I looked up and scanned the dark night sky, shivering as the evening turned cold. A large blob of rain landed on my face. I blinked. Within a heartbeat, the heavens opened and the rain came pouring down on us. I pulled my hoodie up and made a dash for shelter, followed closely by a loudly protesting Marissa.
“No way am I getting wet,” she exclaimed, pulling her own hood up as protection from the elements.
“Wait! We haven’t finished!” Paige called out to us both, her voice thin through the growing storm. “Come on, you two. We have to do this right.”
I paused to squint back at her. She hadn’t moved from her spot by the dying fire. I glanced up at the house, the windows glowing with light. I let out a sigh. Warmth and dry clothes were so, so close. “Marissa! Let’s finish this off, then get back to the house, okay?” I called out.
“Have you seen what happens to my hair in the rain?” she called back.
“I’ll sort it out for you, I promise.” I clambered up the beach and grabbed her arm, pulling her back with me. She muttered something about hair straighteners and ice cream under her breath.
Once back by the smoking fire, Paige extended her now wet arm toward us once more.
“Make it quick,” Marissa warned.
We resumed our positions.
Another flash of lightning illuminated the beach as the waves crashed with force against the shore. When the thunder hit, my heart leaped into my mouth. This was like something out of a movie!
Paige continued in her Hammer House of Horrors voice, louder this time to be heard over the lashing wind and rain. “From this day forth, we, the maidens of the beach, have just One Last First Date.” She paused between each word, piercing us with her intense gaze.
“One last first date?” I questioned, panic inching its way up from my toes. In my bid to find Mr. Right, I’d been on so many dates I’d totally lost count. Having only one more really put the pressure on. It was going to have to be with the perfect guy. I swallowed.
“That’s right,” Paige replied, looking at me intently. “One Last First Date. We’ve got one shot at this, ladies.”
“Agreed,” Marissa said quickly, possibly more to get out of the rain and save her hair from the dreaded frizz than for any real desire to agree to Paige’s terms.
I chewed the inside of my mouth and glanced at both of my friends. One last first date meant whoever I next dated would end up being my husband. Either that or I’d become celibate, adopt seventeen cats, take to wearing ill-fitting mismatched clothes, and possibly smell a little funky to boot.
I chose dating.
“Cassie, come on!” Marissa urged, the rain still blobbing heavily down on us.
“Agreed,” I added as a surge of nerves, excitement—and hope—rose in my chest.
One Last First Date it was.
*
I hope you enjoyed that sneak peek! You can order One Last First Date here
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Acknowledgements
I loved writing Grace’s story and weaving in what’s been happening in Jessica’s and Brooke’s lives. Being able to write all the stories down in my head is one of my greatest pleasures.
There are a few people who have been heavily involved in bringing Grace’s story to you. First off I need to thank my critique partner, the wonderful author Maggie Le Page, who suffered through a rather rough first version of this story with me. Maggie, your input is invaluable and helped me make Falling for Grace what it became. Thank you so much.
Secondly a huge thanks to my wonderful editor, Julie Crengle. Julie, your warmth, humour, knowledge, and superhuman memory is invaluable to me and I thank you for your input. You rock! Thanks also to my chick lit beta-readers, Nicky Willis and Leanne Mackay. You encourage me, drive me on, and provide invaluable feedback. Thank you both.
Thank you to all the wonderful authors of New Zealand Romance Writers, particularly the Wellington and the Hawkes Bay chapter. We're a small group, passionate about writing. My writing has improved as a result of your help. Thanks also to Chick Lit Chat HQ, a virtual group of like-minded chick lit authors who support one another through the writing and marketing of our work. You’re awesome! Also, thank you to Elaine for your local Scottish knowledge that helped me create Sam’s character.
As always, thank you to my amazing husband for your support to allow me to indulge my passion to write. I know I can be, shall we say, a little obsessive at times, but you take it all on the chin, and cheer me on all the way.
Finally, thank you to my young son, who is so very proud of his mummy, taking my books in for ‘show and tell’ at school and talking about my characters as though they’re real people. I love you to the moon and back.
About the Author
I am a bestselling author of fun, feel-good romantic comedies. I live and love in beautiful New Zealand with my family, two scruffy dogs, and a cat who thinks he's a scruffy dog, too. He's not: he's a cat.
My books include the Wellywood Romantic Comedy Series: Wedding Bubbles, Styling Wellywood, Miss Perfect Meets Her Match, and Falling for Grace, and the Cozy Cottage Café Series: One Last First Date, Two Last First Dates, and Three Last First Dates, plus a co-authored standalone title, One Way Ticket and a holiday novella, I'm Scheming of a White Christmas. All my books are available from Amazon to purchase or borrow.
Want to find out about when my next book is coming out, competitions, advanced copies, and great deals on books? Sign up to my newsletter!
Falling for Grace Page 29