Chapter 2

Brian

I don't know why I bother scoping out the beachfront property that's finally come up for sale. I don't need to know what it looks like, because I'm sure it looks exactly like the beach that's attached to my condo project next to it, and the resort on the other side of that.

It's mildly annoying having to wait so long for it, but it'll be mine now, that's what's important. The new owner is raring to offload it for more money than he'll know what to do with in the rest of his life, and it will add to my already obscene wealth at least ten fold. Can't be too rich, as my father always said.

I pull up and get out of my car and the sound of construction in the distance fades to nothing as the salty breeze ruffles my hair. The sight of the waves rolling in and out over the sand freezes me in my tracks. There are exactly two wisps of white in the impossibly blue sky and the raindrops left over from last night's storm glisten on every palm leaf, soon to be dried by the already scorching sun.

I turn up my face, feeling the heat against my cheeks. I need to get my eyes back on that expanse of water again, the yearning to kick off my Gucci loafers, peel out of my suit and tear toward the waves almost undeniable.

I own three fucking miles of this beach, but never make time to see it. Always in my office in the city, on the phone, making deals and keeping the money rolling in. But when I close my eyes to the sun once more, I'm transported back to the sound of shrill whistles, the feel of my heart pounding out of my chest on the grueling morning runs on the sand, the taste and smell of the sea spray before I'd dive into the waves and swim as if someone's life depended on it. Back then it did. Now the only thing that's as important as saving a life is making more money.

Another car door closes nearby and I jerk back to the present and reality. I watch as a man strides across the beach toward a young woman who's set up a little rinky sales table in front of a van. I try to roll the kink out of my neck and at the same time shake off the memories of my father's voice echoing in my memories.

"Being a lifeguard is something most people get over after high school, Brian."

"There's no reason I can't keep working here during the summers though, right?" It was decided I'd go to a university that was miles from any ocean, but there was still coming home for the summer, wasn't there?

His laughter was harsh, his eyes full of disappointment. I'd graduated top of my class, did everything he wanted. But it was the one thing I wanted to do for myself, in my own time, that pissed him off.

"You'll be doing internships during your summer breaks. There's no money to be made in frolicking around in the ocean. It's time to grow up."

I laugh at myself as I get closer to the sand. There's still some time before my meeting. I think I'm safe just sticking a toe in the water. My empire won't collapse because a pretty view brings back some ancient memories.

Another pretty view distracts me from the waves as I get closer to the little entrepreneur's table. She has a look on her gorgeous face that's so distraught I have an urge to hurry over and find out what's wrong. Make it right by any means necessary. Her silky dark hair is tied back, but the long strands are pulled over her shoulder. She tugs on it with delicate hands, almost as if she's not aware of what she's doing as she listens to whatever the man is telling her.

I instantly can't stand him, because I suspect it's him that's upsetting her.

Mind your own business,I tell myself, because helping people is a waste of time.

But I stay rooted to the spot, half hidden behind a cluster of trees, just watching. Waiting. Is it the memories of those long ago, perfect summers that has me on high alert for someone in need of rescuing? My eyes slide from her hand in her hair to her lithe, tanned arms, bare to the shoulder. I'm too far to hear anything, but she's not getting any happier. In fact, she's curling into herself as if she's just been given the worst news of her life.

Even while she's clearly upset, the bastard looks over her shoulder to a group of bikini clad young women playing volleyball. I want to hit the guy for ogling them when his own woman needs comforting.

Suddenly she jumps up and I jolt forward a bit, ready to protect.

Her legs are long and lean, her curvy hips encased in snug white shorts. The man puts his hand on her and my fists clench, a growl rising in my throat. Is this asshole really her boyfriend? Worse, her husband? He's older than me by at least twenty years and I'm already bordering on being too old for this rare beauty, who looks to be in her early twenties, tops.

Looking at the determination shining from her eyes, I need to understand what's put it there. Why did she suddenly go from being on the verge of tears to this hidden strength? And once again, the dickhead's eyes are straying to the girls. What a piece of shit.

I stay put as he leaves, not bothering to look at him further as he heads back to his car. He's not important to me. Soon, he won't be important to her, either. Because I'm going to be replacing him by any means necessary. A glance at my watch tells me I should be leaving now to finalize the purchase of this very beach my girl is sitting on. But that's no longer the most important thing.

Getting closer to her is. Even if it's just to breathe her in, to sate my curiosity about the scent of her hair. Find a way to touch her, see what makes her tick. Discover everything she's ever wanted and give it to her, because I need to make her mine.

I'm going fucking crazy. It's the sunshine, the sound of the surf, the memories of better days.

No, it's the sadness in my girl's eyes. It's still there under that steely determination. Why?

What's bothering her doesn't matter if she's with someone else, does it? I've never been an angel, but am I really planning to steal another man's woman?

Get back to reality, Brian. Go finalize this deal.I still can't move from my spot by the trees, mesmerized by everything about her. I don't even know her name. I have to at least find that out before I leave, and a quick introduction and a little bit of charm won't make me late.

A family passes by her and she calls out her wares with a smile that rivals the perfection of the sea and sand against the sky. But the smile isn't real. I can see that from this distance. My curiosity is piqued even more as she lists off the things she has for sale.

Wait a minute.

She gives massages?

Yeah, I'm definitely going to be late to my meeting.