Summer Love at the Beach (Summer Instalove)

favorite. It was a bit smaller, and sat back farther than the others. With the rest of them

looking nearly identical, this one stood apart by being quieter.

The landscaping was also much more creative, with interesting trees and shrubs forming a

bit of a fence around the property.

“You’re not casing the joint to plan a robbery, are you?” a deep voice chuckled.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. As I turned, the first thing I saw in the enormous man’s eyes was regret. “I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said quickly.

As I stepped to the side so that the sun wasn’t directly behind his head, the most handsome

man I’d ever seen came into focus. His short hair and slight scruff of beard were dark

against his rich tan, bringing out his sculpted cheekbones. Seeing that his warm brown eyes

were locked on me, I had to say something.

Strangely, instead of speaking, my hand twitched, wanting to reach out and touch him. “I’m

fine. Sorry I jumped. I’m just, you know...jumpy.”

“Hey,” he said softly, “Don’t apologize for a strange man scaring you.” His bright smile was instantly engaging. But he was so huge it was distracting – his broad shoulders seemed to

block out half of the sky. His muscular frame made him look incredibly tough, and I could tell his eyes could easily get intense. But that sweet smile clearly told me that he was more of

a gentle giant.

“I’m Mitch,” he said, extending his hand. “The blue house is mine.”

“Becca,” I said, trying to increase my usual volume a little to be heard over the waves. I

liked that he shook my hand gently but firmly, not treating me like a fragile doll. Noticing how large and strong his hands were, I wondered if it was weird that I found them sexy.

“I saw that you came down from the Wright house,” he said. “Are you one of Julie’s

friends?”

I shook my head, then was reminded to smooth my wavy hair back over my ears. “Julie

married my brother, Brendan. So, I mean…”

His chuckle was deep and friendly. “Family, then. I get it.” He looked down to where I was

carrying my sandals, still ankle deep in the water. “Just out for a little walk?”

I nodded, not sure of what else I should say. As if he could tell that I was nervous, he took a step back. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Becca. I hope that I’ll see you around.”

I managed to flash him a smile, then turned back to Brendan and Julie’s house, walking

quickly through the waves. Unable to resist peeking at him over my shoulder, I saw that he

was looking back at me as well, giving me a little wave. That made my stomach tighten in

an odd way.

As I walked up the beach and into the house, I considered the exchange a tiny victory. I had