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1
Well, hello neighbor…
The mid-morning California sun beats down on me as I recline into the cushioned lounge chair overlooking the blue ocean. A warm breeze rustles through the palm trees surrounding my beach house, bringing with it the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore.
I take a sip of ice tea from the sweating glass in my hand and let out a content sigh. Although, beneath my chill exterior, my mind is flooded with guilt about this impromptu solo vacation.
As a high-strung VP at a corporate firm, spur-of-the-moment trips are not my usual MO. A whirlwind of contracts and 12-hour workdays leave me no time for unplanned getaways. But after the chaos of our latest deal, my boss practically ordered me to go get some much needed rest and change of scenery.
So here I am: a fish out of water, alone at a beach resort. I have to admit, once I got over my initial resistance, the thought of escaping the corporate jungle for some R&R in the sun had its appeals. And the resort itself is fabulous.
The sound of a sliding door opening next door catches my attention. I peer over the top of my sunglasses, catching a spectacular male specimen emerge from the neighboring beach house.
My eyes instinctively travel the length of his tall, athletic frame, taking in every delicious detail. Broad shoulders tapering down to slim hips and endlessly long, muscular legs. Olive skin glistening under a thin sheen of sweat. Brown hair, disheveled in that perfectly tousled style that only the sexiest guys can pull off.
As he stretches in the sunlight, the defined muscles of his arms and abs ripple enticingly. I notice a tattoo peeking out along his left rib cage, though I can’t make out what it says from this distance.
An appreciative hum escapes my lips. “Now who do we have here…” I mutter under my breath.
As if hearing my comment, the handsome stranger glances over, a cocky grin spreading across his stubbled face as he catches me staring.
“See something you like, beautiful?” he calls out teasingly.
I roll my eyes, but can’t suppress the smile that tugs at my lips. The man oozes confidence.
“Maybe,” I volley back. “What’s your name, stranger?”
He saunters over, and I get a better look at his gorgeous features. A strong, square jawline that could cut glass. High cheekbones, a straight, masculine nose, bright hazel eyes, and a full, tempting mouth. The faintest dimple appearing in his left cheek as he grins.
“Name’s Lucas,” he answers smoothly, his deep voice feeling like a caress all over my body as he approaches my chair. “And you must be my next-door neighbor. I gotta say, you are by far the sexiest view I’ve seen around here.”
I arch a brow. “That your best line, Lucas? Sounds like you may need some new material.”
He clutches his heart in mock-offense. “Ouch. I promise I usually have better moves.” His eyes gleam playfully.
“Oh, I bet you do,” I fire back with a smirk. Something about this cocky, boyishly handsome giant has me intrigued. There’s a charged chemistry humming in the space between us.
“How about we start over?” Lucas extends a large hand. “I’m Lucas Reid, I play for the Pacific Blazers. I’m staying here with a few of my teammates for the after-season. And you are…?”
“Shana Johnson,” I reply, shaking his proffered hand. His palm is rough and calloused against mine. I feel his warmth seep into my skin. “I needed a break from work. Though from the sounds of it, I should’ve picked a resort further away from you jocks.”
Lucas flashes me his panty-melting dimpled grin and drags a pool chair next to mine before sprawling out on it. “Nah, I think you chose the perfect place.”
I laugh. This kid clearly doesn’t lack confidence. “And what makes you think that’s a good thing?” I volley back.
He casually shrugs his massive shoulders. “Oh, I got a feeling we’ll have some fun together.” His hazel eyes sear a scorching path the length of my barely dressed body.
I feel an involuntary flutter between my legs.
His smile is hypnotic. I can practically feel the sexual tension crackling between us. Maybe a vacation fling with my cocky athlete neighbor is exactly what the doctor prescribed…
We spend the next few hours chatting and playfully bantering by the poolside. Lucas is charming in a confident, yet casual way. Underneath the surface swagger, he seems genuinely interested in learning more about me and my life. The vibe between us feels…right, somehow. Comfortable and exciting all at once.
As the sun dips low into the sky, igniting brilliant hues of orange and pink across the horizon, Lucas and I both fall silent, transfixed by the incredible view.
When I tear my gaze away, I find Lucas intently watching me, the dying rays of sunlight dancing in his hazel eyes. Before I can think rationally, I’m leaning closer, drawn like a magnet to him. Lucas meets me halfway, his large hand coming up to cradle my jaw as his mouth finds mine in a sensual kiss.
Warmth floods through me at the contact. Lucas takes his time exploring my lips, kissing me deeply, but gently. When we finally break for air, he rests his forehead against mine.
