‘That maybe I’ve been a little too rigid about my future, in turn. Too much of a control freak in work and … life. What did John Lennon once say? “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” ’ He lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug. ‘I’m not my dad. Maybe I don’t need all my ducks in a row all the time, maybe sometimes I can put the cart before the horse.’
‘Yeah? … How so?’ The simple act of breathing was becoming an issue.
He put a hand on her other arm and gazed deeply into her eyes, making her knees buckle. ‘By asking you out. Not letting you go … You drive me crazy, Ms Pretty.’
She blinked at him, digesting his words, drinking in his winningly handsome features up-close. Finally, she shook her head. ‘You’ve seen me covered in mud, heard me murdering ballads in the shower, and everything in between. I’ve never felt so exposed in my life. If you still want me, then that’s your problem.’
There was a sexy rumble in Lenny’s throat as he broke into a smile and pulled her towards him. ‘I guess I’ll take that as a yes.’
Her heart sang a Whitney Houston classic of its own as his face edged ever nearer. This was one happy occurrence she hadn’t seen coming that night. Not by a long shot. But she couldn’t be more over the moon. Every fibre of her being buzzed. Just as his gorgeous mouth was almost on hers, he paused, virtually killing her.
‘I just have one question to ask,’ he said, looking at her from beneath hooded eyes, his head still deliciously angled her way.
‘Yes?’ she barely breathed.
‘Why do you always smell like lavender?’
Celeste felt her right cheek dimple. ‘I lack the “calm gene”, so I dot a little of the essential oil on my neck and wrists each morning to try to help.’
His voice was husky. ‘How’s it working for you?’
She shrugged, feeling slightly intoxicated as his hot breath teased her face and his hands warmed her arms — and it had nothing to do with frozen margaritas. ‘Not so well, actually.’
‘Maybe this’ll help.’
Acknowledgements
A big thankyou to the “two Kates” — editor Kate Steinweg for seeing the potential in the Astonvale series (what an angel) and Kate Stone for whipping my words into shape!
To professional organiser extraordinaires Rebecca Mezzino from Clear Space and Sarah Cottman from Heavenly Order for taking time out to share their industry knowledge — any errors are my own!
To Kim Clements for her tennis know-how — you’re a star, on and off the court.
To Ovarian Cancer Australia for being at the end of the line when I was researching this truly terrible disease.
To all-round-nice-person Michelle Smith from Steven Professional Hairdressing, Mitcham, for inspiring the idea for a hairdresser character.
And, finally, to my hubby, James Elsby, twin boys Alessio and Sebastian, and, of course, my cat, Luca – just for all being who you are!
About the Author
Carla Caruso was born in Adelaide, Australia, and only ‘escaped’ for three years to work as a magazine journalist and stylist in Sydney. Previously, she was a gossip columnist and fashion editor at Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser. She has since freelanced for titles including Woman’s Day and Shop Til You Drop. These days, she plays mum to twin lads Alessio and Sebastian with hubby James. A Pretty Mess is her fifth novel. Visit www.carlacaruso.com.au.
Books by Carla Caruso
Available 1 October 2014
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HarperImpulse
An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Australia
First published in Australia 2014
This edition published in 2014
by HarperCollinsPublishers Australia Pty Limited
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Copyright © Carla Caruso 2014
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