Cursive - By Phoebe Lane Page 0,1

that before. "And, please, don't be embarrassed. These things happen."

"Yeah, well you see…What you don't realize is that I'll probably run into you everywhere I go from now on. Life has a cruel sense of humor when it comes to me, and it’ll make sure that I relive this embarrassing moment over and over again. I can only promise to be fully clothed next time," Aislynn rambled and watched Ellie stare at her with amused eyes. "Sorry, brain needs coffee. Ellie, talk to you later."

"Double-shot cappuccino?"

"Make it a triple. It's been one of those mornings. Thanks, Collin."

Even though Aislynn had only been in San Diego for two weeks she was able to quickly identify what she called her "CBGB"—a Coffee shop, a well-stocked Bookstore, a Gym with a pool, and a good Bistro restaurant. By far, the most important thing on that list was the coffee. Aislynn knew coffee well, and the stuff served at the big coffee chains and the like was just not going to cut it.

She couldn't resist the urge to search online for "sex lips" while she waited for her coffee and laughed to herself as the first images loaded. God bless that man’s mouth. She then checked her missed calls and texts and, of course, found several from Ellie warning her about bringing a client over to the apartment to take a look at the design.

As the barista handed her the drink, an incoming text from her mom replaced the last message on her screen.

I've been calling you and you're not picking up. What are you doing besides nothing? Call me.

Ugh! I can't deal with her right now.

Making a quick turn for the door after finishing off her coffee, she ran right into Jace's arms. They were strong, but comforting and the sudden proximity to his body made her realize he smelled as good as he looked—like sunlight and ocean breeze.

"Wow, you were right," he said, holding her by the elbow, a full smile on his lips this time.

"I’m telling you. Life’s humor," Aislynn quipped and turned to walk out the door.

"Ellie! I'm gonna kill you!" Aislynn yelled as soon as she opened the door, throwing her keys on the foyer table. She found Ellie in the dining room, working on her laptop.

"Hey! Not my fault. I tried to call and warn you. What were you doing sleeping at noon anyway?" she asked, her eyes glued to the screen.

"I swear if you ask me what was I doing besides 'nothing', I will hurt you," Aislynn said, pointing a finger at her.

"Please," Ellie said and rolled her eyes. "I'm not your mother."

"I was up writing until six this morning. I have the first meeting with my editor later today, and I needed to get some stuff ready. By the way…" Aislynn hugged her from behind her chair. "Hi. I missed you. How was your flight?"

"It was great. I flirted my way to a first class upgrade."

"Impressive. Was he cute?"

"Not really. But it was totally worth it," Ellie said, closing her computer abruptly.

"You look good in black." Ellie was a chameleon when it came to her hair, changing the color of her bob hairstyle every few weeks.

"You say that about all the colors. So what are we doing tonight?"

"Collin said there's a wine bar a few blocks from here—"

"Wait, who the hell is Collin?"

"The barista at the coffee shop," Aislynn said, with fake exasperation.

"You're already on a first name basis with the barista?" she asked, but held her hand up before Aislynn was able to answer. "Of course you are. Please, continue."

"As I was saying, the wine bar is supposed to be excellent. Want to grab some drinks before going to dinner?"

"Sounds good. Can I meet you there around seven? I have a million things to do today, and I need to meet Jace later at his house to discuss ideas for the design plan," Ellie said, grabbing her things from the table and stuffing them into her designer bag.

"Wait, I'm totally confused. I thought he was renting this place."

"No. He's a private client. He stayed at one of our rentals a few months ago, and he just hired me to design the interior of his new beach house."

"Oh. Well that’s excellent, then. This is a great apartment, and I didn't want to leave it so soon," Aislynn said.

"Ah, the life of a nomad. I’m glad to see you’re at least getting settled this time. I mean, did you even get your things unpacked when you were