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 am stunned by what Barbara has exposed to me regarding her hate for the lifeguard, which I find displeasing and almost too much for me to handle in one sitting. As she rambles on and on about a man she met at the local casino, a professor of English at Remington College in Tampa Bay, allocating two dinners with him, I become bored. What my mind and heart boils down is simple: Barbara cannot dislike the man I tend to like. Unconditionally, I will gravitate toward the lifeguard and…who knows exactly what we will accomplish with each other. She has to circumvent her negative emotions for the man and live life for today, not what has happened in the past. She needs to find forgiveness for Trent and move forward. Without that, our relationship is threatened, and both of us know it. In the meantime, I feel slightly tipsy and a headache badly surfaces. I tell my friend I must get back to the bungalow to rest.


“Call me,” she says before kissing me goodbye.


Chapter 22