Free A TEMPORARY MARRIAGE: PART ONE (AVALON BAY ROMANCE SERIES Book 1) by Vicky Dean Page A

Tomorrow she was meeting with Philip to go over the contract. She felt like she could trust him and not have it reviewed by another attorney, but wondered if that was more emotionally vested than she should be. This was business, after all and she thought she should email it to Teri for her approval to be on the safe side. Her thoughts were scattered and she robotically drank her water, thinking about venturing to Primrose House after lunch. When she glanced at her clock, she saw that her mother was late. Not really a surprise, as she could imagine it would be difficult for her mother to get away from the café at lunchtime.
    At one of the tables her eyes became drawn to an extremely attractive woman about her own age with long loose dark brown curls and eyes so green they barely looked real. She was wearing a cream colored sweater dress that hugged her curves and flattered her olive complexion. She sat opposite a youngish couple and was showing them what looked like photos on her tablet which she held in long graceful hands with perfectly manicured red nails. How funny that she looked so big city when Cassie had always thought she was that big city girl.
    “Cassie, sorry I’m so late,” her mother said, rushing up to her and plopping down. “Maggie’s set to roll at the café, and I’m ready for our afternoon.”
    “No worries, Mom. Plenty to think about and sort through,” she said.
    “What are you going to have today?”
    “Something light, maybe a quiche and salad.”
    “Good choice. I’ll have the same.”
    As her mother gave the waitress their order, Cassie noticed that the green eyed woman was staring at her with a malevolent stare. As Cassie’s eyes met hers, the woman and her companions rose from their table. As they made their way through the restaurant, the woman nodded a greeting to her mother and with another contemptuous glance at Cassie exited the restaurant.
    “Who is that?”
    “That’s Victoria King, Richard’s ex-girlfriend.”
    “That would explain the looks.”
    “I can imagine she’s not too happy to hear he’s getting married.”
    “Were they together long?” Cassie asked.
    “On and off for about a year, I guess. I don’t really follow that stuff, but Maggie does. She’s a real life information network about the irrelevant.” Her mother laughed. Maggie’s nosy nature was mostly endearing, but once in a while it was a bit much to take.
    “Well, perhaps they’ll get back together when this charade is over,” Cassie said.
     
    As Cassie drove up to Primrose House and went to open the gate, she was instantly enchanted by it. It was perfect, amazing and everything she could have ever hoped for to work with in creating a boutique hotel with her signature on it.
    “It’s going to make such a fantastic hotel, Mom. I can’t wait to get started on it.”
    “It will,” she agreed. “This dream would have come true regardless of Douglas Gallagher. I just know it.”
    “Well, we’ll never know for certain now, but that’s okay,” Cassie replied, smiling softly. “Besides, how do I know you didn’t talk him into it to get me to move back to Avalon Bay,” she teased.
    “That would be elaborate beyond my capacity,” her mother replied, shaking her head.
    By the time they left Primrose House, Cassie had pages of notes filled with ideas, observations, and questions that she had to ask people. She was so excited.
    Before she knew it, two days passed by and Teri was arriving from New York. She couldn’t wait to see her! The two were going shopping to Santa Maria to find some new clothes for France, and just going to hang out and enjoy the beautiful weather. It would be perfect.
    Hanging out with Teri was so fun and relaxing—just what Cassie needed. The only suspicious thing was that Richard still hadn’t met her, which had her in inquisition mode, something challenging for Cassie to handle. He was just so busy and Cassie understood that, but Teri, not so much.
    Sitting at