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!

It ignites Colby’s own emotions,spurring him on,until he’s the one in the lead,his friends flanking him on either side as they hurry to make the next game.It’s mid-afternoon and the crowds are at their thickest;sunbathers and kids from the beach and boardwalk have wandered over to see how the tournament’s going.People stand in clusters,eating Italian ice or hot dogs,sipping slushy drinks,watching kites or the distant advertisement banners being towed by small airplanes off the ocean.Colby ducks and weaves his way between them,angling for the court marker that flaps up ahead in the breeze.As he barrels through,he laughs at how silly they must look,then at the thought of being late.Would the officials be able to forfeit a game if neitherteam showed up on time?


Chapter 10