Miami, Florida, early May 2018

Nikki put her big sunglasses on her face. The sun was blazing strongly here in Miami, through several layers of clothing. It seemed like she had forgotten she was going to a warmer region and she adjusted her clothing to a rainy weather of Seattle.

As she carried her luggage, she rolled her eyes at her best friend, who she was talking to over the phone.

Addison: „Nikki, you can't leave just like that. Be reasonable, please. Are you seriously going to throw everything away just because Darnell is a cheating dick?"

Nikki: „It's not only that. It's a big thing. Addy... four years of my life were a big, fat lie. I gave him my trust and he slapped me in the face with it. I need a break. I really can't stay in that city anymore, with so much rain and all those bad feelings I have. When it comes to the book, I have you."

Addison: „Will you at least tell me where the hell are you?"

Nikki: „Florida!"

Addison: „Where in Florida? I need a location. The exact location. I have to know where to find you if I'd need you."

Nikki: „You have my phone number. I'll always take your calls. You know it."

Addison: „God, why can't you just tell me where are you?"

Nikki: „Because I want to eliminate every opportunity for Darnell to find me. For the last few days, my phone didn't stop ringing. He isn't giving up and I don't have time for this shit. My cab is here. Bye, Addy!"

Nikki ended the call before Addison had the opportunity to react to her last words. She sighed, putting the tiny device in the front pocket of her dark blue jeans, then pulled the luggage and walked through the automatic doors of the airport.

The main road in front of the entrance of the airport was filled with cabs. Nikki just raised her hand and one of the drivers immediately noticed her. A middle-aged man with bright hair and dark brown eyes came out of the cab.

The driver opened the trunk and she helped him push the luggage in. Then she got in.

„Where to?" he asked, after getting behind the wheel.

She pulled a paper with the name of the hotel out of her wallet, giving it to the driver.

„I have to go to Naples or something like that. The name of the hotel is on this paper."

The man narrowed his eyes and slowly took the paper from her.

„You want me to drive you to Naples?" he asked, still frowning. „It's pretty far away. Won't be cheap."

Nikki smiled softly.

„The price isn't important. I have to be there."

The driver no longer asked questions. He just started the taximeter, then headed out of Miami. The traffic prolonged the process of getting to the destination but Nikki wasn't bothered. The bright sun pierced its rays through the windows of the car. She truly enjoyed the heat caressing her face. It was something Seattle couldn't provide. She watched the cars and the buildings, taking in the differences between her home and the scenery passing by.

Slowly, they arrived in the suburb of Naples and Nikki admired the place she had chosen for her vacation. Compared to Seattle, this town was much smaller, but the colors had doubled it in size. It was clear that they entered the tropical belt of the Earth's ball.

The driver soon stopped in front of the hotel, whose name was written at the peace of paper and Nikki took out her wallet.

„It's 300 bucks," he said. Her eyes widened.

„Wow, you really weren't joking about not being a cheap ride."

The driver sneered as he took her money, then got out to pull her luggage out of the trunk. Nikki thanked him for the ride.

She turned toward the big yellow building and smiled. Her break could officially begin. The employees had immediately taken over her luggage at the entrance of the hotel, while Nikki sorted out all the formalities.

„Well, miss Hamilton, this is it. Here are the keys to your room. If you don't have any additional questions, you can go to the elevator," the receptionist said. It was a girl with long straight hair and a wide smile. Nikki could swear she was Latina. She loved their culture and was happy with this opportunity to know it better.

She thanked the girl for her kindness, took her key and started to leave, but then an idea came to her mind.

„Sorry...I actually have a question," Nikki started. „I didn't come prepared for the heat. Can you tell me where I can find stores with lighter clothes and everything I need for the beach?"

The receptionist smiled at her.

„Practically every other store in Naples is like that. But there's more of them near the marina and closer to the beach. You can't miss them."

Nikki smiled back.

„Thank you!"

The receptionist just nodded, then focused on the new customer who found himself at the counter, while Nikki finally moved to the elevator. Soon, she reached the third floor and was standing in front of her room. The card unlocked the door, allowing Nikki to get in. All the luggage had already been delivered, but she decided to unpack later. Instead, she flopped down on the white and blue sheet covered bed and promptly fell asleep.

-

As she walked by the marina, Nikki was smiling at dangling boats, floating quietly by the docks, and at the colorful buildings, encircling a small closed dock. It was really wonderful. Although she wanted to go to the beach but before that, Nikki needed to be more equipped for this impromptu vacation.

Finding a store wasn't hard once she left the marina as they were lined up on the street heading for the ocean. The first shop at the corner immediately dragged her attention. There was a name above the entrance, written in large blue letters. Brian's Beach Shop. Nikki realized she was at the right place and pushed the door to get in.

The bell above the door twinkled merrily, announcing her presence. Nikki looked around, seeing shelves full of different things for the beach, from bikinis, beach balls, diving equipment to various other things for keeping children entertained.

She went through the entire shelf in front of her, lost in her thoughts. She was startled when someone behind her coughed loudly and immediately turned around, her eyes falling on the tall blond man looking right back at her. His eyebrows were raised in question and he had arms crossed over his chest.

She gave him a small smile.

„How can I help you?" he finally said, his voice a velvety deep baritone.

He had a handsome firm face, which Nikki instantly found attractive along with his wide shoulders and the hard chest that stretched the t-shirt with the logo of the store printed on it he was wearing.

„Umm...I just got into town and, frankly, I didn't come prepared for the heat so I need some lighter clothes and everything else that comes in a package," she explained, feeling unreasonably nervous.

The man just smiled cryptically, raising his eyebrows again.

„Package?" he asked.

„You know, all things I'd need for the beach."

He nodded, returning behind the counter, quickly typing something on his laptop and then returning his attention back to Nikki.

„So...you came to a really warm, tropical place, dressed in jeans and a sweater. It's the first time I see something like that."

His smirk made Nikki realize that the man was making fun of her. Behavior like that would usually annoy her but today she actually decided to let go so she just smiled back and played.

„Yeah, silly me, huh? But at least you get to make good money on it."

„Alright. Let's start at the beginning. I'll guide you through the store and you can tell me what you need."

She grinned at him gratefully and then they got to work. As the minutes passed, his hands were stuffed with all the items Nikki had chosen. After more than half an hour, they finally stopped at the counter so the man could charge her.

„Finally," Nikki said with a relieved sigh. „I thought it would never be over."

He stayed quiet, absorbed in his work, while Nikki's eyes once again passed over the walls and shelves. Suddenly, she stopped at the opposite wall. There was a large picture of an unknown girl. Her hair was a color of sand, light curls falling freely over her shoulders. The girl had an almost serious face but her green eyes were smiling softly at the camera. She was beautiful. So much that Nikki had actually envied her.

„Nice picture. Is that your girlfriend?" she asked, not taking her eyes off the picture.

The man suddenly raised his head, his eyes narrowing.

„No," he said briefly, but there was something in his tone that told Nikki not to press the issue. „Here...all your things. I'll put them in bags so you could carry them easily."

She nodded, focusing her attention on the pile of stuff on the counter. His hands worked quickly, putting everything neatly in canvas bags he had pulled out from under the counter. When everything was finally ready, Nikki realized she wouldn't be able to carry everything by herself. She tried and failed.

„Let me help you," he said, his voice coming from much closer than Nikki expected.

„But...you can't just leave the store. And my hotel is about twenty minutes of walk from here."

He still grabbed two bags.

„I'm Brian Murphy, the owner. I don't think it'll be a problem for me to disappear for a few minutes," he replied, then turned toward the counter. „Hey, Diego. I'm leaving. Can you watch over the store for a few minutes? Dan should be here soon."

„Of course. Don't worry," the voice rang out from, Nikki assumed, stock room.

That was apparently enough for Brian and he quickly grabbed the door, holding it open for Nikki.

„Ok. Direct me," he said, smiling, while Nikki pointed her head toward the hotel. They walked in total silence. Minutes passed but neither of them said anything and Nikki was getting a little uncomfortable.

„You know, you didn't have to help me. But I'm glad you did. Otherwise, I'd have made a giant fool out of myself, probably, dropping bags left and right," she finally said.

Brian looked down at her brown eyes and stayed here for a few moments.

„No problem. No need to torture yourself. Not if I'm here to help you. Every man would react the same."

Nikki smiled.

„I'm Nikki. It didn't come up before. Nikki Hamilton."

Brian's eyes immediately widened. She knew the meaning of that. The blond man had recognized her.

„Nikki Hamilton?" he asked, wanting to clarify. „Author of The Silhouettes series?"

Nikki rolled her eyes. She actually hoped nobody in this small town would recognize her but she seemed to be wrong. She immediately ran into someone who knew her from the public.

„I really love your books. They're great." Brian praised her.

„Thanks," Nikki answered, slightly embarrassed. „But please, let's talk about something else."

He instantly agreed, guessing that Nikki didn't want to talk about business. Writing was indeed business for her and she was here for vacation.

Soon, they reached the lobby of the hotel and Nikki led him to the elevator. When they arrived in the room, Brian left her stuff by the bed, then turned toward Nikki and put his hands in his pockets.

„Umm...would you have lunch with me? I mean, you left a lot of money in my store. I feel like I need to repay you."

She gaped at him. Brian caught her completely unprepared.

„This...I'm not sure...I don't know..." she started, not able to make the simplest sentence.

He laughed loudly, clearly.

„Relax. I'm not flirting with you. Believe it or not, I really just want to thank you for choosing my store. And on the other hand, how often can you meet the person who came here in clothes more suitable for northern states?"

Nikki sighed in relief. She was not ready for the previous question about lunch and she was definitely not ready for new crushes. To be honest, the main reason for coming to Naples was Darnell. She had to move on from him.

„Okay," she answered. Brian's face immediately lit up. „I'll go for lunch with you. You could tell me all the useful things I should know about this town."

He nodded firmly. Nikki asked him to wait for her to change clothes. He sat down on the sofa. She needed a few minutes to get ready and then returned to the room, dressed in short jeans and crop top, which covered a part of her shoulders and chest, leaving a good amount of skin exposed.

„Much better," she said with a laugh. „I finally don't feel like I'm gonna die from the heat."

„It's a common thing here," he replied. „Naples is a pretty warm place."

They talked briefly about some general things and then Brian took her to the nearby restaurant. Together, they sat on the empty terrace.

„So, this is lunch at dinner time," he joked, making Nikki laugh.

„Yeah, I was just thinking about it. So, if I've already agreed to do this, would you tell me something about yourself? Are you from here?"

Brian coughed and narrowed his eyes. Nikki noticed that the blonde man did that very often. The waiter interrupted them before he could respond to her question.

„Brian...how are you? I've not seen you for a long time."

He turned around and stood up so he could shake the man's hand. Nikki assumed the waiter is his friend.

„Well, I'm working. I don't have time for restaurants and entertainment," Brian joked. „But will you bring us my usual? Double portion, because I have company."

The waiter leaned slightly over Brian's shoulder and saw Nikki on the other side of the table. He smiled, showed his thumbs up to Brian and then got back into the building, leaving them alone.

„You need to try their steak. It's the best dish in town," Brian said.

Nikki didn't protest. She wanted to try out new things. Here is her first opportunity to do so.

„Anyway, I didn't answer your question. I'm not from down here. My parents and I moved to Naples almost eight years ago. At fourteen, I had often suffered from respiratory tract infections so my parents thought it was a good idea to come to live in a warmer region of the States. I don't know why they picked Naples, but I'm here now."

Nikki leaned her chin on her palm and listened to him with interest. Brian didn't look like he got sick a lot. The firm muscles of his arms gave a completely different impression. He looked strong and like nothing could knock him off his feet.

„Did it help?" she asked.

Brian nodded his head.

„It calmed down as I crossed eighteen. I think it's my turn. What's a famous writer from Washington doing down here?"

She shifted in her seat. Although Brian's company was nice, she wasn't sure if she wanted to admit the truth. As far as she knew, Brian wasn't a dangerous person but, to be honest, she didn't know absolutely anything about the man yet.

„Let's just say I needed a break. The new book is out and everything but I couldn't stay in Seattle anymore. It rains almost every day and it's too cold for this time of the year. I missed the warmth."

Brian accepted her answer. At that moment, the waiter brought their order and both of them started eating. Nikki hasn't realized how hungry she actually was until the sharp smell of roast meat and potatoes hit her nostrils.

He hadn't lied. This steak was great.

„Wow. Well, now I know where to go for lunch in the future," she said, after swallowing another bite.

The blond man laughed.

„You'll be staying for a while?"

Nikki lowered her fork and drank a sip of water.

„As long as necessary. I think I could find inspiration for the last sequel of The Silhouettes here."

He immediately cheered up at the news.

„Why did you invite me here, Brian?" Nikki asked seriously. Brian looked up and, for a few brief moments, stared at her eyes.

„All men want something from you, right? You're used to that," he asked, copying her position. „Well, Nikki Hamilton, I assure I'm not one of them. I'm not asking for anything."

Nikki could swear something else was standing behind his behavior.

„Let me guess. Either you have a girlfriend, or you've had a bad break up, or...you're gay!" she said.

Brian's eyes widened for a few moments and then he started to laugh loudly. Nikki knew she was right about at least one thing. Yet, a blond man didn't look like he was suffering or embarrassed. He just shrugged.

„I don't have a girlfriend and I'm definitely not gay. But let's just say it's too early to move on," he replied. She noticed his indifference. Brian didn't seem like a type of man who talked about his insecurities, let alone feelings. She concluded that. Nikki had always admired her ability to read people and their reactions.

„So it's a break-up?" she asked and he just nodded. „What's her name?"

Brian didn't answer.

„Why do you want to know?"

„Curiosity."

The blond man rubbed his chin.

„Marina," he finally replied. „Her name is Marina."

Nikki nodded.

„What happened?" she asked again, as Brian dropped a strange sound.

„You're asking a lot of questions, Nikki Hamilton."

The dark-skinned woman shrugged.

„I'm writing psychological thrillers. Knowing and interpreting people and their emotions is my job."

Brian nodded, then pulled out a few crumpled bills from his pocket and put them on the table.

„Well, I'd love to chat, but I have to go. I don't want my employes to tear my store down," he said.

Nikki immediately forgot about questioning him and stood up. She held out her hand in a sign of gratitude. Brian followed her to the street. Both of them stopped at the footpath.

„It was nice to meet you, Brian. I hope we'll meet again." Nikki said.

„Listen...me and several of my friends are gathering every evening at my store. After, we go to the beach or somewhere in the town for a drink," he began, there was a slight smile on his face. „As you're here alone, I think you could use some company. You won't be sorry, I promise. Sometimes, my friends can be hilarious. And you'll get to know the city better."

Nikki smiled back. She was glad she was invited. Brian was indeed right. She was here alone and some company wouldn't hurt her. It's about the locals who knew every corner of the town.

„Come tomorrow night to the store. I'll introduce you to the others."

Nikki nodded, waved goodbye and then moved slowly toward her hotel. What a day. She didn't even dream that, on her first day here, her break would move in such a positive direction. The thought of the blond man had brought a smile to her face.

Brian was polite, yet at the same time very funny. He somewhat enjoyed her discomfort. At first, Nikki would have dismissed such a person but not when it comes to Brian. He was forgiven. Perhaps it was because he had voluntarily sold almost half of his store to her. Soon, she found herself in her room, more precisely at her terrace, looking to the sea and setting sun.

„Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all," she said to herself.

Nikki tightly clutched the iron rail of the balcony as she watched a few people from the hotel slowly collect their belongings on the beach. It was time to go.

Although the sun had disappeared from the view, changed by the moon, Nikki could still feel it's warmth on her skin. She decided to spend a quiet first night at the hotel.

-

During this time, Brian had already returned to his store where he met with Diego, his friend who was occasionally helping him with business.

„Where is Dan?" the blonde man asked immediately.

His dark-skinned friend shrugged.

„He came a few minutes after you left and as soon as he noticed you're gone, he left again. He hasn't returned yet."

Brian closed his eyes. Diego could have sworn he saw flames coming through his nostrils.

„Damn!" Brian shouted. „I don't know why I put up with his arrogance."

„Calm down. He'll appear tomorrow and compensate for everything he had missed today."

„It's not that," the blond man replied. „You know what I mean."

Diego just nodded.

„I know. But it makes no sense to fight this storm. We've tried, remember? And also try to remember how the fight ended."

Brian didn't see a sense of further discussion about his other employee and friend.

„Have you checked the inventory?" he asked instead, changing the subject.

Diego's mood switched right away, a big smile coming to his face.

„Who's the chick?" the dark-skinned man asked, which made Brian raise his eyebrow questionably. „She bought almost half of our stock.

„It doesn't matter. You're gonna meet her tomorrow," he paused. "If she comes."

Diego laughed loudly, playfully punching his friend's shoulder.

„Are you finally moving on?!"

Brian rolled his eyes. First, Nikki was teasing him about moving on and now Diego. The blond man wondered why all of them assumed that he moved on after breaking up with his girlfriend, Marina. He was quite satisfied with his current situation and he definitely didn't need a new drama in life. But others obviously had a problem with it.

„No!" he replied, visibly annoyed with his friend. „God, you guys are so predictable. And annoying. When I feel I have to move on, I'll move on. I'm totally fine for now."

Diego decided to leave him alone. Apparently, Brian wasn't in the mood for joking. Both of them began rearranging boxes in the stock room. Soon, they were interrupted by a well-known voice coming from the door.

„You're still working?!"

Diego turned around, his eyes falling on a female silhouette, hiding behind the corner.

„Hey, Aline. You're already here?"

The girl revealed herself, with a broad smile on her face. The dark strands of her straight hair were falling over her shoulders, hidden underneath the dark blue t-shirt. Diego pulled her into a tight embrace.

„David and Marina are waiting in front. I think David saw something he likes on the shelf. So, Brian, better be prepared because you'll have a deficit in the cash register again."

Brian immediately jumped up and ran toward the front part of the store. He noticed his ex-girlfriend Marina and his other friend David, who was holding flippers.

„Leave those fins NOW, or I'll cut your fingers off!" he threatened, raising his voice a little, which startled both of his friends.

David dropped the flippers on the floor, while Marina held her palm over her heart, trying to calm her breathing.

„Idiot!" she shouted at Brian. „You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Brian rolled his eyes, then stared at Marina, who was already smiling again. Her long brown hair was falling down her shoulders in an almost perfectly straight line. She wore a black t-shirt with straps, ripped white jeans and black sandals. Her face was almost make-up free, except for her mouth, which she emphasized with red lipstick. Brian had swallowed hard. Regardless of the fact that they weren't together anymore, he was still very attracted to Marina. She was too attractive and she definitely made sure to point that out.

„Is everyone here?" Aline asked, finally coming out of the stock room with Diego. „Where's Dan?"

Brian looked at the girl and shook his head.

„The same thing again?!" Marina asked.

Diego just shrugged. None of them had a valid answer.

„I know only what Diego had told me. He apparently came here for a few minutes and then disappeared again," Brian replied.

„And where were you?!"

„He was following a pretty girl around the town after she bought half a store," Diego teased before Brian had managed to defend himself. The blond man just pushed him, immediately looking at Marina. Her face was serious and she looked surprised, even slightly hurt. But that wasn't Brian's concern, was it? The two of them were no longer together.

„Nothing happened," he justified himself, no matter what. „She needed my help because she had bought too many things and I invited her to lunch to repay her for choosing my store. We talked briefly and that's it. All of you'll meet her tomorrow if she decides to come."

A few loud cheers filled the room.

„Did you invited her to a „friendly" date?!" David asked.

Brian rubbed his eyes tiredly.

„Leave me alone!" he almost shouted. „She didn't come to Naples for that and I...just let it go. Can we already go? I'd really love to go home to change and I'd love to find Daniel."

His friends nodded in approval and slowly got out of the store. Brian locked the door, then joined the group, walking down the street toward his flat.   

-

Author's note:

I think I'll settle for weekly updates. So...here's the chapter two. If you like it, feel free to vote or comment. It would mean a world to me. I'll check the feedback if there's going to be any.

Thanks to everyone. I'll update again in a week.