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

Coldness finds Trent; it sweeps over us and cradles his heart. He shrugs his shoulders and replies. “Everything is temporary. It’s like all the other relationships in my life.”


“So, let me get this straight. We’ve had a fling and nothing else?”


He nods, seeming unaffected by our talk, emotionally empty. “It is what it is.”


Fuck! Is this really happening? What the hell is going on? I begin to dry my chest with the towel and ask, “This isn’t about Barbara at all, is it? You don’t give a shit about her. This is about your emotional defense kicking in because I have to leave and return to my life in New York, which you don’t want me to do. You’re constructed a wall, blocking me out, and you won’t let me in.”


“Do whatever you want,” he replies in a dead tone. “You’re a big boy and can figure it out on your own.”


“Are you dumping me, Trent?” I ask, feel broken down inside, emotionally wrecked and damaged.


Chapter 40