First Crush by Ashley Ludwig

Author:Ashley Ludwig [Ludwig, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781938499159
Amazon: 1938499158
Publisher: Bling! Romance
Published: 2016-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The train arrived just a few minutes behind schedule. The sister, he guessed by Natalie’s frantic waving, stepped off the train.

Gypsy, Natalie had called her, and she wasn’t wrong. Corie’s black hair was twisted back in a sleek style. Her bracelets jangled in an equally enthusiastic greeting as she dragged her huge carry-on their direction. Remembering they weren’t biological sisters, Nick noted the differences between the girls. Nat was all wild Taylor Swift curls and cat eyes, and she stood a full head shorter than her “little” sister; Corie was swan-necked and thin, graceful in style and mannerisms. Though she was dark where Natalie was light, Corie was just as beautiful as Natalie.

Nick stepped up and grabbed Corie’s heavy duffel bag while the sisters did a happy dance reunion.

Corie presented her certificate of completion. “You’re looking at an official Le Cordon Bleu chef.”

“I’m so proud of you!” Natalie cried, gaping at the diploma.

Corie ducked a glance at Nick. “That’s the guy?”

Natalie did the introductions, and Corie enveloped him in a fast hug of thanks while Natalie exchanged coins for a bottled water at a machine.

“Thanks for looking out for my sister. It can’t be easy for her. Meeting her bio-grandmother while the woman’s on her deathbed …” Corie wiped a stray curl from her neck.

Nat trotted over and handed Corie the water bottle. “It’s hot. Hydrate.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Corie did as she was told, draining half the bottle in a fast guzzle.

“I had no idea how much I missed you until I saw you on that platform!”

“Likewise.” Corie linked arms with her sister as they turned for the parking area.

He watched them go on ahead and climb inside his truck, making sure they were safe and sound while he wrestled her bags along after them.

It was hard not to compare the two. The Turner sisters were completely opposite in appearance––a smattering of freckles the only common denominator.

He drove while they talked and giggled, showing them around Old Town like playing tour guide was his job. After parking, he stood back while the sisters hit antique shops and funky dress stores, accumulating bags that had him struggling after them like a Sherpa.

So this was the real Natalie. Seeing her in her element—carefree and full of energy—this side trip was worth every step. Every bag. This Natalie was quick to smile, quick to laugh, and when she locked him in her gaze, there was smoke there. A comfortable campfire smolder that would outlast any short-lived fireworks.

Somehow, he found her hand and kept it, loving the way she linked her fingers through his and swung their hands in time with the live band playing on the street corner.

Corie tossed coins in an open guitar case as she walked by. Nick finagled out a dollar as Natalie sang along with a lilting voice.

The Gloriana tune melted on her glossy lips, and all he wanted was to kiss her good night, good morning, and all of the times in between.

It was twilight after he wrangled them back to the truck.

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