Chapter 1

Staring at myself in the mirror as I turn to admire the yellow bikini I just bought. It fits my ass so perfectly and even lifts the ladies up into place nicely. Those last ten pounds I lost were well worth it and my new bathing suit was the perfect reward for all of my hard work.

I admire the way that the blonde in my hair compliments the bikini as I pull it up into a ponytail. Everything about today is going to be perfect. I just know it.

Today is the first day of my vacation and the beach is calling my name. I've worked so hard at work to be able to afford this trip. Now that I'm here, all I want is to be out on that sand and feel the sun on my skin and the cool waters as I dive in.

Grabbing my bag off the counter, I head for the door. The gorgeous hotel I chose overlooks the ocean and a nice breeze plays across my skin as I exit the building. My flip flops echo on the stone pathway as I head straight for the sandy beach. There is already a crowd of people and everywhere I turn there is someone occupying the vast space.

Searching for a spare inch among the people is difficult. Maybe I should have chosen a more private place. Feeling a tad self conscious, I almost turn around and race for the building. I've come too far to do that though.

A group of guys walk by me and they whistle at me. Fucking men. Disgusting.

My eyes catch a couple packing their things up and I beeline right for their spot. It's not too far from the water and yet far enough that I'm not going to be splashed by those playing at the water's edge.

I make it to the spot just as the couple is walking away. Pulling the towel from my bag, I lay it on the ground and drop my bag on the corner. Sitting in the middle, I remove my shoes and shove them into my bag. I watch as everyone enjoys themselves. Some people lay about in the sun, others are enjoying the water, and some are building castles in the sand.

This is one hell of a way to start my first day here and I think this will be a vacation to remember. I lay back onto the towel and let my skin soak up the rays of the sun. Despite the chatter all around me, I can't help but to feel at peace and like the world can just keep spinning while I relax.

I close my eyes and bask in the glory of the power of the beach. Something about it just brings total inner peace to me. My skin cools slightly and I open my eyes to see a woman setting her towel down next to me. She is momentarily blocking the sun and the instant shade just surprised me.

Hiding behind my glasses, I study the woman as she sets her area up. She has on a red bikini that has white stripes on it. Her skin is a dark tan and she looks like she lives on the beach more than just visiting.

She has a nice ass and I can't help but to stare when she bends over to adjust her towel. Noticing me behind her, she turns my way and smiles wide.

"So sorry for blocking you. I swear I will be done in a minute."

"No worries. This place is super crowded so I get it."

"Yeah, it usually isn't this bad at this time of day. I guess vacations started early for everyone."

"You must be local."

"Yeah. I live about ten minutes away. The hotels are usually good places and have plenty of chairs and umbrellas when needing a break from the sun."

"Fair point."

The woman finally sits down and makes herself comfortable. I close my eyes back and settle back into soaking up the gorgeous rays into my skin.

"My name is Mary. What's your name?"

"Clara."

"Nice to meet you. If you need anyone to show you around town, assuming you also aren't a local, I'd be happy to."

Opening my eyes, I study her face. Is she hitting on me? A small blush creeps up her neck and onto her cheeks.

"Thank you. I would love that. I'm just here for vacation. A week at the beach, what more could a girl ask for?"

"Great. How about we exchange numbers and I can text you tomorrow? Maybe we can meet up for some coffee and I can show you the gems our city has to offer."

"That sounds lovely."

I offer her a smile as I hand her my phone from my bag. She passes hers over and I type my number into her phone and hit save. Exchanging phones back, the smile on my face damn near hurts it's so big.

First day of vacation and I have a smoking new bikini and a date for tomorrow. The glorious sun baking my skin and the water close by. The smell of the salt in the air and the sounds of everyone playing just make my heart skip a few beats.

"I'll let you get back to enjoying the sun. I usually listen to an audiobook for a bit as I enjoy the sun myself."

"Enjoy your book."

Closing my eyes for the third time since coming to the beach, my heart feels lighter and my day couldn't have started any better than it already has. If the morning is this great, how will the rest of the day ever top this?