Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
I winked. “We sure can. Let’s drop your car off at your house so I can be your designated driver, and you can drink all you want. How does that sound?”
“Good. It sounds good. And we can talk more about the party. I already have a list of to-dos drawn up.”
“Okay, give me ten, and I’ll meet you back in here.”
She nodded.
As I turned around to go clean up, Sutton called out, “Hey, Brody?”
I turned to face her while still walking backward.
“I don’t know how to thank you for all you’re doing for me,” she said. “And I don’t know why you’re being so nice.”
Tell her, Brody. Tell her you love her. Tell her she means the world to you and always has.
I opened my mouth to reveal my true feelings, but then stopped. She had been through so much in the past day with all this Jack drama. Did she need the added weight of my feelings?
I smiled. “That’s what friends are for, Sutton.”
She smiled in return, then walked into her office.
I wanted to punch my fist into the wall, I was so pissed at Jack. Instead, I picked up my phone and sent off a text.
Me: Hey, it’s Brody Wilson. You on a job?
Miles: Not at the moment. What do you need from me, Sir?
Miles had served under me in the Navy and was the best out there when it came to digging into people’s lives. And their pasts. He always knew how to find information.
Me: I need info on someone. I’ll send you all of his details on Monday. And I need you to work fast.
Miles: You’ve got it, Sir.
Staring at my phone, I drew in a deep breath and then let it out. “You won once, Jack. But you won’t win this time.”
Sutton
* * *
THE SEASIDE CHRONICLE
September 6, 2022
HOT OFF THE REEL (SPECIAL EDITION)
Seasiders,
News on the docks is Sutton Bradley may be adding new stock to her little boutique store, Coastal Chic, on the square. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that it’s sexy lingerie, but seeing as Ms. Bradley has been seen on more than one occasion in the company of Brody Wilson—who, let me remind you, was voted Catch of the Season—one can only come to a certain conclusion, and that is…
Love is in the air.
I, for one, would love to see Sutton move on from that terrible first marriage of hers, and in my humble opinion, Mr. Brody Wilson would do a fine job of making her forget all about what’s-his-name.
Next on my list of to-do’s for today…stop by Coastal Chic! Stay tuned for more on Lingerie Gate!
Fair winds and following seas!
* * *
I dropped my head to the desk and let out a moan. “This is not happening.”
“What’s not happening?” Harlee asked as she walked into my office.
I quickly lifted my head. “Another special edition of the gossip column came out. Whoever’s writing this somehow found out I’m going to be carrying sexy lingerie!”
She smiled. “Hey! Free advertisement.”
I shot her a dirty look. “Seriously? They’re also hinting that something’s going on with me and Brody.”
She waved me off. “Please. Everyone is whispering about that anyway.”
I stared at her. “They are?”
Nodding, she added, “Don’t tell me the gossip column is what has you looking like you haven’t slept in days.”
“Gosh, thanks for that. No, it’s, um, just that some stock I need is on back order.”
Her brows shot up. “Not the dildos!”
Laughing, I stood up. “No, they’re not delayed. And wait until you see some of the lingerie I’ve already gotten in. I’m really glad I took the leap with this back room like you suggested.”
“Me too! I’m telling you, Sutton, I think you’re going to be surprised by how many women will be buying this stuff. Who doesn’t want to feel sexy, even if no one else can see your undies?”
Smiling, I leaned against my desk. “I’ve been invited to a fashion show for boutiques in New York this December. Do you want to go with me? I’d love to get your input.
Harlee’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious? I’d love to come!”
“Great! We can have a girls’ weekend. I’m planning on staying with my friend, Jill, and I’m sure she won’t mind you staying there too.”
“Is her place big enough?”
I nodded. “Trust me, she has a gorgeous apartment in New York. Kelly Ripa lives like three doors down from her.”
“Oh, I love her! I’d kill to be in the audience for a taping of Live with Kelly and Ryan.”
Reaching for my phone, I pulled up my texts. “I’ll send her a message now and see if we can get tickets for that Friday or Monday.”
Harlee clapped and did a little jump. “Perfect! So, what needs to be done today? I’m dressed in clothes I don’t mind ruining, just like you said.”