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Vi sighed as she looked at her swimsuits, trying to decide which one to wear. Why did she feel such happiness for CeCe and Alexis when she barely knew them? Deep down she wondered if maybe she and Cory were following the same road, but she just as quickly pushed that thought away. “Too soon,” she muttered.

* * *

Cory walked around the back room at CeCe’s salon topping off everyone’s champagne glasses as the engagement party was in full swing. She had never seen CeCe so happy.

“Just look, their love has cast a bright aura around them. Do you see it, Cory?” Krista asked as Cory refilled her glass.

Cory chuckled. “Are you sure it’s not CeCe’s red hair you’re seeing?”

Melanie smacked her on the arm. “Very funny. They’re glowing and you know it.”

“Yes they are and I couldn’t be happier for them. Alexis is a welcome addition to the family.”

“So true,” Krista said. “Having a doctor around would be handy.” She grinned. “Now that Lovers Landing has worked its magic on CeCe and Alexis, it’s your turn.”

“My turn?”

“Sure, why not? Love is better than anything,” Melanie said.

Cory watched as she kissed Krista on the cheek.

“Hey, how are things with the sales rep that was infringing on your business?” Krista asked. “She hasn’t been back to see us. Did you take Mel’s advice and charm her?”

Cory raised her brows and grinned. “Actually, she is coming with me tomorrow when I deliver your order. I was going to ask if we could use the beach.”

“Really?” Melanie said with a lilt to her voice. “Tell us more.”

“Violet not only sells for Spec’s, she also plays volleyball at my gym,” Cory began. “I sought her out and tried everything to make her talk to me.” She chuckled then continued. “I found out more about her job and the promotion she is hoping to land soon. I finally figured out a way that she can secure her new accounts, but not at the bars and restaurants in my area. It’s good for both of us.”

“So you didn’t give up?” Krista smiled.

“It wasn’t just me. She wanted us to find a way to at least see where this could go.”

“Uh huh. When did you feel the connection?” Melanie asked.

“The first time we locked eyes my heart jumped in my chest,” Cory said. “I wasn’t sure she felt it too, until later on at the gym. She’d look at me and when our eyes met neither of us could look away.”

“That’s all it takes.” Krista smiled at Melanie. “I can still remember the first time Melanie looked into my eyes.”

“I still feel the same when you look at me now,” Melanie said.

“Okay, so what do we need to do for tomorrow?” Krista said.

Cory looked on as Krista and Melanie went into planning mode. They did run a successful Hollywood hideaway and were known for their parties and romantic getaways.

“We’ll get a beachside picnic ready, so when you deliver our order you can take it along with a cooler of drinks,” Melanie said.

“Oh no! I didn’t mean for you to do all that. I planned to bring snacks for us.”

“Please, Cory. We love doing this. Is this your first date?” Krista asked.

Cory nodded. “Yes, she asked me out for tonight, but I had to be here for this.”

“You want this first date to be special, just like the first time you looked into one another’s eyes,” Melanie said. “Romance is our thing. We’ll show you.”

A big smile grew on Cory’s face. “I don’t know how to thank y’all.”

Krista put her arm around Melanie and smiled at Cory. “It’s not us, it’s Lovers Landing.”