Sunkissed Days - A Magnolia Sound Prequel: Magnolia Sound

By Samantha Chase

Mallory Westbrook is ready to make her move on Jake Summerford, the boy – now man – she's been crushing on for years. Coming back to Magnolia Sound to celebrate her great-grandfather's birthday provides the perfect opportunity to show Jake that she's no longer a child.

The last thing Jake expected to do at his mentor's birthday party was to find himself kissing Mallory under the moonlight. Though he's known her for years, the thought of kissing her never crossed his mind. But the shy tomboy he once knew is gone, and in her place is a woman he can't resist.

They have one summer before they go their separate ways. Insecurity wars with the possibility of a future together, but it could all come to an end before it even has a chance to start.

**This book is the pre-quel to the Magnolia Sound series**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha Chase
• Release date: Feb 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386729457

Samantha Chase

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40's to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well. When she's not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Book preview

1

Six Years Ago…

Looks like the ugly duckling finally turned into a swan, huh?

Shoving her elbow into her twin brother’s rib, Mallory Westbrook quickly moved away and smoothed a hand down her dress. Shut up.

Laughing, Sam did his best to shoulder her out of the way and get a glimpse of himself in her full-length mirror.

Rolling her eyes, Mallory nudged him aside. Seriously, Sam, knock it off! I was getting ready first!

Mal, we’re adults now. Aren’t we a little too old to be arguing over a mirror? he said with a superior tone.

I know I am, but clearly you’re not. And why are you even in here? Don’t you have a mirror in your room?

Well, yeah. Duh. But I was walking by and saw you preening so I figured I’d come in and give you a hard time. You know, for old times’ sake.

She rolled her eyes again. "Old times? Dude, you never stopped doing it."

Okay, maybe that’s true but I have to say, you’re looking good. Finally making me proud to be your twin.

Unable to help herself, she let out a huff of annoyance. They weren’t identical, but they definitely shared enough similarities – same chestnut colored hair and midnight blue eyes. Same stubborn chin. Sam was definitely taller than Mallory and somehow way more genetically blessed.

Until now.

In the last six months, Mallory finally felt like she had moved on from her awkward teen years.

And considering she was twenty, wasn’t it about time?

I hate backhanded compliments, she murmured, stepping closer to the mirror and carefully applying her lipstick.

Sam made a face behind her and she chose not to respond.

You’re right. That was out of line, he said and he at least sounded sincere. He took a step back and looked around the room. But I’m serious. You look good.

Thanks.

You didn’t look like this over Christmas.

Clearly he wasn’t going to let this go. Straightening, she placed her lipstick down on her dresser and faced him. No, I did not look like this over Christmas, she began patiently. I joined a gym, then I cut my hair and learned how to apply makeup. Happy?

Sam eyed her suspiciously. Why?

Why what?

Why all the changes? Then he started to grin. Oh…a guy, right? You did all this for a guy?

Another huff of frustration. Sam…

C’mon, Mal. Don’t deny it. The only reason a girl goes and does the whole… He motioned to her whole body, makeover thing, it’s usually because of a guy. So come on. Spill it. Who is he?

There was no way in hell she was going to tell him he was right, mainly because it was a little embarrassing. Basically, she was always athletic and in good shape, but she’d lacked some confidence. Taking yoga and Zumba helped her work on some coordination and toning. And the makeup? Well, that was because the natural look wasn’t doing her any favors. An afternoon at Sephora had been very educational.

And expensive.

But as she looked in the mirror and saw the results, Mallory knew it was all worth it.

It had to be.

It feels weird to be back, doesn’t it?

Turning her head, she looked at him. What do you mean?

Well, we just finished classes for the semester and I was looking forward to heading home – back to New York – and instead we were all told to come here. He shrugged. I really could have used a couple of weeks to decompress after finals before having to deal with all this nonsense.

This time she made a face. I hate to break it to you, but there would have been nonsense back home too. At least here we have some distractions. She paused. Plus, fewer responsibilities. I thought for sure you’d be all for that.

His expression turned fierce for the briefest of moments before going completely neutral. Yeah, sure. That’s me. You know how I love avoiding being responsible. Then he laughed and tried to make light of it. And you can’t beat the location – beaches filled with girls in bikinis. Not a bad way to pass the time.

Somehow, Mallory didn’t quite believe him, but she wasn’t going to push it right now. That wasn’t what this trip was about. We’re here for Pops and he’s the most important thing, right?

A shrug was his only response.

I don’t know about you, but coming back to Magnolia Sound was exactly what I needed after my finals. No responsibilities, just a chance to hang out with the cousins and sit in the sun. Um…yes, please!

Right. That’s because you’re not being looked at as the family screwup and being compared to Mason the Magnificent.

It was a name they had given their cousin back when they were still kids because it seemed like no matter what anyone accomplished, no one could do it better than Mason. His parents – Sam and Mallory’s Aunt Georgia and Uncle Beau – made sure everyone knew all about their gifted and talented son.

It was enough to make you sick.

For Pops, I think you can handle it for a few days, right?

Their great-grandfather Ezekiel was celebrating his ninetieth birthday and it’s why they were all here on the North Carolina coast. There was going to be three days’ worth of festivities celebrating his life and the whole town was involved because Ezekiel Coleman was the last surviving original founder of Magnolia Sound.

Quite an accomplishment.

He not only outlived his own siblings, but his own children. Now all that was left were his three grandchildren – Susannah, Georgia, and Cash – and their families. And they were all currently on hand and ready to celebrate the life of their patriarch.

Personally, Mallory was excited to be here; she’d been counting down the days until she could hop in her car and make the drive down. With school done for the semester – and the summer – this was something that had become a tradition. Spending the summer – or at least part of it – on Magnolia Sound with Pops and the family was something they’d always done. Maybe Sam was ready to be done with it, but she wasn’t.

Any chance I can skip out of here tomorrow? Sam asked, interrupting her thoughts.

You know that’s not possible. Tonight is just the beginning of it all. A family dinner down in the main dining room with all of Pops’ favorites and then tomorrow is an all-day affair starting out with the Founders Day parade. She gave him a small smile. You know you can’t skip out on that. You’d break Pops’ heart.

He muttered a curse and raked a hand through his dark hair. Yeah, well…at least tomorrow I can conveniently get lost in the crowd at the parade, but tonight…

A knock on her door had them both turning.

There you two are! I meant to be here to greet you earlier but I had some last-minute shopping to do for the dinner tonight. Pop invited the Summerfords to join us, their mother Susannah said as she took turns hugging and kissing them both.

The…the Summerfords are coming? Mallory asked nervously and immediately cursed herself. The look on Sam’s face showed her that the slight tremor in her voice was noticeable. Quickly clearing her throat, she added, I mean, that will be nice. The more the merrier, right?

Her mother smiled serenely as she reached out and touched her daughter’s hair. I still can’t believe you cut your hair, Mallory. It was so long and…

I donated it to Locks of Love, Mom, so it went to a good cause. And besides, it was time. It was way too long and nothing but a hassle. Turning to look at her reflection, Mallory had to admit she missed her long tresses, but now with her hair gently brushing against her shoulders, she knew it was the right thing to do.

Still, Susannah said, I look at you now and see a young woman instead of my little girl.

Then it was definitely the right thing to do…

Smiling, Mallory said, I’ll always be your little girl, but it’s time I started to look like an adult.

Sam came over and put his arms around the two of them and hugged them tightly. And I’ll always be your little boy, Mom, he teased, giving her a loud, smacking kiss on the forehead before doing the same to Mallory. And I’ll always be your older and much more attractive brother.

She elbowed him in the stomach. Two minutes! You’re older by two minutes! she said with a laugh.

Still older and still more attractive, he said, quickly sidestepping another elbow to the gut.

You two, Susannah said with a soft chuckle as she made her way toward the door. Our guests will be here soon and I need a hand in the kitchen so…

We’ll be down in a minute, Mom, Sam said. I just need to talk to Mal first, okay?

She smiled at her children. Five minutes. And then she was gone.

Mallory stood and waited for whatever it was her brother had to say, even as her stomach was churning and her heart was racing a mile a minute. The Summerfords were coming for dinner. Did that mean Jake would be with them? He was their only son and Mallory’s every dream come true.

Granted, he was four years older than Mallory, but now that she had finally stopped looking like a twelve-year-old, he could see her for the woman she was. And maybe, just maybe, he’d stop treating her like a kid and treat her like a…

Okay, wipe that goofy grin off your face, Sam snapped, effectively interrupting her train of thought. Please tell me you didn’t do all this… He motioned to her whole self again. For Jake. Please.

You don’t know what you’re talking about, she murmured as she moved around him toward the door. C’mon, Mom needs us and… One strong hand on her arm stopped her. Letting out a long breath, Mallory faced her brother.

I know exactly what I’m talking about, he said calmly, softly. You’ve been crushing on that guy for years and…I don’t want you to get hurt. He’s older than you and he’s a little out of your league.

Pulling her arm from him, Mallory wanted to argue, but to what end?

You can be pissed at me and tell me I’m wrong, but we both know I’m not. He paused and studied her. This whole makeover thing? If you did this for you – to make you feel good – then that’s great. But if you did this to get Jake Summerford to notice you? Then you’re crazy.

Are you done? she asked flatly.

I’m just looking out for you. He’s never seen you as anything other than a kid and he’s still going to look at you like that – no matter how much you play dress up and try to pretend otherwise. He stopped and gave her a sad smile. Look, I’m not trying to be a jerk…

But she was done listening.

More than done.

Thanks for the advice. And without a backward glance, Mallory walked out of her room with her head held high and made her way down the hall to the grand staircase to go help her mother.

The old house was massive – a coastal plantation home that was built around the turn of the century – and right now, she welcomed the long walk from her room to the kitchen. The place was in total need of a makeover, but Pops was against it. He claimed this was the way the house had always looked and it’s the way he wanted it to stay. A quick glance at the faded and ugly floral wallpaper made her cringe. This place could use a little life breathed into it.

Off in the distance, she heard a door slam and knew it was Sam, which brought her out of her home-makeover reverie. Now as she slowly walked down the stairs, she thought about what