Monterey King by Claire Marti

Author:Claire Marti
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Claire Marti

CHAPTER 10

Lucy changed her outfit for the third and final time, satisfied the sweater covered in scarlet poppies and faded boyfriend jeans looked cheerful and cute. The last time she’d seen Mrs. T, she’d been a blubbering mess, so it was important she looked happy and confident. And since that was the exact opposite of how she’d been feeling since Friday night, it was important, at least on the surface, she appeared to have herself together.

She’d managed to avoid Cam at Cypress Coast Ranch. But over the last few days, in between bouts of intensive discussions with caterers, local musicians and DJs, florists, and every other potential business contact imaginable, she’d obsessed about every moment from Friday night. Kissing him again had felt like coming home––not exactly conducive to a platonic work relationship.

No question their chemistry remained explosive. The steamy make-out session had basically caused heat to pool in her belly and something to tighten in her heart. The scene after she’d accidentally landed on his leg. The angry words that still hung in the air between them. The heartbreaking revelation he might truly believe he didn’t deserve love or was simply too scared to be vulnerable?

She buttoned her navy wool peacoat, wrapped her favorite fluffy white scarf around her neck, and hurried to her car. Christine Taylor was always early, and Lucy wouldn’t make her wait. After all, she had ten more minutes solo in the car to brood about Cam. To grieve for him and his experience in war. Grieve for his losses. Grieve for their lost years. He’d shouldered such a burden alone. Her heart ached for him.

The parking gods were with her, and she scored a space close to Plumes, the oldest coffee house in Monterey. She exited her car and the freezing wind battered her. If anything, the breeze had picked up, the cold damp air a peppering of tiny needles along her skin. Not exactly appealing outdoor weather. She burrowed her face into her scarf and sped along the sidewalk to the coffee shop’s entrance.

When she opened the door, she spotted Mrs. Taylor at one of the small round café tables by the windows. The delicious aroma of freshly ground beans filled her senses and she sniffed appreciatively. Plumes always smelled like heaven.

Cam’s mom rose and hurried toward her, with a broad smile on her lovely face, and her arms spread wide. “Come here, beautiful girl. It’s so wonderful to see you again.”

They hugged in the middle of the cozy restaurant and Lucy’s eyes closed with joy. How she’d missed Mrs. T’s bear hugs. For a willowy fine-boned woman, the woman could squeeze tight. “It’s great to see you, too.”

She stepped back and returned Mrs. T’s smile. “And you haven’t aged a day, how is that possible?” Cam’s mom was a pretty woman, with her son’s unusually pale blue eyes and fine features.

Mrs. T fluttered her eyelashes and caught Lucy’s hands in hers. “Flattery will get you everywhere, sweetie. But I was already planning on treating you to breakfast.

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