Twenty-four-year-old Storm Darlington, wealthy mogul of Darlington Securities, decides to remove himself from his heavy workload in New York City and spend a month in Barefoot Beach, Florida. In Barefoot Beach, Trent Long is happy with his lifeguarding duties. He enjoys the sun, taking photos, and saving lives. But his world is turned upside down when Storm enters it. Sparks ignite the moment their two worlds collide. The only fly in the sunscreen ointment is Storm’s best friend, and retired Wall Street stock broker, Barbara Mullen. Storm is forced to rethink his romantic feelings for the sexy lifeguard when Barbara reveals some of Trent’s secrets. But there’s very little time to think because Barefoot Beach is threatened by hurricane Edwin. Threats also come from Barbara, who insists she’ll end her friendship with Storm if he doesn’t dump Trent. During the hurricane’s fury, Storm questions his relationship with Barbara, his busy life of finances in New York City, and the secrets he’s learned about Trent. Can Storm come to terms with all three? Will he be able to navigate the stormy waters of love, loss, and a possible future in Barefoot Beach?

Barefoot Storm

I search out mangos, one of my favorite fruits, pass the pineapples, oranges, and kiwi. My escapade leads me around an end-cap filled with fresh figs and pecans and I accidentally run into the lifeguard, colliding my world with his. Our chests touch. Hard nipples graze the fig display. Crotches meet and our lips almost lock. Our heads just about conk together and our noses stop millimeters apart. I say, “Excuse me,” but decide not to pull away. Although I should, I like being next to the lifeguard’s naked chest, totally into his looks, adoring his nipples, strong shoulders, and the abs that line his stomach. I take in his succulent masculine smell, which is tainted with Ivory soap, light perspiration, and a spicy cologne applied to his chest, perhaps even his nipples.


The lifeguard doesn’t pull away from me and says, “Mr. Darlington, I’m sorry.”


“You know me?” I question, caught off guard by his knowledge of my name.


Chapter 3