Prologue

            When my phone rang, I knew it was Daddy who’s calling me. I’ve left home because I wanted to be free. I wanted to explore. I wanted to travel an escape from all of the problems and heartaches. I believe that it’s my only choice. I don’t have any other options left. If I wanted to escape and avoid all the troubles, I should leave.

            And now, I’m here.

The smell of the beach is so soothing. It gives off that different feeling from the city. It makes me think better. It gives me peace of mind.

I walked towards the hotel entrance while my eyes roamed around the people playing on the sand. They’re playing beach volleyball. One woman got caught up with the sand and fell on her butt flat. I smiled as she got up with difficulty but with a smile on her face. It’s a good thing my aviators are on. No one can see what I am smiling about.

It feels good being in a different surrounding. It feels better to be unknown to everyone else. I can only start again because I’m just a normal person in this place. No one will judge me or the decisions I made.

In this place, I’m just me. I’m just Kinsella Sloane. Not the Kinsella Sloane I am back home.

“Good morning, Ma’am! Welcome to Beach House Hotel Hermosa! Did you have reservations?” A smiling receptionist greeted me. Her skin is bronze and her hair is blonde. She looked like a normal person living near the beach all her life. She also looks very accommodating. Maybe the reason why she’s in the front desk.

I smiled back and nodded. “I believe I reserved one ocean front suite.” I showed her my ID which she gladly took. She was still smiling and that’s the only time I saw her nameplate. She’s Heart. Cute name.

She typed something into their server while momentarily glancing at my ID then at the screen. She nodded and typed some information before giving me back my ID.

“Yes, Ma’am. You’ve booked a suite ocean front room for the next two months.” She smiled in confirmation. She took something in the drawer and handed it to me. Apparently, it’s the key to my room. She looked over and smiled at someone behind me. “Nero! Can you please help Ms. Sloane take her things to her room?” She asked sweetly.

I looked behind me and was so thankful I’m wearing my aviators. I’ve thought about hot beach guys but I’ve never really seen one. I’ve only been in Illinois all my life because my father never let me leave the state.

But this…this human in front of me…is a real human. Alright. What am I even thinking?

I’m wishing my mouth isn’t opened and my saliva isn’t flowing out of it. This would be a very bad embarrassment.

“Do you have any other baggage, Miss Sloane?” This man, Nero, asked me. His thick brows are furrowed. Maybe he’s weirded out of my reaction.

It took me seconds to regain my consciousness. I bit my lip and shook my head. At least I paid attention on his question.

He gave me a small smile and his expression relaxed. “Alright then. I’ll lead the way to your suite.” He said courteously and started walking towards the elevator.

I couldn’t help but look at him when we’re waiting for the elevator. He’s wearing a white shirt and board shorts. He’s only wearing slippers but he looked so good. Alright, maybe because it’s my first time seeing a guy from the beach that I would react like this. If I stayed longer, everything would be normal for me.

I’m used to seeing men in suits. My Dad owns a construction companies and I’m used to facing engineers and architects in suits every day. I’m used to that. I just need time to get used to these people in the beach.

When the elevator opened, we walked in. There were other two men—men from this hotel, I think—who came in with us. They are both wearing the hotel’s blue button-down shirt and black slacks attire, the uniform of the staffs from outside.

One of the two looked at me and smiled before looking at Nero. “Hey, man! Let’s play ball after the shift.” He said in an excited boy’s tone. This looks thinner than Nero but he sure as hell has a good body built too. I had the chance to read his name plate. Harvey, it says.

 “I can’t. I have to teach the Paul kids to surf.” Nero replied in his tone.

Harvey frowned but then he nodded. “It’s hard being the exclusive surf trainer, I guess.” He chuckled then nudged the other man. “Jules, one-on-one, then?” He asked.

I bit my lip and tried to keep myself invisible. I needed to blend in with these people but I guess I can blend in some time. I need to find my room first.

The elevator opened and the two went out. They both waved at Nero before the elevator closed.

I heard Nero cough beside me. “I’m sorry for Harvey. He’s just really talkative.” He tried to explain.

I looked at him and smiled. “It’s okay. It’s refreshing to see someone as bright as the people here.” I told him.

His brow creased as he looked at me. And now, his perfectly chiseled jaw is clenching.

I looked away and just stared at the door. He didn’t speak right after but I can’t explain the tension all over.

When we’ve reached the right floor, he led me towards the room. He glanced at me but he didn’t smile. Rude. Aren’t hotel staffs supposed to be kind and accommodating?

I was frowning as I was walking after him. I stopped when I saw him stop in front of a door. He looked at me with his expressionless eyes.

“This is your room, Miss Sloane. You do have your key with you, right?” He asked me.

I nodded and handed the key out. He took it from me and opened the door for me. He switched on the lights and the air conditioning.

I looked around and was awed at the room. The walls are all white. There’s a living room, a queen-size bed, kitchen and a terrace that overlooks the ocean and most of the activities of the hotel.

I walked towards the terrace and inhaled the smell of the beach. I was smiling as I looked at the people doing different activities near the beach. Some are swimming, playing volleyball, playing basketball and biking.

I only stopped when I felt a presence beside me. I was shocked to see Nero beside me, overlooking all these people as well. Like me, he’s leaning on the railings of the terrace.

He raised his brow at me. “Is this your first time in a beach?” He asked as if mocking me.

I frowned but I nodded. I haven’t experienced being in a beach all my life. Like I said, I was jailed in my Dad’s office and mansion. He would go hysterical when I got out. And right now, he must have been so worried. But I wanted this. And he promised to give me this freedom when I reach twenty-two.

Nero looked at me as if I’d shock him with my response. “You’ve never been in a beach?” he asked again. This time, curiosity is sinking in.

I shook my head. “This is my first time in a beach.” I finally said.

He narrowed his eyes at me. “And you’re alone.” He stated.

I raised my brow at him. “Do I need to be with someone when I visit a beach?” I asked.

He bit his lip and looked away. He fiddled with his fingers. I stared at him and got amazed at how perfect his side profile is. His side view is so perfect. I wouldn’t mind looking at him forever.

He bit his lip and sighed before looking at me. “How old are you?” he asked.

I narrowed my eyes at him. Do hotel staffs get this curious? But even with the hesitation I answered, “Twenty-two.”

He bit his lip and nodded. I might have heard him curse under his breath before letting out another deep breath.

He stood properly and looked at me. “Nice to meet you, Miss Sloane. If you have any requests, you have a line here. You can call the front desk directly.” He was suddenly so formal. “I hope you enjoy your stay here in Hermosa beach.” He even bowed before leaving me alone in my room. Weird.