Chapter 21
Silvie
I lie awake with Cal’s arm heavy around my waist, his breathing slow and even against my back. I love sleeping with Cal. He feels safe and solid. I can’t get over the fact that he went to see my dad.
The thought still doesn’t feel real to me.
I can’t imagine any other man that I’ve dated having the balls to go confront Charles Montclair.
And then have drinks and lunch with him?
This is wild. And I have no idea what was said at that lunch, but whatever it was, Cal is not intimidated by my dad, and he said he’d go back to New York with me.
I didn’t know I was allowed to have that.
A man who would just be by my side and have my back like that.
I’ve had my own back for so long. He just stepped in and set boundaries as if that were the most natural thing in the world.
I’ve always assumed that I couldn’t have someone like Cal.
I’d have to have someone my parents picked or someone who was good for the company.
But I never thought I could have someone for me.
Cal saved my company and me. And asked for nothing in return except for meeting his mom, whom I adore. He’s stood beside me. And that changes everything.
We can work out logistics. Cities, schedules, boardrooms, and beaches.
All of that is solvable. I’ve been busting my butt for years.
I know how to make things work out. But what I didn’t expect was to fall in love with someone like Cal.
Who is steady, grounding, protective, and confident.
He knows who he is and isn’t afraid to be himself.
And that to me is sexy as hell in a partner.
If I were allowed to dream up a perfect partner, it would be him.
This is terrifying because I feel like I have everything now. And I have something else I could potentially lose.
The next morning, I wake up to find Cal gone. His side of the bed feels cold, which likely means he’s been gone a while. I slept in and realized I’d forgotten to set my alarm.
I pad out to the kitchen to start coffee, and it’s already made, with a note next to my mug that he left out. I notice Cal’s neat, slanted handwriting.
Silvie,
I went fishing with Jonah. I’ll be back, packed, and ready by 2 pm.
Love, Cal
Love, Cal. My heart warms when I read it again. I sip the coffee and smile like a dork. He wrote “love.” I tuck the note into my journal on the counter. I take in the empty kitchen, tidy as usual. It doesn’t have much clutter, but it’s cozy and functional.
I make my way to the bathroom, stare at my reflection, and imagine the board members seeing me.
My hair has gone curly with its natural glory.
It’s lighter and could definitely use a deep-conditioning treatment, a trim, and a blowout.
I’m a simple girl, but I like my blowouts.
Something I haven’t had in months now. My nails are a mess.
If I don’t look put together, the board won’t take me seriously.
I’m the new CEO of Montclair Holdings, and I want to look the part.
They’re going to try to swallow me up if I show up like this.
I need a massive maintenance day. I sigh.
I grab my phone and call Carly.
She answers on the second ring. “Hi, Silvie.”
“Hey,” I say. “I have something to run by you.”
She hums. “Sounds interesting.”
“If I bring someone with me, can we do hair and makeup at your house today while we are doing book club?” I ask. “It’s totally okay if you say no. But I was thinking we could do it together, like a spa day. We could both be pampered while we eat snacks and talk about books.”
She pauses for a bit.
I wince. “Again, totally fine if you say no.”
Carly clears her throat, sounding nervous. “Do I have to go outside?”
I smile. “Nope.”
Another beat of silence.
“Okay,” she says, excitedly. “Yes, definitely yes. I haven’t had my hair done in years.”
Relief floods me. I never want to upset her or overstep. I just want to include her. “Okay. I’ll bring snacks and coffee.”
“I’ll make us sandwiches,” she says cheerfully.
“Okay, let me get it all set up. See you soon!” I say as I disconnect.
I fire off a text to Wilby, letting him know our new plans. He’d already arranged a team to help me get ready.
He had texted me very nicely, in the best way he could, that I needed to be “cleaned up” before we go back to New York.
I laughed because he’s not wrong. But I like how I feel and how I look here on Coconut Beach. When I’m here, I can just be me.
I pack an overnight bag and take a quick shower. I go to Birdie’s, peek under the bush, and find Iggy. “Hey, buddy,” I call to him.
Birdie’s gone and not home. Wilby’s at her kitchen table, headphones on, when I knock and open the door. He looks up and waves. “Almost done,” he mouths.
I nod and sit across from him.
He finishes up his call and slides his headphones off. “The stylist and makeup team will be at Carly’s in an hour.”
“Thanks. Are you coming?” I ask.
He looks at me as if I’m crazy. “No. I have things to do before we go.”
Then I realize he looks sad.
“Do you like it here, Wilby?” I ask, tilting my head.
He shrugs and looks down. “Yeah. I’m going to miss it.”
“Do you want to come back with me?” I ask.
He brightens. “Kinda. Is that crazy?”
I snort and shake my head. “No. This place grows on you, doesn’t it?”
“If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it,” he says, deadpan.
“I’d never tell,” I say as I stand. “I’m going to get coffee, snacks, and head to Carly’s.”
“I got you a new power suit. You’re going to love it,” he calls.
“Can’t wait!”
Carly’s house turns into a glorious disaster within twenty minutes.
Make-up brushes and make-up are on the counter.
I had no idea Carly loved makeup, hair products, and styles as much as she does.
She was nervous at first when they arrived, and I saw her glance at the door and back at me a few times.
I made sure the door was shut and sat by her.
Curling irons are heating up, and makeup is being applied to both of us. Someone has a playlist going that belts out nostalgic throwbacks. Carly and I laugh and sing along.
We end up ordering more coffee and snacks for everyone, and we burn through it all quickly.
Carly tries to make food, and I wave her off, instead ordering takeout from Chaos & Cocktails.
The delivery driver leaves it at the back door.
We all eat and talk about music, make-up, and anything else that comes up.
I’m getting a manicure at the kitchen counter while my hair is in gigantic rollers.
“We’re like that scene from Steel Magnolias.” Carly sighs. “I love that movie.”
“A classic,” I agree. “My colors are blush and bashful.”
She snickers. “And no one is allowed to die at the end.”
“Absolutely not. That movie wrecked me,” I admit.
By the time we get to discussing the book, the hair stylist has already sent her assistant to the mobile bookstore to see if they have any extra copies so they can read them as well.
“It’s a great series. I love the first one, Forever To Me. Walker is so hot,” Carly says, fanning herself. I love a musician romance.”
“Definitely a good series. I can’t wait to read Cami’s story next in Wild As Her.”
Bryn, our stylist, sighs. “I’m going to have to just order the whole series. You ladies have me convinced. I love small-town romance books. And hot ranchers? Say less. I want to move to Bridger Falls.”
“You look so beautiful, Silvie. From the inside out. It’s no wonder my son is wildly in love with you,” Carly says with a smile.
I pretend not to get emotional about that. I don’t know if Cal loves me. Too soon for that. Or ever. But I’m pretty much head over heels for him, just not ready to admit that to his mom before I admit it to him.
“It’s a good thing I’m equally as obsessed,” I joke.
I feel lighter than I have in weeks and love that we can do this together.
Before long, our hair is done, makeup perfect, and we’re sitting in her front chairs by the window. Cal pulls up out front and hops out, pulling bags from the trunk.
I sit up. “I forgot to bring you books!”
Carly laughs and glances over at her still overflowing bookshelves. “Honey, I think I’m good for a while.”
Cal steps inside, and his eyes land on us. “Wow. You two look beautiful.”
“Hi, to you too.” I laugh.
“You like our hair and makeup?” Carly says, flipping her freshly blown-out, styled hair similar to mine.
He crosses the room in three long strides, grabs my hand, and pulls me outside before I can process what’s happening.
“Cal,” I protest and glance back in Carly’s direction. She’s smirking.
The second we’re on the porch, and he shuts the door, he cups my face and kisses me like he’s been thinking about it all day.
I melt into him. His hands roam my face, and he breathes me in. “You look so gorgeous.”
“Why are you acting like a caveman right now?” I laugh.
He smiles at me proudly and kisses my nose. “You’re pretty great. You know that?”
Heat spreads through my chest. “You’re pretty great yourself.”
“You’re good to my mom,” he murmurs and kisses me again. “That means a lot to me.”
“Yeah, well, she’s not hard to love,” I admit.
That gets me another smile. He laces his fingers through mine. “You ready for New York?”
I squeeze his hand. “Yeah. I did a little makeover. Wilby says he has a power suit for me.”
We head inside and spend time with Carly. She knows we’re going to New York, and is excited for us.
“I want to hear all about it and take pictures of your old stomping grounds!”
I wave, and I wonder what she means by that, but I’m sidetracked as Cal picks me up and throws me over his shoulder playfully and carries me to his truck, me laughing.
I slide into my seat on the plane by the window, Cal settling in beside me with that easy calm that is always grounding to me. Wilby drops into the seat across from us and is rummaging through his bag.