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PS: I Love You: Brighton Cove, #2
PS: I Love You: Brighton Cove, #2
PS: I Love You: Brighton Cove, #2
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PS: I Love You: Brighton Cove, #2

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First love is always better the second time around.
Basil Manning is happy with his life now that he's given up on love. He has everything he needs...the houses he's building, the mansion he's renovating, and his Bernese Mountain Dog, Crash. In spite of his mother's insistent attempts to see him married, Basil plans on staying a bachelor. That is, until he finds himself face-to-face with the woman who once broke his heart. 
Healing from a long-term relationship that turned abusive, Meg Cooper has flung herself into running her eclectic shop, The Pink Moose. She can't afford complications, and the too-hot-for-his-own-good Basil Manning, her one time almost fiancé, is definitely a complication. But that irresistible pull between them isn't over...not by a long shot. If she's not careful, she'll break both their hearts...again.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateAug 17, 2017
ISBN9781386655732
PS: I Love You: Brighton Cove, #2
Author

Jamie Salisbury

Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. In 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are self published . Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.

Read more from Jamie Salisbury

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    Book preview

    PS - Jamie Salisbury

    Dedication

    To L: You were my dearest friend, my deepest love. You inspired me and believed in me always, when no one else would. You were the best of me...

    I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.

    The Notebook

    Chapter One

    Meg

    Sitting in the middle of the rural Maine road, I tried to get my nerve to drive up that gravel driveway to my sister’s house. I took a deep breath and turned my Expedition onto the drive.

    My sister Audrey and I always had a relationship like oil and water. I suppose being younger, I never comprehended everything she did for all of us after our mother died and our father disappeared from our lives.

    I had never been nice to Audrey in the past. I’d always needled her and was a bitch to her, like when she’d come back to Brighton Cove and settled on the farm our grandfather left her, even though I knew it was part of her recovery. Audrey had been an international journalist and had been held captive in the Middle East. Moving to the farm was her way of healing. I, being in the midst of my problems with my fiancé, Jake, saw it as an opportunity to be a flaming bitch to her. I lashed out at her because of him.

    And now I needed her.

    As the familiar white farmhouse came into view, calm seemed to come over me. I pulled the SUV near the back door and shut the engine off. I waited for a moment to get my composure, but as I looked up, I noticed Audrey standing at the back door. Her arms were crossed, a concerned expression on her face. Her dark blonde hair was pulled back in a fashionable ponytail, a glow of contentment on her face. Marriage to Linc agreed with her.

    I crawled out of the car.

    Meg? Where have you been? Is everything okay? Everyone has been worried sick about you.

    I nodded, unable to speak, knowing the waterworks were about to release. She met me halfway, and I let her put her arms around me. Funny how something as simple as a hug can make your world okay. I needed a couple of days to myself after I left Jagger’s, I said.

    Holding me, she led me toward the back door. Jagger was one of our three brothers, Brandon’s fraternal twin. He was also the sibling I’d been closest to growing up. He tried to play protector—until girls caught his attention.

    That’s what Linc figured. Still, you gave me quite a scare, she replied. Come on, let’s get back inside. It’s still too cold to talk out here.

    I nodded and followed her inside the house. As we walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by Audrey’s cat, Prince Harry. I picked him up and fussed over him for a moment.

    Would you like coffee? Audrey asked. It won’t take but a minute.

    Please, I replied, glancing around the renovated kitchen. Where’s Linc?

    Out in his studio working.

    Ahh. I put the cat down despite his protests.

    So, do you feel better? Did you work through everything?

    Yes, I replied as I sat down at the kitchen table under one of the large windows.

    You still haven’t said where you’ve been.

    I stopped in a couple of places along the way. I took my time. I’d gone to Portland. It differed vastly from the northern part of Maine we called home.

    Audrey slid a mug of hot black coffee in front of me and sat down at the other side of the table. Linc and I got the movers lined up, and we’ll go back next week to oversee everything for you.

    I needed half-and-half for my coffee. Sugar too. Thanks. I was dreading having to do it myself. Jake has no regard for the restraining order. I pushed my chair back and headed for the refrigerator. I pulled out a carton of half-and-half. Then, opening the freezer, I found a carton of Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey and took it. I was starving.

    Where’s your silverware? I asked, pretending not to notice her amusement as she pointed to a drawer.

    When’s the last time you ate? she asked.

    Last night.

    I fixed my coffee with the perfect amount of half-and-half and sugar, then I turned my attention to the carton of Chunky Monkey.

    Jake’s mother asked if she might help with going through his things. I told her you’d call her when we arrived. Any problem with that? Audrey asked. She picked up her cup of coffee and took a sip.

    I’d taken the coward’s way out when it came to dealing with Jake’s mom and Jake’s things, letting Audrey deal with her. No, not at all, though... No, let her pack his things and get them moved. Otherwise, he’d just let them end up on the curb. I’m starting a new page, and I don’t need bad memories holding me back.

    I’d ended my six-plus-year relationship with Jake because in the past two years, Jake had become—well, he became a different person. He thought he owned me. At first, it started out as verbal abuse, but then it escalated to physical. One night, after he roughed me up for the third time, I left. I waited until he left to go on one of his long shifts at the hospital. He never thought I’d leave—that he’d beat me down and now he owned me. I would have loved to have seen his face when he came home and found me gone.

    The first thing I did was call my brother Jagger, who lived in the DC area. He had an idea of what was going on in my relationship, and then I’d confirmed it. I’d packed up every personal memento, my clothes and personal effects, and headed to Jagger’s place.

    Audrey brushed back her hair. Where are you planning to stay? Your apartment over the shop? Do you think it’s safe?

    I’m not staying at the inn and have John hovering. I’ll be fine at the apartment.

    She licked her spoon and set it on the table. Have you any idea what you want to do now?

    Since the shop is closed for the winter, it’ll give me a chance to update the website and see if I can grow my following.

    Adding the fibers and yarn would be good. Maybe some knitting and crochet supplies as well?

    Yes. Excellent idea. I know it’s not much, Audrey, but right now, I don’t think my brain could handle too much more.

    Audrey reached across the table and put her hand over mine. She smiled. It’s okay. You’ve got a plan. Start with that, and the rest will fall into place.

    I dug another scoop of ice cream out of the carton. This didn’t sound like my sister. She wasn’t all over me, quizzing me with a hundred questions. No, she was agreeing.

    She leaned back with a sigh. Promise me you’ll call if you get down. You shouldn’t isolate yourself right now.

    I know. Trust me, I replied.

    Good. Do you need me to help you with anything?

    I pushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear. No. Just being here and letting me dump this mess on you is enough.

    She nodded a little sadly. Anytime. That’s what sisters are supposed to do.

    Yeah, and I haven’t been the best.

    Neither have I, but we’ll get you through this, she replied, a warm smile on her face.

    I’m going to get out of your hair. I want to unpack the car, and I must get to the grocery store before the day’s out.

    Tell you what, why don’t I go with you and help you unpack your car? Those stairs can get tiring awful fast.

    I don’t want to take you away from anything...like that handsome hubby of yours.

    She laughed. He’s working. I’ll tell him I’m leaving. He won’t even notice how long I’m gone.

    Audrey was reaching out, and right now, I needed a life preserver. You’re on, I replied, picking up the now-empty ice cream carton and dumping it in the trash.

    Once we unloaded the Expedition, making numerous trips up and down the stairs to my apartment, we collapsed on the sofa. Exhausted, we sat this way in silence for a good five minutes.

    I’d redone the apartment over the past couple of summers. Paint freshened the place up and I’d updated the ancient avocado green appliances that had dominated the small kitchen for as long as I could remember. Overstuffed leather chairs and a beige chenille sofa filled the small living room. A couple of old framed paintings our grandmother had painted adorned the walls. The place was cozy and comfortable like it always had been, and made me feel safe and secure. Jake and I lived in the apartment whenever we visited Brighton Cove, but it had never been his favorite place to stay. He thought it beneath him to stay in a quaint old building. In fact, I was sure if Jake had had his way, we’d never have visited each summer. To prove his disdain, he began to make excuses as to why he couldn't come or stay with me longer. It should have been a huge hint.

    How about we grab lunch before we do anything else? Audrey asked.

    You don’t have to stay. I can manage it from here.

    I want to. Besides, I came with you, remember? She patted my knee.

    Where to then? Vera’s? I asked.

    Yes, let’s. Afterwards, if Linc hasn’t come to retrieve me, we’ll get you settled in, she replied.

    Vera’s was a quaint, old-fashioned diner, modeled after one that might have been seen on Route 66 in a bygone era. From the outside, it appeared to be the normal run-of-the-mill local restaurant, but inside it was like stepping back in time to the fifties or even early sixties. There was a long, sleek stainless-steel counter where customers by themselves or in a hurry could sit on high chrome-and-red-vinyl-upholstered stools. Booths and a couple of square tables made up the rest of the small diner.

    Hanging over the window where orders were slung was a menu. It was a blown-up copy of Vera’s menu for takeout customers and a place for daily specials. Black-and-white tile flooring and a gleaming chrome jukebox completed the small restaurant.

    No matter how many times I come here, this place amazes me, I remarked as an older waitress showed us to an empty booth.

    Thank you, Meg, the woman replied, smiling kindly. You ladies know what you want?

    Two orders of your lobster rolls with fries. That is if you’re still making them, Audrey said, closing her menu.

    Coming right up. Anything to drink?

    Coffee! we blurted in unison.

    A comfortable silence came over the two of us after the waitress left. I glanced out the window. If I looked hard enough, I could see the waterfront. I loved being near the water. It soothed my soul, made the pain go away.

    Vera returned, bearing two white coffee mugs, which she placed on our table, and a fresh pot of coffee. Our lobster rolls, fries, and coleslaw made it to the table as well.

    These are so delicious! I said between bites. I’d forgotten how good Vera’s place made them. There was something to be said about New England, especially the coast. This area was unique with its lobstermen and tales of pirates that once roamed the coast, their treasure still buried. The history fascinated me, the possibilities endless of what stories could be weaved.

    Vera came by to check on us. Everything okay, ladies?

    Yes. These are the best, I replied. I bet these are your most popular item during tourist season.

    They are. They go flying out of here.

    Well, I’m sold. Being with Audrey, along with the familiar food and friendly faces, lifted my thoughts out of my miserable post-Jake depression. I was ecstatic to be free of him, even though this was new and uncharted territory for me, being alone.

    The bell over the door tinkled, and in walked a blast from my past, Basil Manning. His wavy sable-brown hair fell just past his collar line. It was easy to see his entire torso was ripped with muscles since his too-tight T-shirt gave away that six-pack. He was broad shouldered, tall, and oh so masculine. Good God, what was he doing here?

    My tongue practically hung out as he sauntered toward our booth. Those steely gray eyes seemed to bore a hole right through me. He was the most delicious piece of man I’d laid my eyes on in a long time.

    I thought that was you, Megan. Funny seeing you here this time of year, he said in his clipped British accent. Basil got that from spending the school year in England with his father. Summers were always spent in Brighton Cove with his mother.

    I didn’t realize you lived here year-round, I replied.

    Sure do. You? Still running that shop of yours? What is it called, The Pink Moose? He snorted. Basil always thought the name was silly, just like my brothers did.

    Yes, The Pink Moose. What are you up to? Bumming off anyone who’ll let you? I countered. Basil had been my first boyfriend, at least in the summers when the family visited Brighton Cove, before any of us made it our full-time residence. He’d been self-assured and confident back then, and it didn’t appear like much had changed.

    Those days disappeared in the rearview mirror years ago. I’m a developer and builder these days.

    Basil’s one of the developers on that fancy new area called Sea View, Audrey chimed in.

    I’m impressed. I take it you went after your dream of becoming an architect? I inquired. Was it hot in here, or was it me?

    Yes, I did. Hadn’t planned on designing houses and building them, but my stepdad made me an offer I would have been a fool to refuse.

    Impressive, I replied. Stop staring at him. The last thing I needed was a man. Have you no shame? But...what could it hurt?

    Audrey leaned forward, her elbows on the table. Basil, you wouldn’t know anyone who would install a wood-burning stove in Meg’s shop, do you?

    I rarely do that sort of thing, but I might make an exception in Megan’s case. He pulled a business card out of his shirt pocket as if he intended to give it to me. So obvious. Call me when you’re ready, though I thought you closed for the winter?

    I am, but as you’re aware, the weather here can be unpredictable until late spring.

    Like I said, call me. I need to look at the venting, as old as the building is, he replied with a charming grin as he nodded at my sister. Audrey, a pleasure as always. Megan, I’ll be waiting for your call.

    Basil, nice to see you, she replied, a sly smile on her face.

    He slid into a nearby booth, and when I glanced at my sister, she had a huge grin on her face.

    That was rather intense. One could feel the sparks flying, Audrey said before taking a sip of coffee.

    Oh hush. He hasn’t changed at all, I replied as another waitress, a young woman, Deb, brought us another refill.

    Can I get you ladies anything else? she asked, her gaze wandering over to where Basil sat.

    No, not at the moment. You’d best take care of your new customer. I tried to stifle a laugh. Basil always had that effect on women. Had them swooning the second he entered a place.

    A short time later, we left the diner and I drove us back to the shop. Audrey phoned Linc, asking him to meet her there. As we pulled into the parking lot behind the shop, there he stood, peering out over the water. I beeped the horn, and he turned around, waving in our direction. A pang of longing hit me. My sister had found the love of her life. I wondered if I’d ever find the kind of love and happiness they shared.

    Chapter Two

    Meg

    Several days later, I stood with my back against the wall in the hallway of the town hall waiting for the county Revenue and Licensing office to open. The old architecture of the building was in serious need of some renovations, or at the very least needed all the paint scraped down to the wood or plaster. The last paint job brought out the chips from previous jobs it was trying to hide.

    I turned, hearing footsteps nearing. Basil Manning again. Of all the people in the area, why did I have to meet up with him on a morning I was wearing absolutely no makeup? Just my luck. Bad timing.

    Megan? I thought that was you. Of course he looked perfect, dressed in almost the exact same thing he’d had on a couple of days ago, only this time, he had a flannel shirt over his T-shirt to ward off the early morning chill. He had paperwork with him.

    Good morning. Business license renewal. Thought I might as well get it out of the way, I replied nervously. Ugh, why did my nerves always start hopping around him?

    Same here. He peered down at me with those slate-gray eyes that right now looked like a sad hound dog’s. I ran into your brother John the other day. He told me you split up with your fiancé. If there’s anything I can do to help around the shop, please don’t hesitate to call.

    Thank you. I’ll keep you in mind, I replied while thinking, fat chance. Really.

    The office door opened, and a young woman ushered us in. I walked up to the counter to do my business. Heat flushed through me, and despite my brain yelling no, I did think about how he was my best bet to get my stove installed. It had nothing to do with him being so attractive. Nope, nothing at all.

    A few minutes later, my fee paid and new license in hand, I turned to leave. Would you have time to at least advise me about installing a wood-burning stove in my shop?

    Certainly. How about three this afternoon? Will that work?

    Yes. Thanks. I’ll see you then, I replied, trying not to look him in the eye. His musky, woodsy scent was almost too much for me to deal with. Somehow, it jolted my senses. In a good way.

    I’ll see you then. The Pink Moose, right? He was having fun with that. His eyes danced with glee.

    Yes, but then you already knew that, I replied as I walked out, not wanting him to see my flustered expression.

    I met up with Basil at the shop later in the afternoon. The temperature was dropping. If spring was near, the temps would fool you quick. Since inheriting the building where the shop resided, I was never here past the end of September. Before that, we, the five orphaned Cooper children, would spend the occasional holiday season here. Before our mother died, she would bring us to Brighton Cove as much as she could...when that monster, our father, would allow her.

    Brushing those memories aside, I raised the thermostat to a more comfortable setting, then wandered around the shop, stopping when I got to the window that housed my infamous pink moose cutout, among other things.

    I saw Basil approaching the front door, shaking his head, a smirk on his face at the sight of me and the moose, I’m sure. I strolled over and unlocked the door.

    I see you’ve still got that thing, he observed.

    Of course. It’s become a mascot of sorts. Would you believe people actually ask me how they can get one?

    A pink moose? Really. He chuckled. I do like what you’ve done with the place. Updating the lighting and painting it, he said, gazing around.

    "I had the lighting

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