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

A vast wall on the third floor opens up and provides me with fifteen black-and-white photographs by Trent Long. Never do I expect to see the lifeguard’s work displayed at The Mural House. Who knew that the runner was a photographer with such a keen eye for everyday life? Each photograph provides a sense of human emotion. Most of the pieces are of young men: swimming, dancing, kissing, bathing, running, and eating. Two show an Italian man boxing with black eyes. One exemplifies heartache as he leans over his lover’s grave. A third photograph explains the love between a father and son as they share a hug at a high school football game. All of the pictures are breathtaking, brilliant, and filled with a realistic sense of emotion, a delight for one’s eyes to enjoy.


Chapter 15