Page 1 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

CATCHING WAVES

BY KIMBERLY KREY

CHAPTER 1

Carly Bridger squinted against the bright sun as she sped along the freeway, Beethoven’s 6th‘Pastoral’Symphony the perfect compliment to the view. For miles now, she’d been teased with glimpses of the crystal blue ocean, barely visible through the leafy oaks. But as she rounded the sandy dunes, palm trees dotting the windy path, the gorgeous resort came into full, glorious view.

Warm and wonderful hope swelled in her chest at the sight. It was a gift, one she appreciated each time she made the annual trek from California to South Carolina.

Through the windows of her rental car, she took in the details that made the Royal Palm one of the country’s finest beach resorts: an array of glowing turquoise pools; perfectly manicured shrubs; and enough well-dressed staff bustling about to keep drinks full, towels fresh, and every guest in a state of tranquil joy. A fine-tuned team kept the resort running, and Carly was proud to be a part of it each summer.

Beyond the massive resort, dozens of Royal Palm’s private rentals lined the sandy coast. Everything from trendy bungalows and modern beach homes to full-on mansions. Carly rounded another curve, allowing her gaze to rest on the best part ofall: there, beyond the glistening sand and foaming shore, great waves swelled and curled in invitation, urging Carly to grab her board and chase that next perfect wave.

She welcomed the euphoria that washed over her with a grin and uttered a word of gratitude to the heavens. Her life wasn’t perfect, but it was good, and she was grateful for it.

She gripped the leather steering wheel and grinned. With the quick press of a button, the window rolled down, allowing the fresh ocean air, thick with salty brine, to rush over her face. She pushed the knob to turn off the stereo and sighed as lapping waves and squawking seagulls played a melody of their own.

Her phone buzzed as she pulled into the parking area. She knew without looking that it was Jill. Her older sister, anxious to make sure she’d arrived safe and sound, watched the clock each time Carly made the trek.

With a quick tap to the screen, she picked up the call. “Hi Jill,” she said as she pushed open the car door and climbed out. The warmth of the sun on her skin, contrasted by the cool breeze, lured her into new levels of peace.

“You made it,” Jill said. “I can hear the beach already.”

“Yep,” Carly said with a grin.

“How was your flight?”

“Not bad.”

“And the drive?”

Carly sighed. “Wonderful.”

Her sister let out a long, dreamy sigh of her own. “Let me guess, you listened to Mozart all the way there. That one about the night. What do you call it?”

“‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,’” Carly offered.

“How in the world do you know how to pronounce that?”

Carly laughed. “Actually, I’ve been listening to Beethoven. ‘Für Elise,’ Symphony Number Five, thePastoralSymphony…”

“I wish I liked listening to that stuff. It’d probably make me smarter,” Jill said. “Hey, put me on video chat, will you? I want to see the ocean for myself.”

Carly smiled, indulging Jill with a quick tap to the screen. She straightened her arms while holding the small device and slowly panned over the view.

“Oh my heavens,” Jill said. “I’m just going to imagine for a minute that I’m you and not me.” She pulled in a dramatic breath. “Picture it: instead of juggling baby bottles, burping cloths, and diapers this summer, I’m going to spend my days at a posh resort, sipping cocktails, reading romance novels, and falling in love with a hot guy who wants to make out on the beach.”

Carly laughed. “I’m working, Jilly Bean, you know that.”

“Oh, did I leave that part out? Okay, I’ll be reading, relaxing, kissing a hot guy on the beachandteaching surf lessons to spoiled rich kids a few hours a day. Does that cover it?”

“Maybe if you were me that would cover it. I look forward to the private lessons. It’s one of my favorite things about coming out here.”

“And the guy part?” The question sounded more like an accusation.

Carly stepped out of her flip-flops one by one and walked over the warm, smooth pavement. As she neared the sand, tiny grains peppered the cement. And soon, she was sinking her feet into the silky depths. She sank lower as the sand shifted and rose up around her ankles.

“Carly?” Jill came. “Turn the camera view so I can see you.”