When I make it onto the pavement, I hurry to the beach house and lean back against the far wall. Closing my eyes, I try to catch my breath, my stomach in knots.
Why? Why could he possibly be here?
Finn Dolan.
Every girl’s worst fucking nightmare.
Could he be looking for me? I hope not. We were done.
And I would never go back.
I learned my lesson.
Twice he broke my heart.
And twice I was a crying, blubbering fool.
Something inside me screams at me to protect my heart. Not hand it over easily to a guy who doesn't deserve it.
He needs to get off my home turf and go back to the city where his cold heart belongs.
I sigh and push off the wall. Lay low and avoid him. That's what I'll do.
This beach isn't big enough for both of us.
* * *
“Hey.” I smile softly as his handsome face comes into view. Cole stands in the doorway, his wifebeater tight in a good way, exposing his ripples underneath. The floral board shorts he wears so casually hang low on his hips, the sexy lines in his pelvis peeking out.
Phew, someone get me a fan. Holy hotness.
He makes my insides feel like a blender on high, swirling and mixing all together.
How am I ever going to work with this man?
“Hi.” He steps back so I can enter, the door propped open. It's cozy in here, the air welcoming and friendly. The lobby area looks like a living room, complete with couches and a TV.
“I'll give you the grand tour later. How about we sit and talk first?” He points at the couches I was eyeing a second ago.
I nod and follow him there. A lump pops into my throat, and I swallow hard.
Why does he make me so crazy inside?
Breathe, Addi. It's for your art. Your career.
Right?
Cole offered me a seat first and then sits down next to me. The heat from his body radiates off him in waves, and I clench my legs together under my long maxi sundress. His scent drifts over to me, the smell heady and intoxicating. It’s the usual salt and sunshine, but something else, something more manly.
“First, I want to give you this.” He hands me an envelope. There's nothing written on it, and I stare at it in confusion.
“What is it?”
He nods toward me. “Open it.”
I pull out a check made out to me. For $500 dollars.
What?