Sharing a Beach House - Chapter 3

Alisha pulled in a deep breath and willed herself to relax. This was nothing more than when Tyler would spend the night with Adam when they were teens. Only Adam wasn’t around, and she and Tyler were sharing a beach house on a secluded island off the coast of Georgia.

And he sure as hell wasn’t a teen anymore.

She hadn’t seen him without his shirt in years, so finding him not only in a house she’d thought was empty, but also half-dressed had really thrown her for the proverbial loop.

But she was here now, and she had every intention of enjoying her getaway, because when she returned home, she would be thrown full throttle into her upcoming gala. She actually couldn’t wait to explode onto the scene in Benton Springs. She had moved back to the area in the last few months to be closer to Adam and his fiancée, and because she’d always loved her hometown.

She’d grown up in Benton Springs but had started her charity in Lexington years ago for an orphanage there, and she was excited to bring her philanthropic vision to Benton Springs. Never in her life had she thought she could start a movement with such momentum, but the connections she’d made had given her the power and ability to help children all over the state. Who knows, maybe she could go even further with Home Sweeter Home?

Alisha pulled her favorite sheer, floral cover-up from her suitcase and wrapped it around her waist, the threw a few things in her beach bag. She intended to soak up the sun and have a nice bronze glow when she returned home.

She hadn’t seen or heard from Tyler since he’d brought her luggage to her room. She had no idea which room he’d chosen, but he seemed to be making good on his promise to leave her be.

Part of her was disappointed, because she wouldn’t mind catching up, but on the other hand, the man was too tempting, and being alone in this house with him was just asking for trouble.

Alisha eased her tote over her shoulder and headed downstairs. Silence filled the entire house. Perhaps Tyler had gone out to explore the island, or maybe he’d gone down to the beach as well. She hadn’t thought about that, but there was always the pool.

And why was she completely avoiding him anyway? They were adults, right? They could have conversations and be cordial. He was like a brother.

Alisha nearly laughed out loud the second that thought crept into her head. She’d never thought of Tyler as a brother, by any means. He’d always been present in her life, until the past couple of years when she’d moved to Lexington. Maybe catching up would be a good thing, since they hadn’t gotten to chat much at the wedding. But that’s all they would do. Talk. Because that seductive dance and the way he’d held her still had her confused…but he wasn’t her type, right?

The second Alisha stepped out onto the patio, she froze. Tyler was doing laps in the pool. One muscular arm, then the other propelled him in her direction, and all she could do was stare. Then he swiped the water from his face and hoisted himself up from the water to stand on the side.

Yeah, so much for not being her type.