Free The Replacement by Rachael Wade Page A

thoroughly spent and sated. One afternoon of love making with that man, and my limbs are weak and aching in all kinds of delicious ways. I remove the awareness that I’m oddly restless, even after our tiring romp, from my mind, determined to get home in time to get ready for my evening out.
    My brain does somersaults while I shower and change, tossing Christian’s words around like laundry in a dryer. They feel perpetually damp, spinning round and round on a broken cycle. But I made a promise to Natalie, and more importantly, to Ryder, and for once, I don’t feel like being the town tramp loner girl. I want to be normal, even if only for a night. I’ll have to return to my pumpkin carriage before the clock strikes midnight, but I can live with that.
    Stella’s parking lot is packed when I arrive. It’s hard to find a parking space, but I manage to pull into one before a blue sedan cruising for a spot beats me to it. Parking around here is always brutal around this time of year, regardless of the night rush at Stella’s. As soon as the annual holiday festival begins, people are out and about, braving the chilly temps in exchange for hot cocoa and the array of eclectic booths that set up shop along the waterfront. There are foods from all over the world, and unique arts and crafts at every turn.
    I step out of my car and wave to Jay through the diner window. He’s busy, running around like a mad man as usual, but he waves back and gives me one of his signature smiles. I check my watch to make sure I’m on time, and it turns out I’m a few minutes early. I begin to stroll down the diner’s front walkway, stopping when I come to the end of the building, where there’s a sweeping view of the harbor.
    The waterfront is always charming at night, especially with the festival lighting. The evergreen trees lining the sidewalk have been lit, even though we haven’t made it to Thanksgiving yet, and caramel and pumpkin aromas are everywhere. This is without a doubt my favorite time of year, and it reminds me of the times Tee and I spent together during high school, tasting our way through the festival, trying new foods and sneaking booze along the way.
    “Hey Elise,” Natalie’s voice sings in the distance. I spin to find her walking toward me from the other end of the sidewalk. Nate is at her side, their hands comfortably linked. Nate is holding a cold beer in his free hand, his eyes traveling up and then down when he sees me.
    I smile.
    “You look gorgeous!” Natalie hurries up to me and gestures for me to turn, so I oblige and give her a little awkward spin, wobbling to the left. My long blonde hair is down, with soft curls that hit just above my breasts, and I’m wearing a snug-fitting cream turtleneck that shows off my curves. A pair of dark skinny jeans and tall, black suede boots complete the ensemble, leaving me feeling casual, sleek, and elegant.
    “Thanks,” I say. “You look nice, too.”
    She shrugs with a grin, looking down at her bright red sweater and black-wash jeans. Her red hair is thrown up into a loose, pretty bun, and her pale skin is fresh and bright. She really is an attractive girl, but I can tell she doesn’t seem to think so. “Sorry we’re running a few minutes late. Nate couldn’t find his car keys. I swear, he loses everything. Then he wanted a beer, so we had to stroll a bit.”
    Nate looks sheepish for a moment before he speaks up in his defense. “We’re also fashionably late, thanks to Natalie.”
    Natalie rolls her eyes playfully. “Hey, I couldn’t decide on the flats or the heels. Cut a girl a break!”
    “She changed her shoes like ten times.” Nate gives me a bland look.
    “I finally decided on the heels,” she laughs, showing off her black, shiny shoes. “Unlike Elise, I don’t have legs that go for miles. I need a little height.”
    “ Hhhmmm ,” I respond half-heartedly, looking over her shoulder for my date. I’d love to stand here and continue to listen to