The day was progressing beautifully, bright blue skies with not a cloud in sight. Like a blanket, the warm sun beat down on the landscape of Gig Harbor, reinforcing how much she loved her new home.

I’m here.

Stormy jumped up at her friend’s text message. It was about time. Rushing around front, she smiled as Lindsey stepped from her car.

“Stormy!”

“Lindsey!” Stormy rushed forward and the two embraced. “It’s so great to see you. I can’t believe it’s been months already. I hate how time flies,” Stormy complained.

“I know. It’s been too long. But, from the look of things, your life has sure changed. I couldn’t believe it when you gave me this address,” Lindsey said with a wicked grin. “Did you meet a bank president or something?”

“Let’s go shopping for a fantastic dress and I’ll explain everything on the way,” Stormy offered.

“Okay, how about coffee first, then shopping. My tank is running low,” Lindsey said.

“Agreed.”

They got into the car, drove down the long driveway, waited for the gate, and then sped off.

Lindsey lived in Bellingham, Washington, and the two had been friends since working in a café together back in Seattle when Stormy had first arrived. They’d bonded instantly.

“I want info, woman,” Lindsey insisted as they drove toward the mall in Bellevue.

“My old neighbor, an incredible man, heard I needed a place to live, so he told me his nephew had an extra room. I was wary, of course, but I didn’t have a lot of options,” Stormy began.

“Wait! You were about to be homeless and you didn’t once think of calling me?” Lindsey demanded with outrage.

“You’re in a relationship, living in that tiny place, and I wouldn’t even think about bothering you with my troubles,” Stormy told her.

“Well, if we talked more often, you would know that my relationship ended and I would now love the company. Matter of fact, if you ever want to leave paradise, I have a room open for you,” Lindsey said.

“Oh, Lins, I’m so sorry,” Stormy said, reaching for her friend’s hand.

“I’m not. He hit me and I gave him a black eye and very enlarged testicles,” Lindsey said with a smile.

“Why didn’t you call me when that happened?” Stormy demanded.

“I was embarrassed and, I don’t know, being independent,” Lins told her.

“I wish I were as strong as you, Lins. Dang, I would have paid money to see that man rolling on the ground gripping his balls,” she finally said, a chuckle coming out.

“I can’t believe he thought he would get away with it. I grew up with four brothers.”

“Did you tell them?” Stormy gasped, imagining what they would do.

“No. I saved the pathetic man’s life. If I had told them, he wouldn’t have walked again. I did warn him that I would tell them if he ever came near me again,” Lindsey said. “Not that I’m not perfectly capable of taking care of myself, but just to ensure I never have to see his face again. He went all white and scampered away.”

“You were with him over a year. I’m sure it’s difficult,” Stormy told her.

“Not really. I’m used to being alone. I’ve yet to find a man who isn’t afraid of my brothers. I lose respect for them when they are,” Lindsey said.

“Yeah, I kind of like tough men, too, but relationships are complicated,” Stormy said with a sigh.

“I’m far more interested in hearing about your man,” Lindsey insisted.

“He’s not really my man. I’m living in his house. We had sex at the Anderson wedding six years ago, and I was so embarrassed about it that I didn’t even tell you, and then we’ve been having steaming hot sex now for a while. We’re just . . . I don’t know, we’re just friends with benefits, I guess you would call it,” Stormy told her.

“Yeah, we will see how that turns out,” Lindsey told her with a laugh. “We’re going to find a dress that is bound to drop this guy to his knees.”

The two women spent the remainder of their afternoon going from store to store, trying on countless outfits. Just as they were giving up hope of finding the right outfit, Stormy walked from the changing room feeling like a million dollars.

Stormy wasn’t a dress-up sort of girl, not normally. She wasn’t down on herself, but she had never looked in the mirror and thought she was stunning. This dress changed that. It was like it was made for her. A black cocktail dress that, while modestly cut at the top, showed off just enough cleavage to tease. The hem fell just above the knees and somehow managed to make her legs look like they went on for miles. Her favorite part, though, was the plunging back. It was elegant and sexy and she felt more glamorous than she ever had in her life.

“Hot damn! That man’s pants are going to be down before you take two steps,” Lindsey said as they walked to the front register.

“That’s the goal,” she said with a wink.

When the day was over, they were both sorry to see it end, even if Stormy was anticipating her night with Cooper.

“Promise me we won’t let so much time pass before we see each other again,” Lindsey pled as they sat in the driveway.

“I guarantee you’ll hear from me so much that you’ll be sick of my voice,” Stormy replied, her eyes filling.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Lindsey threatened.