Until You Read Online Free Page A

always calmed her. Looking out at the waves, she took a moment to soak it all in. She let out a deep, cleansing breath.
    Toby ran up behind her. "Whatcha got there, boy?" He was carrying a stick. "Okay, okay," she agreed as he nudged her arm with it. "Fetch, boy!" she yelled as she threw the stick as hard as she could. Toby loved to play fetch; she could see what a majority of her afternoon would be spent doing.
    She grabbed her sunscreen and massaged it into her skin, careful to cover all of her tattoos. She tossed the bottle back into her bag, and stood up just as Toby returned with the stick. She picked it up and tossed it again; this time he got a little distracted by some seagulls, but she knew he would be back with th e stick eventually.
    She slid off her shorts, exposing her tiny, black bikini bottoms. The warm sand molded around her bare feet, burning her toes. Her hot pink toenails peeked out from the sand. Looking back only once to make sure her sandals were beside the blanket, she headed down to the water's edge, letting the waves ripple up onto her feet. She followed the tide out and braced herself for the strong waves coming back in as they smacked against her calves. Taking in a sharp breath, the chilly waves shocked her as they hit her skin.
    She paused when the water rose to her thighs, letting out a squeal as the next set of waves soaked her up to her shoulders. Trina waded out farther to calmer waters. Slimy seaweed tangled at her feet. Treading water and floating with the rippling waves, she closed her eyes. This was nice. The sun warmed her face. She floated listening to the sound of the waves and the seagulls squawking.
    Toby's bark broke through the silence; turning, she saw him waiting for her at the edge of the water with his stick. "Alright, boy, be there in a second." Her moment of solitude with the ocean was over, but not before she held her nose and took a dunk underwater. Resurfacing, she shook off the chill that now ran through her and slicked her blonde hair back against her head. Slowly she trudged back to the dry sand, fighting the current that was trying its hardest to sweep her back out to sea.
    Picking up his stick, she threw it again as salt water dripped from her body. A small breeze chilled her wet skin. She watched Toby run around carefree as she made her way back to her blanket for some sun bathing.
    The sun warmed her body. She loved the feel of the warm sun on her skin. Toby panted beside her. Tired from playing, he plopped down in the sand and chewed on his new stick.
    Trina licked her lips, tasting the salty water. This was paradise. She listened to the seagulls and the breaking waves. All remnants of her nightmare the night before faded away. Closing her eyes her body relaxed. The breeze swept over her skin. Her breathing slowed. The sounds of the waves lapping against the sand lulled her to sleep.
    Toby's barking startled her, waking her up from her unplanned nap. She did her best to shake off the drowsiness. Her stomach growled, she had no idea how long she had been sleeping. She ran her fingers through her dry hair. "Dinnertime, boy?" she asked Toby. He tilted his head inquisitively and barked.
    Trina brushed the dried sand off of her bikini and slid on her shorts. Sliding her headphones around her neck, she fumbled with her iPod. The volume was high enough that she could hear it, the bass loud like she liked it. She grabbed her sandals and her wallet and they leisurely made their way to the boardwalk. "Hot dogs?" she asked Toby as they faced the fast food shacks. He stood by her wagging his tail. "Or chicken?"
    "Actually I was thinking a steak salad with a side of fries," a male voice said.
    Trina turned, startled to see Sam there. Belle was at his side. In board shorts, sandals and a tank top, he looked delicious. She couldn't help but to stare at his arms, as his muscles rippled. How had she missed his tattoos last night?
    He had a tattoo of The Cup on his arm, and two hockey