a lick of what she was saying, but he really loved watching how passionate she became as she explained it.
“Are you listening to me?”
Her question jerked him away from his thoughts. He decided that talking to Riley about social media wasn’t going to help anything. Especially because he didn’t want to reveal that she was going to have even less money in the budget next year.
“What are you up to this weekend?” he asked.
If his change in topic came as a surprise to her, she didn’t show it. “Same as you,” she said with a bemused smile. He racked his brain and couldn’t think of any shared family gatherings until Thanksgiving. Riley rolled her eyes. “Tomorrow is Elle and Cam’s engagement party at the Dumont estate. There’s no way you could have forgotten that.”
His turn to roll his eyes. “Blocked, perhaps.”
“Sawyer, it’s not that bad. Most people love when the Dumonts throw parties.”
“Which is practically every week.”
The Dumont family had also been in Bayside for generations. They owned Dumont Incorporated, headed up by Jasper Dumont now. Jasper was Cam’s brother and Sawyer was close with both of them. He was happy his friend had popped the question to Elle. Thrilled to celebrate with them. What he didn’t particularly look forward to was dressing in a monkey suit and mingling with most of the town at yet another black-tie party.
He saw the excitement on Riley’s face, though. This kind of event was much more her thing. She was so good at socializing and enjoying large crowds. Not to mention, she looked damn fine in a gown.
“Come on,” she cooed. “There has to be something about tomorrow’s party you can look forward to.”
An image of her in a tight black dress from the last Dumont soiree flitted into his mind. All of that amazing red hair had been piled in curls atop her head. Her shoulders had been bare and she’d worn the sexiest pair of stilettos... His mouth went dry thinking about it.
He almost jerked backward. What in the heck was he doing? He couldn’t think about Riley like that. He could still remember the doll she used to carry around when they were kids.
“Earth to Sawyer,” she said impatiently.
“There’s always the free alcohol,” he covered.
Oblivious to his thoughts, she nodded. “There you go. Now, you just have to get your date Holly on board.”
He gritted his teeth. “I am not dating Holly.”
“I wouldn’t care if you were.” Her eyes narrowed as she considered. “Are you bringing anyone else tomorrow? Like, as a date?”
He shook his head. “Nope. You?” He held his breath.
“No. It’s hard to be Riley Hudson, the Bayside Blogger, and enjoy being on a date. You know that.”
He did. She committed her life to the Bugle, sacrificing much of her social life to write the column that was keeping the paper in the black—barely. He opened his mouth to thank her, but the words caught in his throat. The sun was slanting through the blinds, highlighting her coppery hair, the freckles on her ivory nose, that amazing body.
Had she always been this beautiful? Why was he only noticing her now, when he couldn’t possibly make a move?
Ah, heck. He was feeling something for his lifelong friend that he had no business feeling.
She stood to leave but hesitated next to her chair. “Sawyer, are you sure you’re okay?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m fine.”
She reached for the door but turned back again. “And the Bugle is fine, too? It’s not in any trouble?”
Her hand was on her hip, accentuating the fact that even for a petite woman she had curves. He swallowed hard. “Don’t worry, Riley. Everything will be fine.”
Sawyer wasn’t entirely sure if she believed him. She lingered a moment more before departing.
He felt bad about lying to his oldest friend, saying the Bugle wasn’t in trouble. But it sure was—and so was he.
Who’s excited for tonight’s party at the Dumonts’? I can’t think of a better way to ring in the holiday season than champagne and dancing with a view of the bay! And you just never know who might show up at a Dumont affair, so this blogger is keeping her eyes open, Baysiders!
Riley crossed the terrace and took in the sight of the Dumont estate in full party mode. A cold breeze caused goose bumps to rise on her skin, hardly surprising since it was almost Thanksgiving. Not to mention that Riley was wearing nothing more than a gown and a thin wrap. Still, she couldn’t help but take a moment to soak in her surroundings.
With its cascading terraces and gorgeous grounds, this was so much more than a house. It was like something out of an old black-and-white movie. With tennis courts and swimming pools, even an atrium, the Dumont mansion sat right on the bay, surrounded by strategically placed fences and bushes for privacy.
Riley made her way into the large heated tent set up on the lower grounds. Several bars occupied the corners of the space, while waiters flitted throughout the crowd of black tie–bedecked guests listening to a large band seated on a raised platform. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and tasteful twinkly lights were strung from one corner to another. And then there were the candles. Riley had never seen so many in one place. Mrs. Dumont had gone above and beyond tonight.
All Dumont parties were special, but this one was extra special. Cameron, the oldest Dumont brother, had recently popped the question to Elle Owens, one of Riley’s two best friends. Everyone in town was thrilled to see the two of them together, but Riley in particular. She liked to think the Bayside Blogger had had a hand in their relationship. Sometimes people just needed a push.
And speaking of pushes...
Riley did a quick glance around the tent, taking in all the players. She had a keen memory, which came in handy for recalling details when she wrote her column.
She snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter as she continued surveying the party. A handful of people were already dancing, but mostly there was a lot of chatting over appetizers. And...she grinned. Over in the corner she saw Simone Graves getting her flirt on with Sam Roberts, who’d just taken a job at the high school. Interesting. She whipped her cell phone out and quickly made a note.
“What’s that sly smile for?”
Riley looked up to see her other best friend, Carissa Blackwell, smirking back at her. “Look at you, gorgeous,” Riley said, instead of answering the question.
“You like?”
Carissa was wearing a navy blue floor-length dress. Her blond hair was piled on top of her head and her makeup was flawless. She was tall and curvy with the most beautiful gray eyes. If they weren’t friends, Riley would hate her on principle.
“Stunning,”
