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Despite being out in the ocean, memories of the past unsettled him. After he and Alyssa had lost their when their parents had lost control of the car while on vacation in Ireland, they’d become incredibly close. Because both of their parents had no siblings, Nick had stepped into the dual role of brother and father.
He sheltered his little sister––his only family. The only woman who held a piece of his heart. She complained that his protectiveness created a tough barrier to her potential relationships.
And yeah, it wasn’t like he’d formed any serious long-term relationships. It was simpler that way. For some reason, his attraction to Sophie was triggering unwelcome insights. She piqued his curiosity despite himself.
If another woman had played the fire and ice routine, he would’ve hightailed it the other way. But something about her made him want to delve beneath the surface. Damn it, once he wanted something, he never stopped until he got it.
And he wanted Sophie Barnes.
When they headed in, Brandt said, “Seriously bro, you seem bummed. Let’s grab a beer tonight.”
“Thanks, I’ll let you know.” He waved a hand and changed back into his work clothes. He wasn’t going to give up on Sophie.
When Nick entered his office, Heather was behind his desk, rifling through some papers.
“Hi, boss. Were you out at an important board meeting?” She smiled at the inside term surfers used for a midday surf break. “I’ve got some correspondence to review with you before our hospital board meeting. I made reservations at Splashes for lunch so we can kill two birds with one stone.”
Lunch with Heather at the world-renowned Surf and Sand Hotel restaurant didn’t appeal, but they did have to review the plans and cement the strategy for the upcoming meeting. And at least it would distract him from obsessing over Sophie.
He shrugged. “Sure, let’s walk over.”
* * *
Sophie and Kellystrolled down the Pacific Coast Highway or “PCH” as the locals called the picturesque coastal road. Sophie savored the last drop of salted caramel gelato from her spoon and dropped it back into the paper cup.
She licked her lips. “That was the most delicious gelato ever, even for breakfast. Okay, back to the other night, now tell me, what’s the deal with ogling the hot bar owner? Did you break up with Robert?”
Kelly wrinkled her nose. “I wouldn’t say we broke up… He’s just been acting weird lately, and I’m sick of it. Coming to see you and having some separation will hopefully give me some perspective. When I’m ready to talk about it, I will. And that guy was gorgeous.”
“Yes, he was. But could you ever leave the firm? Move up here?” Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?
Kelly waved a hand. “You never know. The family firm’s tough to escape. Anyway, what happened Friday night? Because even when you froze Nick out, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. I don’t get the problem with going for it.”
Sophie blew out a breath. “I can talk a big game about jumping his bones but seeing that woman wrapped around him triggered me. I can’t risk getting involved with another player.”
Kelly gave her a one-arm hug. “He’s not Doug, and he’s not your dad. Take your time, but don’t let the past control your future. I think getting your mojo back is important. Just lay out the ground rules and have a fling.”
“We’ll see. Now help me buy something cute before you head home.” Maybe her best friend was right.
They spent the morning window-shopping in the plethora of charming boutiques. Kelly was hip and stylish and although Sophie tended to live in her yoga capris these days, it couldn’t hurt to look, right?
When they exited one store with prices only royalty could afford, Sophie caught sight of a tall guy with slicked-back damp hair and a perfect ass. Her breath caught in her throat––Nick was across the street.
Seriously? Maybe this town was too small. Then she noticed the brunette with him. Heather. No way did she want another encounter with them.
“Hey Kel, I think I need to get to work. I shouldn’t spend money on clothes anyway. And you need to head back soon too, right?” Sophie grabbed her friend’s arm and took off at a fast trot toward the car.
Kelly gave her the side-eye. “Okay, okay, no need to run.”
They reached Kelly’s car and Sophie sighed once Kelly eased out into traffic. Confrontation dodged. Time to bury herself in creating a fictional world where she controlled external events.
Brakes screeched, metal crunched, glass shattered, and her head whacked into the headrest. What the hell? Sophie jerked her head up just in time to see them slam into the back of a truck’s bumper. The impact knocked her toward the dashboard.
Everything went still. An eerie silence filled the air. Sophie reached up with a trembling hand and touched her head. Yes, it was still attached to her body. She turned to see her friend immobile, staring into space.
“Are you okay? Kelly, answer me.” She reached for Kelly’s hand.
Kelly turned, her eyes glazed, her face a sickly green, glistening with sweat. “What happened? I just pulled out and I don’t know what happened…”
