No Tan Lines Read Online Free Page A

seemed more interested in doing business than doing him. He’d seen several of her signature pieces. Her collection was inexpensive and would sell far better from a touristy beachfront shop than in the luxury boutiques at Saunders Shores.
    He’d already known they were nearing the end of their relationship. He almost always parted amicably with the women he dated. Nicole proved no exception. She had entrepreneurial aspirations. He’d agreed to set her up so she could concentrate more on her business and less on him. They’d both be happy. The only thing wrong with the picture was that his promise to Nicole was putting him in a precarious position with another female.
    Shaye Cates.
    He ran one hand down his face, then realized he needed a shave. Shaye wouldn’t care if he was clean shaven or grew a full beard. Asking her for a storefront would be the first time a Saunders had ever asked a favor from a Cates. He would approach the topic at the end of their meal, after she’d hit bended knee and begged for the volleyball event. Once he gave his approval, she would owe him something in return. He would then claim a Barefoot William shop for Nicole.
    He loosened his black-and-white-striped tie and unhooked the top button on his dark gray shirt. Leaning back, he stretched his arms along the edge of the low booth and forced himself to relax.
    He scanned the diner, quickly noting that locals crowded the tables, counter stools, and doorway. He knew everyone by name, and they all recognized him. They stared, but no one spoke or smiled. He got the cold shoulder.
    No doubt he’d get a similar reception from Shaye.
    He was used to such treatment on this side of the street. The Saunders and Cates families didn’t mesh. Where was Shaye, anyway? It had already been a long day, and she had yet to arrive. The woman could make a minute seem like an hour.
    The music from the carousel entered with the next customer. Trace glanced out the window and caught the first turn of the merry-go-round. As a kid, he’d snuck onto the pier and ridden the rides more times than he could count. He was now thirty-two, yet the carnival atmosphere still brought out the boy in him.
    Barefoot William was all about fun.
    Saunders Shores honored refinement.
    There was no middle ground.
    Same with Shaye. Their family histories stood between them. They were at each other’s throats, or they didn’t speak.
    He closed his eyes for a second and breathed in the scent of fried onions, garlic, and ... Dove soap. The soft, clean fragrance startled him.
    He cracked one eyelid and found his nemesis standing over him. She’d recently showered. Her hair was slightly damp, the ends brushing her shoulders. A black satin hair band contrasted with her sun-white curls. Two sets of gold hoops pierced each ear. The retro mood ring on her index finger shone bright orange, a daring, challenging color.
    A lacy, stretchy, off-the-shoulder turquoise top showed some cleavage. He’d swear she was wearing a push-up bra but couldn’t be certain. No tan lines, he noted. Her shoulders and the high curve of her breasts were smooth and evenly bronzed. She must sunbathe topless. He wondered if she had a full-body tan. Front and back.
    He lowered his gaze farther. Her short denim skirt bared a lot of leg. Two zippers curved over each hip on her skirt. Fashionable, he supposed, and sexy.
    There was something different about her today. She wore a sensuality that had nothing to do with her wardrobe. The transformation made him instantly wary. At first glance, she looked pretty and pleasant, yet he knew better. Clothes couldn’t hide her pride. She was one stubborn woman.
    He’d expected her to show up in her Fudgin’ It T-shirt and ripped jeans. Fudgin’ It advertised the best fudge shop in southwest Florida. Her grandmother Maxine made the fudge from a century-old recipe. Maxine was known to be as sweet as her confections.
    Too bad Shaye hadn’t inherited her grandmother’s sugar.