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

The topic changes. She says, “There’s a tropical storm named Edwin near Africa. I believe he’s working his way across the Atlantic. I do hope he doesn’t swoop into the Gulf and hit Barefoot Beach as a hurricane. We’ve had our share of storms.”


“I’m sure he’ll miss us,” I say, glad that our conversation is not about her looks, or the lifeguard, since she’s not a very big fan of the man.


“We can only hope, darling.” She adds that she has to run, her empty cocktail glass calls out to be refilled, and that she has a million things to do, which I disbelieve and find humorous.


“So long, girlfriend,” I respond, ending our conversation.Part 2: Tumble


Chapter 14