He’s ignoring the signage, approaching me with confidence.
“Hey, sorry,” I say. “But can you stay on this side of the markers? We’ve got equipment running.”
“Oh, yeah. No problem.” His eyes scan me from head to toe. “Just wanted to say hi. I’m Daniel.”
“Ivy.” I offer my hand.
He takes it—andoh, he lingers.
His grip is warm, his smile easy(and Jesus, he’s cute).Dark curls, sparkling eyes you can get lost in, and a genuine smile that spreads slow, testing the waters.Veryboy-next-door charm.
My ovaries do a double backflip with a twist and stick the landing.
“I saw you from across the beach, Ivy. And had to meet you.”
And he’s still holding my hand. Okay. Not mad about it.
“Sorry for interrupting.” He steps back, finally releasing my palm, his eyes searching mine. “Let’s keep an eye out for each other. Later, when you’re off the clock, I’d like to learn more about you.”
“Yeah. Sure.”
He smiles(again)and heads to the waterline, tossing me a final glance over his shoulder.
I watch him for a second longer than I should.
Huh. Okay. That was… unexpected.
I usually get a quick once-over or a polite mental shrug, while the man scans the crowd for better options. But he was leaning in and definitely interested.
So, not everyone avoids me.
Why brain? Why are you such a jerk? You’re thinking about Cole again? Seriously?
A perfectly attractive guy just handed me a clear, uncomplicated invitation, and my thoughts immediately go to the asshole forty feet away, who’s pretending I don’t exist.
What is wrong with me?
Cole has crawled into my head, rearranged my mind like he owns the damn place, and I want him gone.
I don’t want to think about men or relationships or lov—
Absolutely not.
The L-word was never part of the weekend plan. And whoever authorized that thought is fired.
I have one agenda. The big O.
Opportunity.I meantopportunity. Obviously.
… both would be nice, but that’s not why I’m here.
Blaze’s voice hits a pitch that usually ends with paperwork, a viral clip, or a lawsuit.
“HOLD UP, HOLD UP, my dudes. I’m DEAD ASS SERIOUS!”
I snap my attention to the livestream on my feed.
He’s shin-deep in the surf, both arms out like he’s about to baptize himself in bad decisions, staring down into the sea. Waves slap around his legs as he announces, “There’s something in this water—and it's MASSIVE—AND IT’S ALL TANGLED UP—”
