Free Waking Up To Love (Lakeside Porches Book 4) by Katie O'Boyle

trilogy last week.”
    Pris grabbed his arm. “We need to get you an agent right away and plan the release a year from now.”
    “Knowing how publishers work, Pris, you may be right,” Chrissie said.
    “Bet your life, I’m right. I’ll be your publicist, Rand. We’ll make a fortune.”
    Rand stood, spit into his right hand, and held it out. “Deal.”
    Pris spit into her hand and smacked her palm against his. He grabbed her into a full-body hug.
    “You’ll be rich. You won’t regret it, bro.”

Chapter 3
    Lyssa hauled the last few grocery bags up two flights to Joel’s old apartment and set them on the kitchen counter. Good for the gams .
    She loved it all. Pale blue-gray walls. Gray carpeting deep enough for her to dig her toes in. A gourmet kitchen with an espresso machine. Two little porches, each of them trimmed with white gingerbread.
    Joel’s tailored furniture might not be her taste, but it worked. She just needed a bed, pink towels, and a few decorative pillows to add her signature.
    I am truly moving on . That her heart still ached when she thought of Kyle was something she’d just have to get over.
    With the pantry stocked and the counters clear, she was ravenous. Four o’clock, the microwave told her. Still a little jet-lagged. She opted for a big salad with goat cheese and a medley of seasonal vegetables.
    As she washed and spun and chopped and scooped, she thought back to the bizarre conversation with Justin after he’d shown her around the apartment.
    “I must tell you the history of the place, if you want to live here,” Justin had said. They’d stood side-by-side on the porch off the living room, looking out at the sparkling blue lake.
    “Joel’s grandmother Bridey was the mastermind behind these apartments, Lakeside Terrace. She’s passed now, but this very apartment was Bridey’s own getaway place.” He paused with a smile, as if the significance was obvious.
    “And you’re telling me this why?”
    “Do you know the term ‘fey one’?”
    Lyssa narrowed her eyes. “My Grandma Doughty told me about the Irish fey ones. They were matchmakers, some of them, and they could see the future.” Not that I ever believed a word of it. “Did you know Bridey? Did she read tea leaves?”
    “Yes. And yes.” Justin’s eyes had twinkled when he said it.
    “What did she see in your tea leaves, Justin?”
    “That is for Gianessa’s ears alone. I’ve only told you this because you may encounter Bridey from time to time. She speaks her mind on matters of the heart, but only if you choose to listen.”
    “You’re freaking me out, Justin.”
    He’d shrugged and handed her the keys.
    When Lyssa finally called him, Rand had been back from the Hamptons for a few days. Classes had started, and she’d said she wanted his advice about teaching. But he knew she really wanted to go out with him. Rand suggested they meet in the library café Wednesday morning.
    After wowing her with examples of his teaching, he politely asked her to tell him about her work.
    Lyssa started with a three-minute overview of the grant, then shared the outline for her course, and finished, in her best professional voice, “I think it’s important to incorporate new media in learning, as you do with your websites. My students will create one- and two-minute video spots for their peers on smart financial practices. I’m excited about it, and it’s only possible because of the new media center in the library. Have you made use of it?”
    She is way too stiff . “Personally, no. But I’m sure my students will.” To prevent her from boring him to death with her views on pedagogy, he asked, “Are you planning to socialize with the faculty?”
    “You read my mind.” She scooted forward and leaned on her elbows on the table. “I was going to ask your advice about that. You probably know everyone.” Those intense blue eyes of hers captivated him.
    “I probably do. Some are worth cultivating. And a few are even fun.