she would never get rid of what remained at the Malibu house. It made her feel closer to her mom simply by wearing things that had belonged to the woman she’d loved so much.
Time to head down the beach. Sydney grabbed a pair of sandals to put on once she arrived. As she walked through the sand, she inhaled deeply. The smell of the salty sea air always revitalized her. She was glad her dad had kept the beach house as a retreat.
“Sydney!”
She held a hand up to shade her eyes and saw Cassie waving up ahead. Next to her stood a stunning, petite woman with shoulder-length brunette hair. Sydney waved back.
Cassie introduced them after she arrived. “This is Melanie Cameron, who’s one of my closest friends. Melanie, this is Sydney Revere, and you’re going to love her. We’re already like sisters.”
“I’m so happy to meet you, Sydney. I was the only girl in the midst of four brothers so I love to collect sisters of choice any time I can.” Melanie gave her a sweet smile. “I hope we’ll become good friends.”
“I’d like that,” Sydney said, already warming to Melanie.
Melanie shared a little bit about herself so Sydney did the same, leaving out her missing years as she had with Cassie. She knew the day would come when she’d explain her past to Cassie and probably Melanie. Already, she was charmed by Cassie’s friend, who was funny and easygoing.
“Hey, it’s getting close,” Rhett called out from the deck above. He waved, a long spatula in his hand.
“I’ve already sliced up fruit and made a spinach salad with feta cheese,” Cassie said. “All we’ll need to do is put it on the table and make sure everyone has a drink. Come on, let’s head in.”
Sydney let the water lap around her ankles a last time before she followed the two women. They rinsed the sand off their feet at an outdoor shower and then entered the house. Cassie told Sydney to leave her sandals because she wouldn’t need them, then she led them up the stairs.
Melanie said, “I can’t wait for you to meet Ken.”
“Ken Cameron?” Sydney asked. “He’s your husband?”
Melanie smiled. “Ken’s my baby, all right. He’s a real sweetheart. He and Rhett go way back. They’ve played poker together for years.”
Sydney already thought Rhett Corrigan was charming. She’d spoken with him a few times during this past week. For a star of his magnitude, Rhett was refreshingly candid and down-to-earth. She couldn’t see Rhett wasting time around phony people so she knew Melanie wasn’t exaggerating and that Ken must be a great guy.
They stepped into the large living room. Cassie and Melanie made their way into the kitchen. Sydney paused to enjoy the amazing view. A glass wall exposed the Pacific Ocean in all its glory. Four men were on the deck. Sydney saw Rhett flipping burgers and talking with Ken Cameron, who looked even more handsome in person. Two others stood with their backs to her, both resting their arms on the deck’s railing as they stared out at the water.
Sydney went into the kitchen. Cassie handed her the salad bowl.
“Would you take this out on the deck? I think we should eat outside since the weather’s so nice.”
“Sure.”
Sydney crossed the living room and stepped through the open door.
Rhett greeted her. “Hey, Sydney. Glad you could make it.” He motioned to his left. “This is Ken. I’m sure you’ve already met Melanie.”
Ken shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Sydney.” He hollered to the other men standing at the rail. “Hey, guys. Come meet Sydney.”
The first man turned and started toward her. He had to be the trainer from the way he walked and the way he was built.
“Leo,” he told her as he offered his hand. Sydney concentrating on balancing the bowl against her hip with one hand and trying to shake with the other. “I try to keep these guys in tiptop shape.”
Then the other man turned and made his way over. “Hi, Sydney. Nice to see you again,” he drawled.
It was Dash DeLauria.
CHAPTER 7
Dash couldn’t believe Sydney Revere was standing on the deck a few feet in front of him. He’d dreamed about this woman for a week straight, waking up each morning feeling more unfulfilled than when he went to sleep. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen—and Hollywood was full of pretty faces.
Her hair finally matched the pictures from her past. The lifeless, mousy brown shade had become a glorious