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

“In the name of our beloved Jesus, I pronounce you man with man, bonded with these rings.” Ty hands my ring to Trent, who slips it onto my ring finger. I am given Trent’s ring, which I place on his hand. Reverend Ty says another prayer and announces, “You may now kiss the groom,” while closing the Bible, smiling from ear to ear.


We kiss, melt together, combine under the moonlight, and applause fills the beach. Fireworks burst through the heavens. Blazing red and energetic orange flowers bloom among the twinkling stars. Indigo blue and a prosaic yellow light up the night’s obscurity. A glitzy purple streak of light zooms across the darkness like a rocket and explodes into a unicorn shape. The noise is loud and alluring as a union of men in love kiss and hug and… 37: Perception


Chapter 34