixie jumped around and sniffed the ground. She marked her territory and then went right back to sniffing, her tail and ears both high in the air. She barked and panted, giving her seal of approval.
A couple walking down the street waved and called hello.
Sky returned the wave and hurried to the cottage, eager to settle in. As soon as she opened the door, a wave of cool air greeted them. Sky smiled and let go of the leash. Pixie ran inside, her claws tapping on the hardwoods as she explored. Sky stepped in, closed the door behind her, and took in the sight of her new home.
Most everything was in dark hardwoods, and she loved it. The fully furnished cottage made her feel like kicking her feet up and relaxing after the long drive. She set her purse on the kitchen table and headed back out to the Audi, making half a dozen trips before remote-locking the sedan and locking herself inside the little bungalow.
“Pixie! Where are you?”
Tapping sounded before the little copper-and-black fluff-ball appeared around a corner.
“How do you like it?”
Pixie ran around her legs until Sky scooped her up and snuggled her. “Feel free to wear yourself out running around. We don’t have to get back in the car anytime soon.”
The pup covered her in kisses until she couldn’t take it, and Sky set her down. Pixie scampered off, sliding around a corner. Sky chuckled and then looked at her pile of bags and luggage. As tempting as it was to crash on the overstuffed couch and close her eyes, she really just wanted to get settled in. It had been a long drive from Oregon, and she’d barely slept so she could make the best time possible.
Her body ached, but she reached for a few of the bags needed in the bedroom and searched her new home until she found it on the other side of the cottage. An hour later, she was fully unpacked and ready for a nap.
Pixie skittered into the bedroom. She yapped and jumped around.
“Aren’t you ready for a nap?”
“Ruff!”
Sky rubbed her eyes. “Right. You slept the whole way here.”
Pixie tugged on Sky’s pants—she’d put them on that morning in Kearney, Nebraska out of habit from the chilly weather she was used to in Oregon. The pup continued pulling.
Sky picked her up. “You’re lucky you’re so cute, but we still need to break you of that habit.”
Pixie squirmed until Sky set her down and followed her to the sliding glass door. On the other side, a family of ducks wandered around, quacking.
“Oh,” Sky gushed. “They’re so cute.”
Pixie barked.
“Hush. You’ll scare them away.” She picked her up and rubbed between Pixie’s ears.
A loud beep sounded from somewhere, followed by a thunk, thunk.
The pup raised her ears and looked at Sky.
Thunk. Thud. Crash!
Silence echoed around them.
The AC had died.
~~~
Jace Fisher dug through his toolbox, grumbling about the AC at the dark blue cottage. He needed to convince Dallas it was time to replace the unit. Jace could only do so much for a machine on its last legs, and with a new resident calling on her first day, it just looked bad for the whole resort.
He stuck the tools he needed into his smaller box and headed outside. Jace lowered his baseball cap in hopes of avoiding eye contact with everyone he came across—though most of the regulars knew he preferred to keep to himself and usually respected that.
When he came to the dark blue cottage, he set the toolbox down and knocked. “Here to fix the AC!”
The door opened, and in front of him stood a tall, slender brunette with enchanting deep brown eyes. Their gazes locked, and Jace studied her. She seemed familiar, like he knew her, but he was certain he’d never met her before. He’d have remembered those eyes. Of that much he was sure.
He cleared his throat and stuck out his hand. “Jace Fisher. I’m here to fix your AC unit.”
She shook his hand. Hers was so smooth and soft, and it smelled fruity and sweet. He quickly pulled his hand away.
“Thank you.” A tiny, fluffy dog ran to her feet and she scooped it up. “I don’t know what happened,” she said quickly. “It made all these noises, and then just went out. Oh, I’m Sky Hampton.”
Hampton. Why did that seem familiar? “Nice to meet you, Sky.”
She stepped back and pulled her long hair away from her neck and fanned herself, balancing the fur ball. “Come on in. It’s over here.”