CHAPTER 6

After meeting with Leo, I went back to my place and showered. It was a fairly sunny day, and even though I had too much on my plate to deal with, I decided to take a break today. I hadn't had a break in a while.

For once, I wanted to pretend to be a normal girl-spending some time alone on the beach, soaking up the sun before winter could arrive.

This summer has been quite busy for me. I hadn't had the opportunity to take myself out much and enjoy myself.

I should've taken myself out more; otherwise, how was I going to meet my mate? The moon goddess promised me that she'd fulfil all my desires, but something was unsettling about the whole thing. I couldn't figure it out yet, but there seemed to be a catch I must have missed.

As much as I was excited to meet my mate, I was somewhat anxious. What if he turned out to be nothing like I had imagined? I'd be devastated, but for the time being, I was trying to be positive about the whole thing. That was the only option I had resigned to, or I could just worry myself sick but fuck that.

After my second boyfriend left me, I wasted a year

mourning the brusque end of our relationship.

Now, I was choosing to move forward and be more optimistic, and hoping that things would work out. This was one of the reasons why I felt like taking some time off today.

I wanted to have a moment for myself and enjoy the last sunny days of summer. Even though I was the kind of person to always keep myself busy, I decided to postpone all the work until tomorrow.

The world could wait.

I put on some light makeup and slathered sunscreen before getting dressed up for the beach. I took my surfing board and drove down to the beach that was almost twenty minutes away from my residence. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I parked my car and went down to the beach with my surfing board and my tote bag.

Today, the beach wasn't crowded, making it even better for me. I settled on a quiet spot for myself and put my towel down before lying in the sun for a while.

It was the perfect sunny day, not too sunny, and at the same time, a gentle cool breeze was flowing.

This day couldn't have been more perfect.

I drank some beer as I scanned the waves. I wanted to go surfing, though, there weren't many waves today, but that was alright. I didn't feel like leaving my flawless spot, so I lay there and enjoyed the day, watching people and slowly drifting off. I woke up suddenly when I felt a shadow hovering over me. I opened my eyes to find a pair of grey eyes intently staring at me.

"Hey," The man smiled at me. I shot him a glare as I grabbed my tote. I wanted to be left alone, but his flirty smile gave me an idea. "Are you from here?" He asked. I ignored his question and studied him from head to toe. He had a great body and looked good, so I decided to give him a chance.

"You're new here," I remarked. He gave me another of his flirty smiles that formed a deep dimple down his left cheek. It almost reminded me of Kent Grayson.

He was really easy on the eyes and made it easier for me to forgive him for disturbing my small nap.

I could always have a little fun while I wait to find my mate.

"Yes, I'm here for a couple of days. What about you?" He asked me.

"It's a work trip," I noted, ignoring his question again. He shuffled on his feet, slightly impatient due to his questions being ignored. "Where are you from?" I asked.

"North," He shrugged, focusing his eyes intently on my body. "Are you a local?" He asked.

"Yes," I finally decided to answer, "Wanna go around town?" I offered. Well, I could cancel my whole weekend. I really need a break, and I think I could have some more fun if his skillset matched his looks.

"That's what I was talking about," The man gave me another of his suggestive smiles, "I'm Jules," He offered his hand to me. I gave it a look and took it, getting up from my spot. I knew that he was a stranger and could mean danger but fuck that. I needed to live a little bit more. I could always take care of things if they went south.

Besides, strangers were the best kind to have fun with. However, I made a mental note to get all the info on him when I returned home tonight.

"Isabelle," I told him.

"You're so beautiful, Belle," He told me, shortening my name, his eyes running over my body as he did. I laughed.

"Thanks, I get that a lot. Now, what would you like to do?" I asked, testing. He shrugged.

"I'm down for anything," He told me.

"Time limits?"

"I have a meeting at seven tonight," He told me. I wobbled my head and gave him another look.

"Who do you work for?" I asked, keeping my tone casual. Suddenly, the flirtatious mask he had been wearing slipped off his face. Something dark flickered in his eyes before his smile was back.

"Why don't we get going, sweetheart? I want to make every minute count with you," He apprised me instead, ambling closer and gently running the back of his knuckles against my jaw. I chuckled.

"I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me, Jules," I whispered, running my hand down his six-pack. I felt him suck in a sharp breath, making my smile grow wider.

So far, so good.

"Let's go," He almost growled his words before grabbing my things and leading me out of the beach.