At the Beach Part 3 - Ella Jade

So, here's part 3 of my contribution to the Beachwalk Press At the Beach author compilation. If you missed the beginning of this micro-novel, you can catch it here...

http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/p/at-beach.html

Waves of Change

Ally quickly turned the faucet, changing the water temperature from hot to freezing. She needed to settle down. No man other than Jared had ever affected her in such a way, especially not a stranger.

She quickly toweled off and moisturized her tanned skin. If she was going to be a permanent resident of this quaint, little town she'd need to take care of her skin. She brushed out her long, cinnamon locks and slipped on her favorite soft, silky peach nighty. It made her feel attractive and desirable.

She walked back out to the living room, topped off her wine glass and settled on the couch. Just as she was about to pull the throw over her body she heard a knock at the door. She wasn't expecting any company. She pretty much kept to herself and didn't know many people in the town. It was filled with mostly vacationers during the summer months. There were only a few regulars, but she wasn't close enough to any of them to have them just pop in.

There was another quick wrap at the door. She hopped off the couch, taking the throw with her. She couldn't exactly answer the door in such a provocative nightgown. She draped it over her shoulders and headed down the steps to the foyer. She peeked out the glass panel window by the side of the grand, mahogany door. Even with his back turned to her, she knew who it was.

This couldn't be.

Her heart rate increased and her palms were suddenly clammy. Her mouth was dry and she could feel the heat creeping up the back of her neck. She tried to take a calming breath before she had a full out panic attack.

Get a hold of yourself!

She tucked her hair behind her ear and slowly opened the door. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his khaki shorts and quickly whirled around to face her. He let his eyes wander down her body and she felt her cheeks burn under his scrutiny.

Who answers the door in a nightgown?

"Hello." She swallowed hard because she almost didn’t recognize her own voice as it cracked over that one word.

"I'm sorry to intrude," he said. "You're probably busy."

She shook her head, trying not to appear too eager. He was more incredible up close, but damn if she hadn't nailed his eye color in that painting.

***

Hmm...

Check back next week for another installment.

Don't forget to check out Tamaria Soana's blog on Saturday for her next segment.