Read Online Beautiful One by Mary Cope - Free Book Online Page B

showcased a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. French doors opened up to a spacious wrap-around patio with steps that led to the sand.
    I approached the kitchen and was met with the kind, blue eyes of Kyle’s mother.
    â€œMrs. King, Thank you for all of this.” I motioned to everything.
    â€œNonsense, Lizzie. You know how much we love you and Mason.” She hugged me tight. “You look beautiful. You’ve lost so much weight, and your dress is stunning!”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œWould you like something to drink?” she asked while leading me into her enormous kitchen.
    â€œNot yet, but thank you.”
    â€œWell, help yourself when you’re ready.” She smiled and left me in her kitchen while several people filled their plates with food.
    The aroma of garlic and spices increased as I approached the beautiful silver chafing dishes that covered the marble kitchen island. All of my favorite comfort foods. Mini pizzas, pasta, meatballs, and garlic bread. My attention focused across the kitchen to the dessert table. Cake pops, cupcakes, and mini-brownies. On a small round table sat a beautiful sheet cake with red, white, and black icing. The words Happy 18 th , Mason and Elizabeth were written in beautiful script. I knew I was going off my diet tonight, big time. I made a mental note I would run extra hard tomorrow to make up for the calories I was going to consume.
    I walked from the kitchen to the outside patio and was met with a huge black and silver banner that screamed Happy Birthday, Mason and Elizabeth. Market lights were strung back and forth, illuminating the spacious deck, and several tiki torches lined the sand. The party was in full swing. Bruno Mars was blasting through the speakers and a couple of guys were starting a bonfire near the ocean. Derek and Kyle were setting up outside to play a few songs. It seemed like more partygoers had arrived because the place was packed.
    I sat at a small table near a space heater. Melissa and Mason were mingling, but when Melissa caught my eye, she made a beeline straight toward me.
    â€œOh no, no, no, Lizzie, you’re not sitting at this table all night!” Melissa grabbed my arm and led me to the makeshift dance floor.
    She started to shimmy around me “It’s time to par-tay!” She squealed.
    Of course, I was mortified. What little I knew of dancing I had learned from goofing around with Melissa and practicing in front of my mirror. Embarrassed, I swayed from side to side, praying not to fall. In heels, it was the best I could do.
    Mason soon joined us with a couple of his friends. I quickly dispelled my own inadequacy while witnessing the spectacle of the two guys dancing before me. One of them moved in close and shouted over the music.
    â€œWe’ve never met. I’m Mason’s friend, Brandon.”
    I took a small step back, but bumped into someone. “I’m Liz.”
    â€œI know who you are. You’re the birthday girl. Wanna dance?” He smiled.
    â€œOkay,” I shyly replied.
    Brandon was a good-looking guy. Tall, muscular with dark hair and dark brown eyes. His cologne was a bit overpowering, but I guessed it was better than the alternative.
    The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat.
    I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.
    Then my heart stopped.
    I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.
    I