Page 45 of Return to Rosewood Beach

She turned toward the teenagers, laughing. “Looks like somebody got a strike.”

The kids continued to laugh and talk loudly in celebration, and Cooper chuckled.

“I guess I should have picked a more romantic spot than a bowling alley.”

She shook her head. “This is perfect. Besides,” she added a touch shyly, “since I’ll be in Rosewood Beach for a little while, at least, there’s plenty of time for us to find more romantic places to go on dates to.”

His heart lifted up at her words, and he nodded in agreement. “That sounds great. Meanwhile, how about you have this last bite of my hot dog? I promise you’re going to… well, I promise you won’t hate it.”

“I accept your offer.” Grinning, Julia ate the last bite of his hot dog. She wiped smears of relish and mustard off her fingers as she chewed, scrunching up her nose a little. Then she nodded and swallowed. “Okay. You’re right. That’s really good.”

“For the win!” He laughed.

“Speaking of winning, it’s time for me to beat you in bowling again. What do you say we go back to our game?”

They spent the rest of the night talking and laughing as they bowled. By the time he dropped her off at Vivian’s house, he felt as though he was going to be counting the hours until he could see her again.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Julia took a deep breath of the fragrant spring air as she walked along the sidewalk. It was late in the morning on the day after her date with Cooper, and she’d gotten up with the sun, feeling wide-awake and full of energy from the moment her eyes opened.

Last night was amazing,she thought, thinking of their kiss and smiling uncontrollably.I feel attracted to him in a way I’ve never felt with anyone before. He’s so thoughtful, and fun, and…

She pressed her lips together, getting a rush of nervousness as she remembered how complicated their situation was. Then she brushed those thoughts aside. She was starting to fall hard enough that she could tell herself that things could work out between her and Cooper. She didn’t know yet what the logistics would be, but she liked him enough to be willing to make compromises.

She sighed dreamily as she tucked her manicured hands inside the pockets of her raincoat. She glanced down at the faint white paint stain that was still on her sleeve from when Cooper had caught in her in the rain, and she smiled. Now thatpaint stain was her favorite thing about the coat, she thought cheerfully.

She turned a corner and saw Alexis sitting on a bench up ahead. She waved her hand in greeting, but Alexis, who was wearing sunglasses and staring straight ahead, didn’t seem to notice her. Julia’s heart twisted with concern for her sister and she hurried along the sidewalk toward her.

“Hey,” she said as she reached Alexis’s side. “Sorry if I’m a little late. I thought we said ten-fifteen.”

Alexis gave her a faint smile and took off her sunglasses. “No, you’re right. I’m just here early. I—I couldn’t sleep well last night, so I got up early.”

Julia swallowed, feeling bad for Alexis. While she herself had been up early with excitement about a potential new relationship, her sister had been up all night worrying about her relationship falling apart.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She sat down next to Alexis and gave her a hug. “Hopefully our shopping trip this morning helps boost your spirits.”

She and Alexis had arranged to meet up and shop for makeup at a local boutique. They were the two “city girls” of the Owens family, and they loved getting to shop together because they shared the same appreciation for fashion trends in makeup and clothing.

Alexis smiled weakly. “Ordinarily, retail therapy wouldn’t be able to do much for me in this state, but getting to shop with you is a whole other matter.”

“That’s the spirit!” Julia squeezed her sister’s hand. “I think they have our favorite brands here. I’ve been dying to get that new eye shadow palate I showed you the other day.”

“Should we go in?” Alexis still seemed tired and listless, but her smile broadened a little at the mention of the eye shadowpalate. She had been excited about the colors when Julia had showed it to her on her phone the other night.

“Yes please. It’s that store on the corner, right?”

“Yes.” Alexis stood. “That little pink one.”

“It’s so charming. Sometimes I really miss Rosewood Beach. It’s like everywhere I turn here, I see something beautiful.”

“I know what you mean.” Alexis sighed. “L.A. has some really beautiful spots, but it’s not the same as home.”

For a moment, the two sisters shared a smile, and then they strolled down the sidewalk and stepped inside the boutique together. The store was cool and smelled fragrantly of lavender and cedar. Soft jazz music was playing on hidden speakers. A cheerfully smiling woman standing behind the front counter greeted them.

“Can I help you find anything today?” she asked. She was wearing a smart pink blazer, and Julia admired the way she’d done her hair in a smooth French twist.

“We’re just browsing for now, but I’ll let you know if we have any questions.” Julia smiled at her.

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