Series: A Pelican Bay Novella
Publication date: June 2nd, 2024
Synopsis:
Can two lost souls reunite in time to save her shop and their hearts?
Abby O'Connell returned to Pelican Bay to start a new chapter of her life. With the revitalization of the hurricane-ravaged beach town, it's a perfect time to open the bath and body product shop she's always dreamed of. But with her place looking more like a construction zone, the risk of not being ready for opening day is high. Just when she thinks things can't get worse, she takes a fall on the beach, only to be rescued by her sexy surfer ex.
Connor Maguire was always the party guy. In recovery from a substance abuse disorder, he's gotten his act together and now is a partner in a home improvement business and co-host of a reality TV show. Surfing has always been a way to escape his worries while becoming one with the waves. When he witnesses a woman fall on the beach, the last person he expects is the girl whose heart he broke ten years ago.
With a week until the grand opening of her shop, can he use his renovation skills to bring her shop and their hearts to life without risking his hard-earned recovery?
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Excerpt
Having finished washing the brushes, he followed her to the front. He inspected what she and Natalie had painted earlier. The pale blue-gray had dried to a color reminding Abby of a clear sky, the perfect combination of bright and welcoming.
"You're almost done," Connor said.
"Can't happen soon enough for me."
Connor picked up the two iced drinks and handed her one. "Then let's get it finished." He took a long swig of the drink and moved the drop cloth to a better position.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Grabbing the ladder, he positioned it over the front door, first locking it so no one could enter. "Helping you finish this wall."
"I didn't ask for your help, Connor."
"I'm offering my help."
"Why?"
"Does there need to be a reason?"
Abby eyed him suspiciously. With a wide smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes and a tan that showed the amount of time he spent in the sun, he reminded her of the boy she used to know. Except young Connor had always been ready for a good time... which didn't involve work. His motto had been "play before work."
The man standing before her looked like he worked more than playing based on the muscles in his arms and clarity of his eyes. Dark blond locks streaked from the sun fell to the bottom of his neck with a hint of curl at the bottom. His firm jaw held a dusting of dark blond scruff. She didn't see any hidden agenda in his offer to help, but still...
"Cookie?" He held out the bakery bag.
She shrugged with feigned interest.
He reached in and pulled out a large chocolate chip cookie.
Her mouth watered as the scent of the sweet milk chocolate confection hit her.
"These were your favorite," he said, holding it out to her.
She hesitated a moment before giving in. "You're evil." She took the cookie, taking a large bite and doing her best not to moan at the sugary party in her mouth.
He watched her, studying her mouth as she chewed.
The jerk was flirting with her.
And worse, she was letting him--and liking it.
She swallowed and held up the index finger of her non-cookie hand. "One wall, Connor."
He saluted her. "Yes, ma'am."
He poured paint into a fresh tray--thankfully she'd gotten disposable liners--grabbed a brush, and climbed the ladder with the can, giving her a view of his perfect, shorts-clad ass.
She took a sip of her iced coffee and took her time eating her cookie, savoring both the pastry and the view.
You can keep in touch with Marie on her website and other social media platforms.
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