Resisting Love: Starlight Ridge, #2

By Kat Bellemore

He'd rather ride the waves than the tide of romance.

 

Isaac Larson is the picture of surfing perfection, killer smile included. But ever since his long-time girlfriend left their small town for the summer—and never came back—it has been harder to find things to smile about. It isn't until she turns up on the beach two years later, ready to pick back up where they had left off, that he realizes he's finally ready to move on.

 

Leanne Warner had only intended to spend the summer in LA. A screen-writing apprenticeship with a Hollywood bigwig had been too good an opportunity to pass up. Her boyfriend, Isaac, would still be around when she got back. Except, leaving LA hadn't been as easy as leaving Starlight Ridge. When she finally breaks free of its chains and returns to her hometown, Isaac is still there, as she knew he would be. But he isn't the same person as when she'd left. And neither is she.

 

Will some small-town intervention and a lot of forgiveness be enough for Isaac and Leanne to figure out they were never meant to be apart?

 

Resisting Love is the second book in the Starlight Ridge romance series. If you can't get enough of small coastal towns, sweet kisses, and second chances at love, you'll want to read this sigh-inducing love story.

 

Pick up Resisting Love and let Isaac and Leanne surf their way into your heart today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: KB Press
• Release date: Aug 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393013884

Kat Bellemore

Kat Bellemore is the author of the Borrowing Amor clean romance series. Deciding to have New Mexico as the setting for the series was an easy choice, considering its amazing sunsets, blue skies and tasty green chili. That, and she currently lives there with her husband and two cute kids. They hope to one day add a dog to the family, but for now, the native animals of the desert will have to do. Though, Kat wouldn't mind ridding the world of scorpions and centipedes. They're just mean. You can visit Kat at www.kat-bellemore.com.

Book preview

1

Leanne stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom and smoothed down the bright sundress she wore. It was yellow with large sunflowers, a farewell gift from her mother when Leanne had headed to LA two years ago. Even though she was only supposed to be gone for a three-month apprenticeship, her mom had insisted it would give Leanne something to remember home by. It had only taken an airplane ride for Leanne to realize how much she would need it.

On her first day in LA, Leanne had been so overwhelmed by all the people, the noise, and the chaotic nature of the city, her nerves hadn’t let up, telling her she didn’t belong there and making her question her decision to accept the prestigious position she had been selected for.

Leanne had changed into the sundress, needing a little bit of home, and courage, before leaving to meet her mentor, the famous screenwriter Frederick Berkheiser. She had been mistaken in thinking the dress would give her what she lacked. Before he’d even learned her name, Frederick Berkheiser had made it very clear what he thought of Leanne’s attire. He had told Leanne that if she wanted people to take her seriously, she needed to play the part. And that did not include sundresses.

When she had returned to her apartment, the dress had been shoved to the back of a drawer. And it had sat there, crumpled, for the past two years.

But tonight was different.

She swished from side to side, watching the dress in the mirror. It brought out the warmth in her dark eyes—a warmth that had been missing for some time. Seeing herself as she had been, without the glittery dresses and heavy makeup she’d learned to live with, she missed her mom and her home in Starlight Ridge—the beachside bonfires and nosy neighbors, everyone knowing everything about everyone else. They weren’t just a town. They were a community. Who cared for one another. And at that moment, like many moments since she’d left Starlight Ridge, she missed Isaac, her boyfriend. Or ex-boyfriend. She wasn’t completely sure what he was, considering they had never officially broken up. They’d just…stopped talking. She still didn’t know how three months had turned into two years.

Most of all, she missed recognizing the woman in the mirror—the woman she used to be.

A knock on the door startled her out of her reverie. Leanne tilted her chin, making sure her eyeliner hadn’t smudged, before moving quickly to let Frederick in. He was right on time, like always. And she wasn’t ready. As usual.

She plastered on a smile and swung the door open. Hi, she said. Come on in. I just need to grab my sandals.

Please don’t say anything about the dress.

Frederick walked in, towering over Leanne, his gait smooth, his neatly pressed suit hardly moving. To top it all off, his graying hair was slicked down in a way that made him look like a slimy gangster from a Frank Sinatra movie. Of course, Leanne would never tell him this.

Frederick had taken her under his wing as an apprentice and introduced her to a world she had only dreamed of. And becoming a successful screenwriter had been all she had dreamed about since the second grade. Like a veil had lifted, she’d realized that in her favorite movies, there were people behind the camera—that the actors were only smoke and mirrors obscuring what was really going on. From that moment on, she had known she wanted to be a part of it.

And Frederick had taken a chance on her—given her everything. Of course, he never stopped reminding her of it, particularly when she wasn’t living up to his expectations. It was how he got her to work harder. Even now, she could tell from his expression that she’d disappointed him, once again. His gaze roamed over Leanne. You can’t wear that. He didn’t need to say more for Leanne to understand that he wasn’t asking her to change—he was telling her to.

You said it was a backyard barbecue, Leanne dared to protest.

Frederick leaned down so their eyes were level. Eli Hunt’s backyard is bigger than your entire town. Haven’t you learned yet that you aren’t playing in the kiddie pool anymore?

E-Eli Hunt? Leanne should have realized that Frederick wouldn’t invite her along unless he thought it could further her connections. And Eli Hunt was definitely a connection worth having. Not only was he one of the hottest names in Hollywood, but there were also rumors that he wanted to start producing his own films. And he was going to need a screenwriter.

Frederick smirked, like he knew he had just won. He straightened back up. "And you can bet that he won’t be the only one worth getting to know at this little barbecue."

You should have told me who had invited you, Leanne called over her shoulder as she hurried into the bedroom to change.

I didn’t think I needed to, Frederick said. I thought you knew me well enough by now.

Leanne did know him, or at least the version of him that he wanted her to see. Which was why the fact that she was now changing her clothes to please him, yet again, wasn’t at all surprising. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret as the dress fell to the floor and she reached into her closet for one that was a pale pink. She’d had to save her paychecks for six months so she could buy it to wear it to a charity auction. At least she’d get a second wearing out of it.

But she couldn’t bring herself to put it on. The silky fabric slipped through her fingers and the dress fell to the floor, next to the sundress. A deep longing punched her in the stomach, causing her to collapse onto the bed. This wasn’t her. None of it. She had no idea where she’d taken the turn that had led her so far from where she wanted to be, and she wondered if it was even possible to find her way back.

Are you about done? Frederick asked from the living room. I know there’s a saying about being fashionably late, but if you want a chance to talk to Eli before everyone else arrives, we need to— He poked his head around the doorframe and his words faltered. What are you doing?

Leanne knew the scene before him must be pathetic, her clothes on the floor, and her crumpled up on the bed in nothing but her bra and underwear. But she felt so miserable, she didn’t even try to cover up. I can’t do it, she said. I can’t keep pretending I’m someone I’m not.

Frederick’s complexion darkened to a deep red as he spluttered, trying to find the right words. She’d never seen him speechless before, but she had a feeling that once he figured out what he wanted to say, she wasn’t going to like it much. I know talent when I see it, and there were two thousand other applications that were garbage before I got to yours. I wouldn’t have wasted my time with you if I didn’t believe it.

I know, Leanne said, her voice soft. I’m sorry.

He rubbed a hand over his eyes. Fine. Put on that yellow monstrosity. Just please do it quickly.

It was Leanne’s turn to be speechless. She just stared.

Frederick rolled his eyes. I’m not being nice.

Of course not.

He continued. If you refuse to believe me when I tell you that dress should have been burned the day you arrived, maybe some first-hand experience will help you understand. It will be a painful evening, but maybe one that can get us back on track.

Frederick didn’t wait for a response this time, instead hurrying from the room to allow her to get dressed.

Leanne jumped from the bed and pulled the sunflower dress over her head. Frederick thought he would be teaching her a life lesson, but she didn’t believe everyone in Hollywood was as shallow as he liked to make them seem. And tonight, she was going to prove it.

Leanne held onto Frederick’s arm as he escorted her up a pathway of stone steps. Eli’s house was big, sure, but not as big as Frederick had made it out to be. Or so she thought, until they came around a bend that delivered them into his backyard. She stopped so fast, Frederick jerked backwards.

Are you trying to make an entrance? he muttered, annoyance lacing his words.

A few heads had swiveled in their direction, and Leanne gave them an apologetic smile. I thought you were kidding, she said softly, so that only Frederick could hear. I think his backyard really is as big as Starlight Ridge.

And do you notice that no one else is wearing sunflowers? he asked as they resumed walking.

It was true, but they also weren’t wearing anything near as fancy as the pink dress she had been about to wear. I like my sunflowers, she said, feeling defiant. She was tired of always saying yes to Frederick and doing what he asked, when he asked it. LA had become a burden, and at the moment, all she wanted was a paper plate filled with meat and potato salad. Something normal.

Where’s the grill? Leanne asked, her gaze scanning the expansive lawn. There was a tennis court in the distance, a swimming pool with an accompanying gazebo, and what looked like a maze created out of tall hedges. But no grill.

Frederick released a sigh that said far more than any words could. She was testing his patience. And had been for a while now, if the increasing frequency of those sighs was any indication. A backyard barbecue doesn’t mean that Eli Hunt is actually going to be standing out here with a spatula, wearing an apron.

Leanne followed Frederick toward a small group of people gathered on a massive wraparound porch that was as big as her family’s home. As they grew closer, she saw that Eli stood at the edge of the crowd. And he was standing next to a grill. Holding a spatula. And wearing an apron with a picture of his own face on it.

Then what is that? she asked, pointing. She had to keep herself from laughing when Fredrick’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head.

He sniffed, like it didn’t prove anything. Yes, well, Eli has always had a different way of doing things. Thankfully, his wife usually keeps him in line.

The actor must have heard his name, because his attention snapped in their direction. A grin spread across his face, and he handed the spatula off to whoever happened to be standing next to him. Freddy, he called as he walked toward them. Thank you for coming. He eyed Fredrick’s suit. You’re looking sharp.

Leanne held in a snicker, seeing that the famous Eli Hunt was currently wearing a tacky Hawaiian shirt and board shorts. But of course, he could make anything look good.

I appreciate the invitation, Frederick said, rather stiffly. Leanne was certain that only Eli could have gotten away with calling the screenwriter Freddy. This is my apprentice, Leanne Warner, he said, gesturing toward Leanne.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eli said, turning his attention to Leanne. You’re very lucky that you get to learn from one of the most creative minds in Hollywood.

She knew she was, though she had never been able to figure out how the most emotionally moving movies she’d ever seen could have come out of someone so reserved, critical, and…well…boring. She smiled and gave a small nod of appreciation. I have been very blessed. And thank you for allowing me to tag along. Your home is beautiful.

Eli laughed. Not exactly conducive to small get-togethers, but my wife insisted that we shouldn’t settle for anything smaller. I’m pretty sure she has a higher opinion of me than I do.

Judging by the apron, where Eli’s face was currently smiling at her, Leanne wondered if that was true. After a courtesy laugh, she said, The only thing you’re missing back here is the ocean.

That last comment seemed to pique his interest. A swimming pool, complete with a lazy river, seems like a pretty close second. Besides, we’re close enough that we can visit the ocean whenever we want.

Yes, but not close enough to see the colors of the sunset reflected off the water each evening, or to wake up to the salty smell and the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. A lazy river can’t replace any of that. Leanne saw several people gawking in her direction and realized she’d said too much. But all of the homesickness she’d been feeling lately was crashing down around her, and once she had started reminiscing, she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

But, unlike Frederick, who looked like he wanted to strangle her, Eli didn’t look angry. You speak from experience.

She gave a hesitant nod. I grew up next to the ocean.

Small town?

When it’s not tourist season, it’s so small, it’s practically invisible.

Eli gave her an appraising look. Does this town of yours have a name?

Leanne didn’t have a chance to respond, because a beautiful woman walked up at that moment and laid a hand on Eli’s shoulder. Her eyes held mistrust. Honey, she said, her gaze softening as she turned it on Eli, you know better than to trust Harris with the steak. He’s so distracted that half of them are burned, and the other half are still raw.

Eli gave an easy laugh. I’m sorry, dear. I was distracted myself, and I didn’t pay attention to who I had handed it off to. He gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek before giving Frederick and Leanne an apologetic shrug. Duty calls. He moved toward the grill, but then paused and glanced back. Nice dress, by the way. I like the sunflowers.

As he moved away, Frederick didn’t give Leanne a chance to say I told you so. That proves nothing. Like I said, Eli Hunt is…different.

Leanne folded her arms and frowned. "Different isn’t bad in a place like this, Freddy." Her heart stalled. She couldn’t believe she’d dared use Eli’s nickname. And judging by Frederick’s expression, neither could he. His face darkened and his lips formed a tight line.

I am Frederick Berkheiser, the most sought-after screenwriter in all of Hollywood, he managed to spit out, his gaze hard. Just because I took you in and bestowed all of my knowledge and connections upon you, that does not give you the right to toss all respect to the side. In fact, it gives you less right to do so.

Leanne shrank back. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… That wasn’t my intention.

Then what was your intention? Frederick asked, his presence now seemingly larger than his already tall stature. Because right now, I’m wondering if I have wasted years of my time, and on what? A little small-town girl who thought she had what it took to play with the big kids. He growled in frustration and stalked off across the lawn.

Leanne’s stomach rumbled, and she looked longingly toward the table of food that had been set up next to the grill, but she knew that this would be the worst time to bring up her hunger.

She quickened her steps to catch up with Frederick, who was still ranting as if she’d been by his side all along. All of the scripts coming out of Hollywood nowadays are trash. I thought that if I could find just the right person—just the right talent—that maybe when I’m no longer writing for the big screen, I could feel comfortable that someone was here to take my place. That the art of screenwriting would live on. He tossed a withering glance in her direction. I’m starting to think I was wrong. Maybe that’s just what Hollywood does. Produces garbage.

Leanne stopped, not believing he could mean what he was saying. I’ve given you everything. I’ve stayed up all night, trying to finish screenplays for you. I’ve bought the dresses and gone to the events. I don’t even recognize myself when I look in the mirror anymore.

And yet, it has all gone out the window. One evening, and all of that work now means nothing, Frederick said, pausing as he turned back to face Leanne. "Rather than compliment our host on his estate, you tell him it’s not good enough because