California Sunrise
Page 25
Taking out his cell phone, he dialed the number on the inn’s card.
“Sarah’s Inn,” a chipper voice answered. “This is Sarah speaking.”
James cleared his throat. “I’m looking for a room to rent for a few weeks’ stay. Do you have anything available?”
“Well … ” Papers shuffled in the background. “Can you hang on a moment?”
“Sure.”
While he waited, he set up his tablet and keyboard. A few scheduling details required his attention.
The phone clicked back on. “I think we can make it work. When do you want to come see it?”
He told her he’d be over before lunch and got directions to the inn.
Around eleven, when he ventured out on Highway 1, he was relieved to find the traffic less snarled than normal. Finding decent lodging while filming in a resort town in the summer was a major headache, but this was the location the director had insisted she wanted, and what Beth Ann Colbert wanted, Beth Ann Colbert got.
His tires crunched as he pulled into the inn’s gravel driveway. He parked under a huge oak, got out of the car, walked to the door, and hesitated. Should he go in or knock?
Erring on the side of politeness, he rapped.
The door swung open and a golden retriever dashed outside, almost knocking him down in the process. The woman standing in the doorway was heavily pregnant.
“Daisy!” the woman shouted. She smiled and shrugged. “Sorry about that. You must be James.” Holding out her hand she added, “I’m Sarah. Come on in.”
He followed her as she waddled down the entryway. Daisy slipped in behind him.
A beautiful Victorian hallstand caught his eye. “What a gorgeous piece! Where did you find it?”
She turned and smiled. Stroking the burnished wood, she said, “My boyfriend Hunter made it. He’s starting a business making fine furniture and cabinets.”
“If I ever strike it rich, I’ll keep it in mind. I’d love to have something like that.”
“Didn’t you say you were in movies?”
He laughed. “Movies and rich are not synonymous, no matter what the tabloids would have you believe.”
“I see.” She started up the staircase. “You don’t mind stairs, do you?”
“Not at all.” He followed as she laboriously ascended. “When are you due, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Besides not soon enough? My due date is in July, less than one month away, but they say first babies are often late. Do you have any children, James?”
“Nope.” The lie came easily now, although a twinge of regret for the decision he’d made years ago always accompanied the falsehood.
Sarah led him to a room at the top of the stairs and pushed the door open.
The room was decorated in cool gray colors with solid-looking furniture. He walked to the large mullioned window at the far wall. A view over a vegetable garden to the mountains beyond provided good light. The room was homey and comfortable, not that he’d be spending much time here.
“When do you serve breakfast?”
“We don’t have many guests except for the weekends. That’s when Mandy—she’s our chef—does a lot of the cooking. During the week she sets out a variety of bread, fruit, yogurt, and cereal.” A frown creased her forehead. “Is a big breakfast during the week important to you?”
“As long as I can get something before I leave, which will be early in the morning, I’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to tasting Mandy’s cooking, though. I met her last night at Costanoa Grill.”
“Oh. I see.”
That makes one of us.
Sarah gestured across the hallway. “That’s Mandy’s room over there.”
His throat tightened. “I didn’t know she lived here.”
Sarah nodded. “It’s part of the arrangement.” The frown reappeared. “Is that a problem?”
“No, no. Not at all.” Proximity made it easier to see if she’d be open to a brief fling.
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Praise for California Thyme:
“While certainly a romance story, California Thyme is filled with introspection from both characters, each of whom starts falling in love before they're willing to admit it and have personal obstacles to overcome before they can move forward. It's a lighthearted read, despite what the characters have been through, and once they let go of their hang-ups, it turns into a sweet romance.”—FIC Central
“This book was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a quick, fun, and clean romance.”—In Between the Lines
“This is my second book I've read from Dawes, and I have to say I'm definitely keeping this author on my watch list. I love the emotions, the great writing, and the way she keeps me invested in the characters. I need to snatch up the other books in this series…”—Storm Goddess Book Reviews
“Ms. Dawes has a soft approach to this touching romance. There is compassion and patience shown for wounded souls getting a chance at true love . . . the topic of mental disorders and counseling was deftly written and added an additional dynamic to the heroine.”—4 stars, Julie Caicco, InDTale Magazine
For more books by Casey Dawes, check out:
California Sunset
California Wine
California Homecoming
“This is a wonderful story. The characters are charming and witty and you can't help but fall in love with them . . . And the inevitable chemistry between Sarah and Hunter is adorable; there are parts that melt your heart.”—Author Alliance
“This is a beautiful story that faces two common issues we face these days and the way that they were combined was amazing. It made for a great and interesting read that will keep you wondering what happens next. Don't miss California Homecoming by Casey Dawes. I promise you won’t regret it.”—Harlequin Junkie
In the mood for more Crimson Romance?
Check out The Tycoon’s Wager by Olivia Logan at CrimsonRomance.com.