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

My heart races and my temperature rises. A feeling of woozy bliss settles into my gut and causes me to become needy of his handsomeness. I’m drawn to the lifeguard on so many different levels, under his spell, unable to hold back my emotions. Trent has me, I realize, and can do whatever he wants with me and my skin. Everything about my world is transfixed by his kindness, which is driven by his untamable passion, and whatever else he can obtain from our meeting eyes at the moment.


He places the bottle of wine and glasses on the counter to his right and keeps his hypnotic stare on my face. A whisper escapes his lips, which sounds intrusive and eager, but soothing all at the same time, “Can I have you, Storm?”


My response is kindled with a burning fire and ultimate attraction for the photographer as I begin to close the gap that separates us, “Please.” 25: Edwin


Chapter 23