the truth—she yearned for more. Aubrey wanted to share moments like this with Landon year after year. She wanted him to be hers and hers alone.
Want. Want. Want. More. More. More.
The little seed of more planted itself deep in her heart, and the contentment she’d forced on herself withered and crumbled. Even if she did nothing with her newfound truth, she would stop running from herself.
“Do I have time to pilfer some of these moonstones?” She forced a carefree smile on her face.
“Take all the time you need.”
She collected the beautiful stones—pink heart-shaped stones, clear azure stones, warm bronze stones, and a myriad of others in amazing colors. Soon the stones started toppling out of her cupped palm, and Aubrey frowned in frustration. When her attempts to rebuild the stone tower failed, Landon took the stones from her hand, chuckling low in his chest.
“I had no idea you’re so greedy.”
Aubrey rolled her eyes at him. “I’m only greedy when it involves pretty, free moonstones.”
She returned her focus to the task at hand and didn’t stop until both of Landon’s jacket pockets were weighed down with her collection. “Okay. I think I’m done.”
“Good.” Landon pointed to his drooping jacket. “My pockets have reached maximum capacity.”
“Moonstone picking is hard work.” Aubrey stood up with a sheepish grin and stretched her back. “I’m starving.”
“I know the perfect remedy.” Landon took her arm and led her to the car.
At first glance, the restaurant looked about as big as a walk-in closet at the villa, but when the hostess led them to their table, Aubrey saw that there was a whole garden at the back dedicated to serving its patrons alfresco.
Abundant green foliage wove through the pergolas and arches, and sunlight streamed in through the dense leaves. The garden was decorated with shimmery giant butterflies and chubby colorful mushrooms, giving it a dash of whimsy.
Taking her seat at the table, Aubrey smiled at Landon. “I see you’ve brought me to an enchanted garden.”
“And you fit right in,” Landon said with an appreciative glance.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” When she had her blush under control, she took another good look around the garden. “Maybe I should just drink some morning dew for lunch.”
“I’d expect nothing less from a fay.” His tone was light, but the heat in his gaze made her shiver with awareness.
Then her stomach rumbled uproariously as though saying She is no ethereal fairy, mister.
“My tummy disagrees with the whole dew-for-lunch idea.”
“We’ll have to find you something more substantial.”
Her rich salmon bisque and the brightly flavored lamb curry burrito were definitely more substantial and satisfying than morning dew. While she’d never drunk morning dew, she assumed it tasted pretty much like condensation on a glass of a cold drink.
The bite she snagged from Landon’s lobster enchiladas was also amazing. The generous bites of lobster were chewy without being rubbery, and the enchilada sauce had a smoky kick to it to prevent the dish from becoming too rich.
“This trip was a great idea. I don’t think I’ll forget it anytime soon.” Sitting with a full stomach in the sun-warmed garden turned Aubrey into a happy Buddha.
“Well, it’s not over yet. You still haven’t tried the olallie-berry pie.”
“Don’t tell anyone I said this, but there’s no way I could fit pie into my stomach right now.”
“Okay, then. Let’s make like tourists and check out downtown Cambria. I’m sure we can burn off our lunch and make room for pie.”
“Could we take a nap first?”
“Up you go, lazy buns.” Landon lifted her by her arms, and happy Buddha had no choice but to waddle along beside him.
Downtown Cambria reminded Aubrey of Weldon, but it had a slightly more laid-back, beach-town feel to it. Fewer diners and more cafés with outdoor seating. She’d forgotten how fun it was to be a tourist. The streets were studded with stores full of local art, wines, and olive oils and everything else Cambria. She was particularly drawn to a quaint shop with delicate handblown glassware. As she browsed the shop, soaking in all the lovely globes, jars, and bottles, Landon gestured to her that he’d be outside to take a call.
She was roaming down the aisles when a row of graceful glass bottles caught her eye. The teardrop-shaped bottles had oversize globe stoppers that gave them a bold, startling look. They felt kind of off—just enough to draw her attention—but not wrong. The odd proportion and balance of the bottles gave them a unique beauty that entranced her. She gasped