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Chapter 11
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My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 12
Soft jazz flowed around Lucy as she gazed out onto the sunset over the water. It was gorgeous, the spill of colors fanning across the sky. Sipping her wine, she felt a sense of calm fill her for the first time in three days.“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” said Hayden. He raised his own wineglass in a toast.“I think you said it at least twice, but it’s nice to hear again anyway.”Tonight she wore one of her favorite dresses: a short little black dress with slim straps that set off the milkiness of her skin. She wore pearl earrings, her hair in a loose braid around her head. She felt a bit like Audrey Hepburn; all she needed was a cigarette and a guitar and she’d play a perfect Holly Golightly.Hayden had taken Lucy to one of the nicest restaurants on Hazel Island: situated on the tip of the northern part of the island, it overlooked the water. Since it was summer, most of the restaurant-goers sat outside, tall heaters keeping the patio warm as the sun set and the
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 13
The last time Carter had made out with a woman in the backseat of his car, he had been fifteen, a virgin, and had come in his jeans within five minutes. It hadn’t been his greatest shining moment.Now, though, he wanted to savor Lucy. She made the most delicious little sounds in the back of her throat, like she couldn’t get enough of him. He was infinitely glad that he’d sprung for a sports car that had a roomy backseat.A tiny part of his mind whispered he should tell her the truth, but he pushed the thought away. It would only hurt her, and besides, things had changed. It was no longer about getting revenge on Hayden: it was all about Lucy and how she’d taken over his entire world in such a short time.It was dim inside, but there was enough light from the distant streetlamps to let him see what he was doing. A small part of him wished he could see every inch of Lucy in vivid detail, but there would be other times for that. Right now, he needed to be inside her, to feel her shake
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 14
Carter helped Lucy up the embankment until they both stood on the cliff that overlooked the sound. It was the highest point in Hazel Island—not Mount Everest, but enough of a hike to get his blood thrumming—and it was one of those perfect summer days that reminded you why you put up with the winter here in Washington State. Lucy inhaled deeply and took his arm.Everything was emerald green, moss growing in pockets down the cliffside. Seagulls cawed and circled in the sky, a few skimming the water to catch unsuspecting fish. Without the clang of the city or the traffic, Carter could imagine this place was far away from everything that wanted to sink its claws into him. He could almost imagine his shoulder didn’t hurt or that this thing with Lucy could last beyond the summer.“I could live here,” breathed Lucy as she entwined her fingers with his.“Really?” He considered. “I think I’d get bored after a while.”“I was raised in Fair Haven, so I’m used to small towns. I like them. Ever
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 15
The following Monday, Carter woke up at five a.m. and couldn’t go back to sleep. He considered waking Lucy as well, but she was currently wrapped up in the blankets, cocooned in warmth. She was fast asleep, and he didn’t have the heart to wake her. Besides, he’d be back within an hour.He dressed in his running clothes and headed out. The town was still, fog rolling in from the water, and it was so quiet that the only sounds were Carter’s exhalations and the sound of his tennis shoes against the pavement.He had two weeks until he had to go to Seattle for his appointment with his orthopedic surgeon. Lately, he’d dreamt of the appointment, and one night he’d tossed and turned until Lucy had had to wake him up. The dreams always ended with him being told that he was officially retired for good, and it only increased the ball of anxiety building in his gut.Was that why he was so obsessed with Lucy? Because she distracted him from what could very well happen? It made sense, but then ag
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 16
Despite Lucy’s best efforts, Carter eluded her all weekend. When she knocked on his door Friday night, he wasn’t in. She texted him, but he only replied to say that he was busy and he’d call her.He didn’t call her.She tried again on Sunday morning, but if he was in his room, he didn’t feel like opening the door. She called him one last time, knowing that he was ghosting her already before he took off for Seattle. When he didn’t pick up, she didn’t leave a voicemail. He probably wouldn’t listen to it anyway.If Carter wanted to end things, he could say it to her face. She sat in her room all Sunday and listened for the sound of his footsteps coming up the stairs. She’d recognize them anywhere.It was close to midnight when she heard the stairs creaking. Her eyes flew open; she’d fallen into a doze. Her heart in her throat, she heard whoever it was take a half dozen steps down the hallway before they stopped to unlock their door.She threw open her door just in time to see Carter
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 17
When Carter stepped outside, fans mobbed him within minutes. Although most Seattleites were generally reticent to approach strangers, apparently today they made an exception for Carter. Fans of all ages crowded around him, demanding photos and autographs.“When are you playing again?”“You need to come back next season!”“Were you here to see your doctor? What’s the verdict?”Carter ignored the questions, smiling for the cameras and signing so many autographs that his hand began to cramp. He finally made some excuse and pushed his way through the crowd.He had no destination in mind. It didn’t really matter where he went, because his career was officially over.After multiple tests that included both X-rays and CT scans, Carter’s orthopedic surgeon had declared that his torn rotator cuff hadn’t healed to the extent it had needed to for him to return. I know it’s not what you wanted to hear, he’d said in that calm doctor voice that Carter hated. But it had been a real long shot an
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 18
The day that filming wrapped, the cast and crew threw a party at Verity, the same restaurant where Lucy had agreed to her ridiculous bargain with Carter. It felt like years ago instead of weeks.Hayden was all smiles at the party, even going so far as to throw his arm around Lucy’s shoulders. Erin was already on her third martini, and even Jim was tipsy. Lucy had never seen Jim actually smile, so seeing him laughing now was slightly unsettling. She felt like she’d been thrown into Opposite World. Next Carter would show up and tell her he loved her and wanted her in his life.Lucy snorted under her breath. Carter hadn’t responded to her messages, and she knew now that he wouldn’t. She wanted to confront him in person, but how could she when he was probably hiding out in Seattle? She could ask Anthony, but then she’d have to tell him why. That thought alone kept her from saying anything to her sister or to her sister’s boyfriend.Mostly she wanted to kick Carter in his kneecaps. Her d
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 19
“Luuuuuucy, dinner is ready!” called Thea from the kitchen. “I made vegan curry!”Lucy bit back a smile at her sister’s enthusiasm for all things vegan. Despite her trepidation, she had to admit that Thea could make damn tasty vegan dishes.At the moment, though, Lucy wasn’t hungry. She hadn’t been hungry much in the last month since she’d broken things off with Carter. She’d inadvertently lost five pounds, which, considering how petite she was already, was enough weight that Thea had commented on it. Lucy had brushed aside her sister’s concerns. The last thing she wanted to talk about was Carter and how he’d stomped all over her heart.Lucy had decided to stay with Thea and Anthony in Seattle for a week. A week turned into two, and now she’d been here for a month. Thea had quietly offered to help Lucy break her lease in Los Angeles if she wanted to move back to Washington, but Lucy had demurred.In all honesty, Lucy had no idea what she wanted to do. She was more lost than she’d e
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My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 About the Author
A coffee addict and cat lover, Iris Morland writes sexy and funny contemporary romances. If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.Stay in touch!irismorland.comIris Morland’s MermaidsNewsletter Facebook Twitter BookBub Goodreads Instagram
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Also by Iris Morland
Say You’re MineAll I Ask of YouMake Me YoursHold Me CloseOopsie DaisyHe Loves Me, He Loves Me NotPetal PluckerWar of the RosesincludingThen Came YouTaking a Chance on LoveAll I Want Is YouMy One and OnlyThe Nearness of YouThe Very Thought of YouIf I Can’t Have YouDream a Little Dream of MeSomeone to Watch Over MeTill There Was YouI’ll Be Home for Christmas
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Enjoy this exclusive excerpt
Joy had needed a project. She had a few clients she still wrote for long-distance, but she wanted to sink her teeth into something here in Heron’s Landing. That was why she’d come, wasn’t it? To get to know a new town and new people? The town wasn’t hustling and moving as quickly as Chicago. In fact, it moved about quickly as an elderly turtle swimming through mud. But that didn’t stop her from looking around for stories.Drumming her fingers on the arm of her couch—the movers had finally arrived that morning—Joy brainstormed for a few hours. Perhaps she could interview the owner of Trudy’s? Or maybe Mike in the general store downstairs had something worth writing about? She pursed her lips, thinking.Of course, there was always the vineyard, River’s Bend. It was the jewel of Heron’s Landing, but that seemed cliché. Plus, it was five miles from her apartment, and she really didn’t want to drive that gravel road to get out there. The day had already edged into one-hundred-degree terri
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Epilogue
The day Lucy had woken up feeling tired and sick to her stomach, she’d attributed it to nerves. But her symptoms had continued even after she’d gotten the part in a Silas Martin project, and she’d been so on edge that she’d started crying last night when she’d burned the lasagna. Carter had looked at her like she’d sprouted two heads.It had been three months since that night when Lucy had shown up at Carter’s door, soaked to the skin and bursting with love for him. At the moment, she lived primarily in Seattle with Carter while traveling to LA for auditions when necessary. She’d given up her apartment in LA without hesitation, because who wanted to live in a glorified dump when a girl could live in her boyfriend’s gorgeous and stupidly expensive place in Seattle?Carter had recently decided to start coaching. Lucy had suggested it, because Carter wasn’t the least bit interested in a regular job. He didn’t need a job for money (lucky him), but Lucy could see how bored and restless he
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 21
After hours of his phone blowing up, Carter finally turned it off. He didn’t need to explain himself to anyone. He didn’t care that his manager was pissed at him or that his now former coach thought he was a complete idiot. This was a press conference to talk about your career, not your fucking love life! he’d bellowed in Carter’s face.Carter didn’t give a shit. He’d never felt freer than when he’d uttered those words on live television. He hadn’t even done it so that Lucy herself would hear them, although a part of him hoped she would. At the very least, he needed to find her and tell her how he felt, even if he took him saying the words until he was blue in the face. He had more than enough time now.It was close to one a.m. when Carter heard a pounding on his front door. Frowning, he wondered if Anthony had come to berate him a second time. Carter threw open the door with angry words on his tongue that promptly died out when he saw it wasn’t Anthony.It was Lucy, wearing a red d
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 20
Hayden tightened his arm around Lucy’s waist. “At least act like you’re enjoying yourself,” he hissed in her ear.He smiled his golden smile at the photographers, the constant flash of bulbs making Lucy a little dizzy. It could have also been that the multiple layers of shapewear she’d put on to fit into her dress were making her lightheaded. She felt like a stuffed sausage about to explode.She’d decided to wear a backless red dress that showed off the light tan she’d gotten while on Hazel Island, her hair pulled back into a pretty chignon. The dress hadn’t cost more than five hundred dollars, and Lucy had gotten it on sale two years ago. When Hayden had asked her who she was wearing, she’d lied and said it was the latest Versace, trying to bite back a giggle the entire time.“I am enjoying myself,” she hissed back. She pinched him hard on his lower back, and because they were in front of a huge crowd of photographers and fans, Hayden could only keep smiling.This is for your care
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 19
“Luuuuuucy, dinner is ready!” called Thea from the kitchen. “I made vegan curry!”Lucy bit back a smile at her sister’s enthusiasm for all things vegan. Despite her trepidation, she had to admit that Thea could make damn tasty vegan dishes.At the moment, though, Lucy wasn’t hungry. She hadn’t been hungry much in the last month since she’d broken things off with Carter. She’d inadvertently lost five pounds, which, considering how petite she was already, was enough weight that Thea had commented on it. Lucy had brushed aside her sister’s concerns. The last thing she wanted to talk about was Carter and how he’d stomped all over her heart.Lucy had decided to stay with Thea and Anthony in Seattle for a week. A week turned into two, and now she’d been here for a month. Thea had quietly offered to help Lucy break her lease in Los Angeles if she wanted to move back to Washington, but Lucy had demurred.In all honesty, Lucy had no idea what she wanted to do. She was more lost than she’d e
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 18
The day that filming wrapped, the cast and crew threw a party at Verity, the same restaurant where Lucy had agreed to her ridiculous bargain with Carter. It felt like years ago instead of weeks.Hayden was all smiles at the party, even going so far as to throw his arm around Lucy’s shoulders. Erin was already on her third martini, and even Jim was tipsy. Lucy had never seen Jim actually smile, so seeing him laughing now was slightly unsettling. She felt like she’d been thrown into Opposite World. Next Carter would show up and tell her he loved her and wanted her in his life.Lucy snorted under her breath. Carter hadn’t responded to her messages, and she knew now that he wouldn’t. She wanted to confront him in person, but how could she when he was probably hiding out in Seattle? She could ask Anthony, but then she’d have to tell him why. That thought alone kept her from saying anything to her sister or to her sister’s boyfriend.Mostly she wanted to kick Carter in his kneecaps. Her d
My One and Only: The Youngers Book 4 Chapter 17
When Carter stepped outside, fans mobbed him within minutes. Although most Seattleites were generally reticent to approach strangers, apparently today they made an exception for Carter. Fans of all ages crowded around him, demanding photos and autographs.“When are you playing again?”“You need to come back next season!”“Were you here to see your doctor? What’s the verdict?”Carter ignored the questions, smiling for the cameras and signing so many autographs that his hand began to cramp. He finally made some excuse and pushed his way through the crowd.He had no destination in mind. It didn’t really matter where he went, because his career was officially over.After multiple tests that included both X-rays and CT scans, Carter’s orthopedic surgeon had declared that his torn rotator cuff hadn’t healed to the extent it had needed to for him to return. I know it’s not what you wanted to hear, he’d said in that calm doctor voice that Carter hated. But it had been a real long shot an
