Page 1 of Married to Murder
Chapter One
Seth
The first time I laid eyes on Tanner Trenton, I was mostly confused. He was gorgeous with charcoal hair and smoky brown eyes, but he definitely seemed out of place. The guy’s suit and designer sunglasses probably cost more than the entire inventory of my surf shop. Why a guy like him would have wandered into my store was beyond me. But I was willing to take anybody’s money, so I just smiled and went to see if he needed help.
“Can I help you with anything?” I smiled, and my pulse fluttered a little when he turned his gaze on me. He was even nicer to look at up close, and I found myself feeling strangely shy.
“I’m just browsing.” His voice was deep and husky.
“Sure.” I went back to hanging some new-arrival shirts. “It’s a beautiful day today.”
“Yeah.” He didn’t sound convinced.
I laughed. “You should take a walk on the beach or something. That might help lighten your mood.”
“You think my mood needs lightening?”
I glanced at him over my shoulder. “I believe I’m sensing some tension.” I smiled to soften my words.
He studied me in silence for a moment. “It’s been a stressful day.”
“Sorry to hear it.” I shrugged. “But you’re at the beach now. Just soak in the sun and fresh air, and I’ll bet you can turn your day around.”
He snorted. “Wow. You’re certainly an upbeat guy.”
Grinning, I didn’t take offense. “I’ll choose positivity every time.”
He was quiet for a while, and then he said, “That’s probably a wise choice.”
I picked up the box I’d emptied and went out back to throw it away in the dumpster. When I returned to the inside of the shop, he was standing at the register empty-handed. I smiled at him and gave him a curious look. “What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you give surfing lessons?”
He wanted surfing lessons? I’d kind of expected him to be gone when I’d returned to the shop, but instead here he was asking about surfing lessons? I tried to keep my expression blank. I didn’t want to be rude, but he looked like he’d be more at home in a boardroom than on a surfboard riding waves. “Yeah, I have a group lesson tomorrow… if you’re going to be around.”
He frowned. “I was hoping for a private lesson.”
I nodded. “I do those too. But it’s cheaper if you take the group lesson.”
“I’m not worried about the cost. I’m worried about making a fool of myself in front of a bunch of other people.” He smirked.
He didn’t strike me as someone who’d care what other people thought, so his reticence was intriguing. “The thing is, everybody in the group will be beginners too. You’ll all look pretty ridiculous at first. But they’ll be more worried about themselves than you.”
His smile was pleasant. “Still… I’d prefer a private lesson. I don’t suppose you have any openings later today?”
I shrugged. “Sure. Whatever you want.” I glanced around at the empty shop. It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Montecito, and most people were already at the beach. “Do you have time now?”
He hesitated. “Um… sure.” He frowned and looked down at his suit. “I didn’t bring trunks.” He laughed gruffly. “I figured you’d tell me to come back later.”
“Hey, this is the beach. There are no clocks. There’s only the ocean and the sun to worry about.”
“Good point. I don’t have sunscreen either.”
I grinned. “I’ll take care of you.” I moved closer to the cash register, aware of his gaze on me. I grabbed the little remote for my open sign and switched the flashing neon off. Then I punched some buttons on the POS machine. “Like I said, private lessons aren’t cheap, but the board and wet suit are included in the price. I’ll throw in some board shorts and the sunscreen for free.”
“Thanks.” He tugged his wallet from his back pocket.
“I’m Seth, by the way.” I smiled cheerfully and held out my hand.
