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 recall my last visit to his apartment: Trent showed me his darkroom and I maybe fell a little head over heels for him, and his work.


Since the only bedroom inside his apartment is his darkroom, we will inevitably bunk on the sofa together. Frankly, I intend to spend the night against his back, and have his body tucked inside my arms. Spooning seems necessary, of course. While setting a petite-sized suitcase next to his sofa, I joke with him and say, “I will surely be taking advantage of your skin tonight.”


“I’d be okay with that. Who doesn’t like a surprise boner in their bottom, right?”


“You wouldn’t really like that, though. I’ll keep you up all night long, which won’t be very pleasant for you.”


He moves around the sofa, faces me, reaches for my cheeks with his palms, and dots a kiss to my lips. When the kiss ends, he confirms, “Actually, I sleep naked, which means you have some easy access to my body.”


Chapter 36