Colby Johnson and his cousin Megan have been practicing all summer for Wildwood's annual Beach Volleyball Tournament. The evening before, Colby drops by the bar where Megan works for a quick drink before heading home and meets sexy Vander "Van" Byron. The instant attraction is mutual, but they only share a few brief hours before Colby has to call it a night.<br><br>The next day, Colby and Megan are on a winning streak, advancing through the tournament ranks with ease. When Colby runs into Van and his twin sister Vallery at the tournament, he isn't surprised -- more than half of Wildwood's population, tourist and local alike, are crowded on the beach for the event. But he is shocked to see the numbered vest Van wears, marking him as a competitor.<br><br>A quick look at the schedule shows that if both teams continue their winning streaks, the day will end with Colby and Van facing off through the volleyball net. To up the ante, Van proposes a little wager. Whoever wins their game advances in the tournament, of course, and continues on for a chance to win one of the grand prizes the next day. But whoever loses gets whatever he wants from the winner.

Playing the Field: Served!

Laughter pierces the night as Van shrugs out of his shirt,letting it fall along with Colby.He lands with a thud on his ass and scurries back,away from whatever he stepped on.In the night,the sand looks white,sculpted into waves by the wind,and Colby can’t see anything where he’d been standing.Above him,Van stands with arms akimbo,his bare chest darker than the white shirt now draped across Colby’s lap.“Look to me like you’re still runningaway.”


Tossing the shirt aside,Colby jokes,“I’m getting comfortable.Want to join me?”


Chapter 4