With that little positive vibe pep-talk, I finish the last little whisky, savoring the sweet, fiery burn of the liquor. Once the plane lands, I clutch my new list to my chest, grab my two bags holding all my worldly possessions, and climb into a waiting taxi.
“Welcome to Sunset Springs,” the driver calls as she pulls from the curb.
Turning to watch the beachside city’s landscape, I am awed. Bright colored buildings are crammed next to each other down the main street. Everything from sweets stores to antique shops. I spot an old pizza parlor beside an aged movie theater. It is almost like taking a trip to the past.
Outside the cute bungalow style hotel rooms at my hotel, the white sand beach sprawls out as far as I can see. Closer to the hotel are grassy dunes and other houses, but most of the beach is flat, warm sand stretching out to the crashing waves. The water is choppy, a deep gray blue, and I can smell the salt of the oceanfrom the little porch of my bungalow.
Once I unpack my few things, I head right back out. On the same street the cab just took me down, I wander through the shops. I had almost nothing in my savings account, but it was enough to get me here and get me started. I am not sure where I will go next, or if I will stay here in Sunset Springs.
Crossing a few things off my new to-do list as I go, I am in high spirits. I got myself a new bathing suit in a beautiful purple watercolor design. It’s more daring than anything I have worn before, but I feel good in it. I buy sparkling strappy sandals, several new dresses, and even some brightly colored necklaces and earrings to dress it all up.
“New day, new me,” I whisper when I am back at the hotel, hanging all the pretty things in the little armoire.
It is almost sunset by the time I am settled in the adorable bungalow. I can see the ocean from the spacious bedroom. I can smell the salty sea air before I throw the windows open to let the cool breeze in. Deciding right now, this very moment, is time to get this new me, new life started, I pull on that racy little bathing suit, grab a fluffy towel, and head to the beach.
Choosing a spot just a few hundred feet from my bungalow, I spread my towel out and set my bag down beside it. Inside is the notebook outlining my plans to live life. Pulling it out, I flip to the first page to cross off“swim in the ocean”and then march toward the crashing waves.
“Swim in the ocean, Kiera. Take a step towards a new you,” I whisper as I dip my toes in the warm water.
Taking a deep breath, I wade in slowly, smiling as the steady waves rock me slightly. My feet sink into the sandy bottom as I move further out. Standing in the water, I watch the sun drop beyond the horizon, the skies going purple hued. It is a beautiful day and the first one I have let myself embrace in a very long time.
Swimming in the warm, clear waters until the skies are sparkling with bright stars, I truly embrace it. Not just the beautiful day in Sunset Springs. A new chance at a full life. A chance to do all those things I listed, those things I never had the courage to do before. It might take some time; it might take me working up more than the courage it took me to get in the ocean.
Courage is something I need to embrace. Being brave. Taking chances. Now that I am here, in the ocean, under the inky blue skies, in a whole now place, I can be a whole new me. I am going to be courageous. Brave. I am going to take chances because there is nothing telling me I can’t.
Summer just began here in Sunset Springs, so I plan to soak up the sun, play in the ocean, and take chances I never dared take before.
Chapter Two
Killian
Sunrise means a brand-new day, new starts, a brand-new chance.
Feeling the sun on my face, the cool seawater on my skin, I am in my happy place. No one is on the beach for a few hours, save a few others here for the same reason I am. Tossing my board in the water, I climb on top to paddle out toward the early morning waves.
The skies warm up with pinks and purples as I reach the first break. Sitting in the line-up, waiting for a wave, I look out over the water and the beach beyond. It’s beautiful here in Sunset Springs. I cannot imagine being anywhere else. Besides being on the water, it’s a wicked little town.
Growing up here meant lots of summers on the water, lots of dealing with tourists, and plenty of time wanting to get out of here. It’s a small town, the type where you think you know everything about everyone. Gossip spreads fast, so even if you miss something, you hear about it eventually.
“Oy, some good waves coming in today,” Brody shouts over the slow crashing waves, jerking his head at the swells cresting behind us.
Waving a hang ten at him, I paddle towards the waves as they curl over us. Being inside the wall of water while riding a rave is unreal. It is unlike anything else I have ever done. It is a close second to good sex.
Climbing on my board, I steady myself as the first wave builds and I guide the long neon board over the barrel. I am connected to the earth, to the ocean, and to the skies when I am on a board. I smell the salty water, the earthy kelp, and the slowly warming air as the sun rises overhead.
Riding the wave until it dies out, I know I am in for a good day. Paddling back with Brody, my best friend since we were in kindergarten, I ask about today’s classes. We teach surfing to tourists who come here for the summer. It’s a good gig that pays well and lets us spend a lot of time on the water.
“Oh yeah, brah, we’ve got five on board. Two repeats from last week. That mom and daughter duo who totally want to bang us. Two other dudes after those betties and another single later.”
“Good, good. What did I say about hooking up with clients?”
“Did you say something about that?” Brody cocks his head as he asks, a shit-eating smirk on his face.
Shaking my head at him, I sigh. I have most definitely said something about sleeping with clients. We have a legitimate business. He could screw up if he bangs the wrong woman. Besides, most of these women will be here for a few days or weeks at most. Why bother hooking up with someone who has no plans to stay in Sunset Springs?
That might be the draw for him, I suppose. Hook up without the fear of facing them later. That has never been my vibe. Not that I have ever had a serious relationship, I can compare to his hookups. Dating was always fun, loose, but Iwantthe strings. To be tied to someone I can build something with.
Call me old-fashioned, I suppose. I want to date someone, to find out what they’re into, what they’re passionate about. Finding someone to spend a night or two with is easy. There are plenty of chances for it here in Sunset Springs. I do not judge Brody or anyone who does it. It is just not for me. I want to spend a weekend with someone; I want to wake up with someone and go to bed with them beside me.
