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!

The second round is tougher than the first.Both teams won their respective opening games,so the guys Megan and Colby face off against really know their stuff.But Megan is quick on her feet and Colby’s never more than a step behind—they win the first match by seven points,and that euphoria carries them midway through the second match,as well.By the time the opposition starts to catch up,the cousins are already in the lead.The final score is real tight with just one point separating them,but in the end the announcer calls out,“Seventeen takes the game!”and Megan almost crushes Colby in her fierce victory hug.


Chapter 9