J.T. Marie

When Tara receives a wedding invitation from a cousin she hasn't seen in years, she knows it's nothing more than a bid for a gift or money. But Amanda lives in Wildwood, New Jersey, where Tara used to spend her summers as a child, and a much-needed vacation down the shore sounds like the perfect way to finish off a hectic summer.<br><br>Every hotel in the tourist trap is booked, though, so Tara's Aunt Marlene invites her to stay with them the week of the wedding. But Wildwood isn't quite the island paradise she remembers from her youth, and both her relatives would rather get drunk than have fun on the boardwalk. Plus Marlene is determined to set Tara up with a coworker of hers even though Tara isn't interested -- in men or in romance.<br><br>The vacation is beginning to look like a bust until the night of Amanda's bachelorette party, when Tara meets Delaney, a pretty bartender with fiery curls and a personality to match. Suddenly the summer heat isn't the only thing making her sweat. Can Tara salvage what's left of her time in Wildwood with Delaney's help? Or will family obligations keep her from following her heart?

Heat Wave: Wildwood

“Are we supposed to be down here?” she asked in a loud whisper.


Delaney shrugged. “As long as we don’t get caught…”


Taking Tara’s hand again, she started to run towards the distant surf. The moon reflected off white-capped waves, beckoning them on. Tara stifled a giggle and struggled to keep up as the sand dragged against her feet. It threatened to hold her back but she kicked it away as she let Delaney pull her along.


Soon they were on the firmer, packed sand near the sea, then they splashed into the foamy tide. Tara’s giggles escaped as cool water tickled her toes.


“Shh!” Delaney said, giggling herself as she caught both Tara’s wrists and spun around.


Their shoes fell to the sand; Tara leaned into the spin, head back, watching the stars circle above them. Delaney’s hands slipped into hers and they splashed farther into the water, spinning faster. “Whee!” Tara cried.


Delaney laughed out loud, but didn’t stop spinning. “Quiet!”


Chapter 18