Sunset Waves by Jennifer Conner Read Free Book Online Page A

is important and I know, they mean a lot to both of us.” Kyra drew her hair up and wound a tie around it. “The last time I called, I didn’t want to bug you, I just wanted to thank you for what you did.”
    “What was that?”
    “I think you know. You’re not that sneaky.” She couldn’t help but smile. “You put money into Brendon’s family’s bank account. He asked me if I’d done it. He said the deposit was from the Camellia Holdings Firm. I remembered that’s your mother’s name. I knew it had to be you.”
    “Damn, and I thought I was being devious. Brendon doesn’t know does he? I had a letter drafted saying there was insurance money that was refunded to the family. Billing made a mistake.”
    “He doesn’t know. It was only a little white lie and your secret’s safe.”
    “I didn’t want them to think it was charity. The kid’s done everything we asked. He and his family deserved a break. It’s only money. I also offered him a part-time job.”
    “Another one? For you? How’s that?”
    “Working with me at my new shop. He’s good―mind you, not as good as me―but he’ll learn. And when he puts his knowledge into a legit business, he’ll go far.” Mateo grasped her hands and drew her to her feet. He rubbed a thumb across the backs of her knuckles. “I changed in the time I spent here. You were right, I guess I do have a small town heart.”
    “I knew that.” She squeezed his hands. “What do you mean by your shop? And what’s with the truck?”
    “It’s mine. You like it? I traded in the BMW.”
    “Nice ride.” She tipped her head in acknowledgement of the slightly worn pickup. “Why did you trade your ‘girl’?”
    “She wasn’t a girl, she was a car, and anyway, I couldn’t drive the BMW around Sunset Beach, there are too many potholes on the side roads. The BMW would bottom out and ruin the undercarriage. I turned it in to the dealer the same day I gave my two weeks’ notice at work.”
    Kyra stepped back and gawked at him. “You…you quit your job?”
    “My first day back, my anxiety returned. I tried to ignore it for another week, but it only grew worse. Then when my boss laid a new, large project on me, I knew I wouldn’t last through it. I did some soul-searching and also thinking about what I wanted. I called my papa. I needed to know if they would be disappointed if I changed everything in my life for my happiness. He said I’d be crazy if I didn’t. I quit my job, my condo’s on the market, and I’m moving to Sunset Beach.”
    “You’re…wait, staying? You’re moving here?”
    “I guess I’d better. From the cash buyout I got for the car along with a chunk of my savings, I investedin the future. Just like you and your friends did. Back in New York, I tried to come up with what Sunset Beach didn’t have.”
    “And?”
    “Well, Sunset Beach already has a knockout advertising person, but it doesn’t have a computer repair or Internet store. Gadgets. What I love.” He waggled his eyebrows. “I know it will be a drastic cut in pay, but I’m thinking that the cost of living around here might be a little less than - New York City. I bought the empty appliance store on the corner of Main and Virginia. I believe this town is a gold mine with the tourist trade your resort will bring in and the locals. I can grow along with the town.”
    “What about us?” She didn’t want to get her hopes too high.
    “I know I was a jerk when I didn’t return your calls, but this is where I want to be. I want to live here because you’re here. Sunset Beach has you.” Mateo stepped closed and brushed a finger down her cheek.
    “I know what I said about not wanting more from you, but I’ve been miserable since you’ve been gone,” she admitted.
    “I’m happy to know it wasn’t just me.” He smiled. “When I’m with you all of my worries - fade away. No more anxiety. Life seems in its place and simple, something I haven’t felt in years. This is what I