Meg

Enjoy!

Maggie

Go enjoy that sunshine!

I send back some heart emojis, thankful for the girls that have my back no matter what. With a sigh, I realize I should probably text my parents, too. My mom has been so worried about me ever since I called off the wedding, concerned about all my future possibilities of “success,” aka living like a trophy wife.

Sheactuallytried to convince me to change my mind andgo through with the wedding. “A life of comfort may be worth a few indiscretions here and there,” she had said.

I told her I’d rather be single forever than live a lie.

And then she dropped it. She means well, even if she’s a little clueless. And I understand why. Having grown up with next to nothing, then getting married to my father and transitioning to high-class living has skewed her perspectives a little.She’shappy being defined as a wife and mother.

But I wouldn’t be.

So I send my parents a quick text message.

I’m here! Looking forward to a week of relaxation. Love you both.

My dad just gives my message a thumbs up. He’s not cold, he just doesn’t know how to text. Besides, he’s probably just at Green Pines, Colorado’s ultra-exclusive country club for the top businessmen. Landon tried everything to get in, but he was never accepted. Serves him right.

My mom’s reply, on the other hand…

Wonderful, darling. I hope you enjoy your time. Don’t forget to order a few mimosas for me. And don’t think too hard about your future or you’ll get wrinkle lines. We’ll see you next week and discuss everything, don’t you worry.

Oh, Mom.

I lock my phone and toss it on the bed behind me, then take another moment to appreciate the gorgeous ocean literally beneath my feet. I watch the surfers for a few minutes, appreciating the grace and control they have over their boards. Not that I’d ever try. I wouldn’t even want to go swimming in the ocean.

One of them rides a wave until it fizzles out, then hops off his board. He disappears under the water for a moment, then emerges, flicking his brown hair back. Even with a wetsuit on, I can tell he’s got a great body. I watch him for a few moments as he grabs his board and walks onto the shore, and I get the strangest sense that I’ve seen him before.

He walks across the sand, directly under my balcony, and his eyes flick up to me.

I suck in a breath.

No.

It can’t be.

But the gleam in his chestnut brown eyes is unmistakable.

It’s Tyler Matthews.

I drop to the ground and start army crawling back inside my room, not an easy task in a fitted dress. He couldn’t have recognized me, right? It’s been five years. I’m sure I don’t look like I did when I was nineteen.

Deep breaths, Brooke. He was just surfing. It’s unlikely you’ll run into him again this week.

chapter two

TYLER

Brooke Westfield isin my hotel.

In the honeymoon suite.

The immediate elation of seeing her for the first time in five years was quickly replaced with the realization thatshemust be one-half of the newlyweds staying at the inn this week.