Page 35 of To Steal a Heart

“Remember how I promised you that I would switch up my story so that it’s not a mirror image of your life?”

“Yeah,” Olivia answered hesitantly.

“My heroine is a dance instructor instead of an artist.”

“That’s awesome. I like that angle.”

She rushed on. “Anyway, I met Crew at the dance class, but then I got to know him when he came to my aid when some derelict tried to steal my car.”

“What?” Olivia guffawed. “When did this happen?”

“The Tuesday before last.”

Olivia’s voice pitched high. “And you’re just now telling me?”

“I’ve been a little busy,” Arden huffed, feeling defensive.

“Too busy to tell your best friend that someone tried to steal your car?”

“It happened right after I talked to you that night in the restaurant.” She twirled her hand as she walked faster. “Crew came up on the scene as I was trying to pull the thief from my car.”

“Hold on,” Olivia blustered. “You tried to pull someone from your car?”

“Sure did. I would’ve pummeled the moron had Crew not decked him.”

Olivia giggled. “O—kay. There’s never a dull moment with you, Arden. Do I have to tell you that it wasn’t smart to go Rambo and attack some guy? You could’ve been injured.”

Her expression turned sour. “Nah, the guy was a weasel.” She didn’t want to waste time talking about the thief or her car. “Crew and I went sailing the next day. We’ve been inseparable ever since. In fact, we even went to church together last Sunday.”

Olivia let out a whistle. “You went to church? What’s the world coming to?”

“Hey, I’m a good girl.” She hadn’t felt very good during the sermon, which ironically was about honesty. Guilt had gripped her in a tight fist, and all she could think the entire time was that Crew was going to hate her when he learned the truth. Every day this week, she’d told herself that she would tell him the truth. However, she’d not been able to find the words.

“Actually, you’re a great girl,” Olivia fired back.

“Thanks,” she said tonelessly.

“It’s about time that you got your rear end back to church. Your mother will be pleased.”

Arden chuckled. “That’s exactly what I told Crew.”

“Tell me more about him. What does he do for a living?”

“He’s an architectural consultant.”

“Wow, that sounds like a good profession.”

“I think so too.”

“What all have y’all been doing?”

Arden spilled out everything, talking as fast as she could. She told about how they biked 17-Mile Drive and how they’d gone sailing several more times. They went to the beach and sunned themselves on the sand. Crew took her up the rugged coastline of Big Sur, which was one of the most majestic creations of nature Arden had ever beheld with its cliffside views and narrow, winding roads. Some evenings, they tried out the local restaurants in Carmel. Other times, they made dinner at Arden’s place. Finally, when her tongue wagged tired, she took in a breath.

“When do I get to meet him?”

“Soon, I hope.” Moisture rose in her eyes. “I see what you and Flynn have together. But I never imagined that I could ever find anyone.” Her voice hitched. “I didn’t realize how wonderful life can be with the right person.”

“This is serious.”