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

Barbara stops by the bungalow sometime after noon. Her arms are filled with flowers, a plastic bag of fruit, and a greeting card, all of which I learn is her subtle way of apologizing for some bad and intense behavior. She places all of the items on the dining room table, studies my boxer-briefs, scruff on cheeks, and inquires, “You look like hell. What’s going on?”


I don’t want to bother her with the downs in my life. She doesn’t respond well to Trent Long, and certainly won’t handle my tale of separation from the lifeguard. I choose not to share this information with her, and shrug my shoulders, keeping quiet.


“Lighten up, darling. I’m not here to bite your head off. I came to make up.” She passes me a fresh looking banana from the plastic bag, smiles, and adds, “Why don’t you put something decent on and we can take a walk along the Coast? I need to tell you a few things I’m sure you’ll want to hear.”


Chapter 42