“Ty, our history with the Travers is tumultuous. Don't go backwards. Find somewhere else to dip your stick. Hear me?”
I answer my father with a silent look. After a beat, I scan the room until I find the only thing I care about. Simone Travers. She shifts when she feels my eyes on her. Peeking over her bare shoulder, she secretly sends me a smile.
Every appendage attached to my body throbs.
No one, not my father, or Joseph, or the Lord Almighty Himself is going to keep me away from what I want. Simone is mine, even if she doesn't realize it yet. This connection we have is about so much more than just me dipping my stick. Something my father knows about all too well. When it comes to women, it's all he knows. But I want more. And heaven have mercy, I want it with Simone fucking Travers.
5
Simone
I was supposedto go back to North Carolina three days ago, but I'm still here. Still on the East Coast enjoying the beach and the sun and Ty Winters’ company. He convinced me to stay the night at the gala. I must have had a moment of insanity ’cause his argument won me over. My Uncle Joseph was none too happy with my decision. I can't blame him; it wasn't the wisest one. But I like the East Coast, I love the ocean, and I'm intrigued by Ty. I shouldn’t be, I know, but I am. It’s almost compulsive.
I tell myself repeatedly to stay far, far away from him, but it's been so long since I’ve connected with a member of the opposite sex I’d forgotten what it's like to feel wanted, or to even want somebody. I'll never act on it—intimacy, physical contact, is just not possible for me. It's a hurdle I can’t jump. An ability that has been stripped from me. I try to make myself crystal clear with Ty, but he doesn't seem to buy my put-offs. He’s persistent. He knows what he wants, and it’s me. Which is sadly such a waste of his time. But he doesn't want to hear it. Because here we sit, on a blanket on the beach, watching yet another dazzling sunset paint the sky pink and turn the water a glassy blue.
For a man with a business reputation more savage than a pit bull, he can be remarkably sweet. And generous. And attentive. Like right now. He isn't pushy or overbearing, but I know how much closer he wants to be. He’s keeping a comfortable distance; our only physical connection is our entwined fingers. The simple touch is enough to generate more heat than an inferno though. Our attraction burns bright. It's no secret, but I'm no ordinary woman. Not anymore, at least. If I was, I would have slept with Ty Winters the first night I met him. Spread my legs shamelessly the minute he propositioned me. I was drawn to the tall, beautiful, copper-haired man the moment I met him. And even if it never went any further than a one-night stand, the singular experience would have been enough.
But my past prevents me from being the woman I used to be. From pursuing relationships the way I once had. Life used to be a playground for me, but now it's just a desolate wasteland.
“Getting hungry yet?” Ty jiggles my hand.
“Starved. I can’t remember the last time I ate today.”
“Then let’s go rectify that.” He stands and drags me with him. The force sends me flying into his arms and places us in a compromising position.
My breath catches as he locks my body airtight against his. There’s a moment of desperation on my part then just nothing. No worry or reservations or stress as his lips descend onto mine. My thoughts evaporate every time we embrace. I never thought I would be able to get lost in a man again, but Ty has broken the barrier, and it scares the shit out of me as much as it excites me. I don't know where this can possibly go, but I'm not doing anything to stop the speeding freight train either. The kiss is drawn out, and deep, and electrifyingly passionate. I'm panting by the time he pulls away.
Ty’s big, green eyes are smoldering with lust as he holds my face and rests his forehead against mine. He wants so much more, and so do I, but we leave the kiss where it lays. In the atmosphere, vaporizing like smoke.
Story of my life. Everything good so easily dissipates.
We walk hand in hand up the beach to the brand-new boardwalk. The whole oceanfront area has been redeveloped by Ty’s company. There are tons of restaurants and shops nestled on the coastline that are ecofriendly and trendy and bustling with tourists. Ty has boasted that he wants his designs as appealing for the environment as it is for the people, and he hired Shane because he is the best at bringing those two concepts together.
I have to agree. The architecture is well thought out and aesthetically appealing. There are white arbors covered with bright, sprawling plants, the buildings are so clean they gleam, and the boardwalk is a soft plum color.
Ty leads me past a row of storefronts until we come to the end. The restaurant we stop in front of is carved out over the beach by a wall of windows. I read the name on the blue and white striped awning: Trinity.
“I read about this place online,” I mention as we walk through the tall glass doors.
“Oh, yeah?” He flashes me a smile.
“It's supposed to be amazing.”
“It is,” he confirms. I don't think Ty dines anywhere that isn't amazing.
I recognize a tall man with jet-black hair standing next to the hostess once we make our way inside.
“Ty.” They greet with a clasping of hands.
“Chase,” Ty returns.
“We saved the best seat in the house.” Chase pats him on the shoulder as he grabs two menus.
“Is this your restaurant?” I ask.
“My fiancée’s, really. She runs the show. Shane and I just sort of loiter.” He laughs. It's smooth and deep and sexy as all hell. “Simone, right?” Chase glances back at me as we stroll through the restaurant. I'm in love with the décor. It's beachy yet modern with a thatched ceiling and a huge chandelier made out of stark, white fish that look like they’re swimming through the air. It's rustic but oh so classy.
“Yes.” I smile warmly, his big, brown eyes so inviting.
