When the hot Florida sun hit his bare skin, he let out a sigh mixed with a moan of happiness. He found an open chair, put his stuff down, and walked into the water dunking his head under. When he came back up, he shook his hair and wiped the water from his face. As he looked around at all of the people having fun and relaxing, he couldn't help but think about how awesome it would be to do that every day. He got back out of the water and leaned back on his chair. The hot sun beat down on his skin, as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
John felt someone touch his arm, and his eyes snapped open. He had forgotten where he was for a second. With the sun in his eyes, he blinked to see who was standing there.
“You've been asleep for a bit. I just wanted to warn you that maybe you should turn over if your going to sleep. It would be sad if your time here was ruined with a burn.”
There was a very pretty woman standing over him. She looked to be in her late thirties. Her hair was long and brown. She was curvy in the right places. He couldn't help but let his eyes travel up her body before reaching her face.
“Thank you,” he said. “I didn't realize it had been that long. I never meant to fall asleep.”
“It's beautiful and relaxing here,” she said. “I think everyone falls asleep at least once. Did you get here today?”
“Yes,” he answered. “How about you?”
“I came in with my friends yesterday. They are a bit wild. This is the first time I've joined them on vacation. I'm the only one awake right now.”
John let out a laugh. He couldn't help but think about the cruise with the guys. Ethan was drunk off his ass and in bed with someone each day. Sure, John had a lot of fun himself on that cruise, but he could never keep up with his brother.
“I've been there before. My name's John,” he said, as he reached out for her hand.
“I'm Kara,” she said. “It's nice to meet you.”
John noticed that her glass was empty and called a waitress over to get them each a new drink. He motioned to the chair next to him.
“Have a seat,” he said. “Where are you from?”
“Don't laugh,” she said. “I'm from California.”
“Why would I laugh?” he asked.
“We could have had the same thing at home, but we came to Florida instead,” she said.
“That is kind of funny,” he said. “I'm from Pennsylvania.”
“That sounds cool. I've never been there. What do you do there?” she asked.
“I'm a police officer,” he said.
Her eyes widened as she grinned.
“My friends would laugh if they met you. They would say it was just my luck to find the one vacationing cop out here.”
They both laughed together.
“I'm just here to relax and have fun. I definitely won't be ruining the party.”
“You came by yourself?” she asked.
“Sure did,” he said. “My brother wasn't too happy about it. He thought I should have brought him and the guys. That's not why I'm here.”
“Are you here to do some deep soul searching too?” she asked.
John couldn't help but laugh at her comment. It seemed like she had some heavy thinking going on as well.
“You too?” he asked, as the waitress brought their drinks. “What's on your mind?”
“My divorce just became final. They seem to think it's a reason to party. I'm not that kind of girl. I'm here to relax and think. My life's changed so much. I need to figure out which direction I want to go now.”
“I'm with you there. I came to have fun and relax. My life has changed recently as well. I have a lot of thinking to do. It's time for some major changes. I just have to decide what I want them to be,” he said.
“How funny is that. We have a lot in common I guess. So, what are your plans while you're here?” she asked.
“I honestly don't have any. I guess just to enjoy myself and leave home where it is for two weeks. What about you?”
“I want to go to Disney while I'm here. I know that sounds silly, but I've always wanted to go. My husband wouldn't go with me. It seems kind of fitting to do it without him,” she said.
“How long were you married?” he asked.
“Almost twenty years,” she answered. “I never thought it would end. We were high school sweethearts. He never wanted kids. I loved him, so I agreed not to have children. Now, I'm almost forty. It's too late for babies. What happens? I find him in bed with my best friend. While I wouldn't want to be with him after that, the divorce isn't really a happy time for me. My friends will use any excuse for a party.”
“No way,” he said. “That's horrible.”
“So what do you have to think about?” she asked.
“I quit college to take care of my little brother. My high school sweetheart, who I thought I would be with forever, refused to go with me. It was too early for her to have kids to take care of. My brother is a grown man now. I always felt the need to protect him. He finally changed his crazy ways and got married. Now, I'm not sure what to do. It's hard to explain. Everything was about him before. Oh, and I recently pulled up to an accident to see my high school sweetheart. I hadn't seen her in twenty-seven years. I just found out she got pregnant right after I left school and married the asshole. I don't know who he is, and I don't care. The worst part is, I've thought about her this whole time. Doesn't that suck?” he asked sarcastically.
“Spending all those years thinking of someone, and it ends up being a waste of time. Time you can never get back,” she said, almost to herself.
John wasn't sure what it was about Kara, but he felt comfortable talking to her. He didn't feel a spark or anything romantic. It was more of a friendly vibe that he felt between them.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” he asked.
“Probably not much. Maybe my friends will get up at some point,” she said with a laugh.
“Do you want to go to Disney with me?” he asked.
She looked at him a little cautious.
“I've never been,” he began. “I think it would be fun to go. Since you want to go, I can just blame it on you when my friends give me shit about it.”
She burst into laughter.
“I guess going with a police officer is probably safer than going alone,” she joked. “Sure.”
Just as they were making plans, a younger woman walked up.
“Hey, Kara,” the girl said. “Where is everyone?”
“Sleeping,” Kara answered. “Jennifer, this is John. John, this is my friend Jennifer.”
The two exchanged hellos. Kara had her phone with her, so she typed John's number in so they could finish their plans later. His was in the room.
“It was nice to meet you, John. I'll see you tomorrow,” Kara said.
She got up and walked off with Jennifer.
John spent the rest of the night relaxing alone. Between sitting on the balcony and watching a game while he soaked in the tub, he didn't have time for much else. He really didn't feel like being around anyone.
The next morning, he was up and ready to take Kara to Disney. Her friends yelled after her while she walked across the walk to meet John. They hopped into his rental and were on their way. He liked that they were both making changes in their lives. Finally, he had someone to talk things through with that wouldn't nag him about it later. They lived thousands of miles away from each other. He couldn't help but feel comfortable around her. Maybe they would build a friendship that would extend once they went home, he thought.
He knew she had a rough couple of years, and she had given up having children for her ex. She was starting over in life. He wanted her to have a great time before she went home. Kara knew he was a police officer, but she didn't know he had money. John was very picky about what he spent his money on. She was the first person he decided to spoil. He was making changes too. Maybe having a great time and spending a little money would be one of those changes.
John bought the park tickets. She tried to st
op him, but he wouldn't let her. They ran from the moment the park opened until the moment it closed. He took her on tons of rides. They had lunch and dinner in nice restaurants. He bought her Disney things to take with her, and he made sure she watched the fireworks. By the time they left the park, they were both beat and walked quietly to the car.
“Thank you so much,” she said. “This has been the best day. I haven't had this much fun in years. You shouldn't have spent that much money on me.”
“I had a great time. It was so much fun watching you. I haven't been able to let loose and have fun in so long. I've always had to worry about someone else. Thank you for spending the day with me."
When they got back, John walked her to her room before going back to his. He had left his phone behind for the day. When he picked it up, he saw one text from each of the guys. Each of them trying to make him feel guilty for going without them. Ethan text him a few times asking how it was going. Julie even text him. She wanted him to go out with them two days after he got back. Damn, she doesn't waste time, he thought. She mentioned wanting to set him up before he left.
John turned on the television and got into the tub. He wanted to feel the hot water on his back. His feet were tired from the entire day of walking he had done with Kara.
The more he thought about his life, the more he knew he needed to make some changes. Maybe he needed to go out. He wasn't looking to get serious with anyone, but he could go on a few dates. That wouldn't be so bad. He definitely needed to move on.
He knew Julie would be sleeping. It was two o'clock in the morning. He replied to her text from earlier that day.
John: Okay, I'll go.
Julie: Are you serious? I'm so excited. You're going to love her.
Did the woman ever sleep, he wondered? He was already regretting his decision.
John: Will you go to sleep.
Julie: I can't. Your brother won't leave me alone.
John: Goodbye.
John had to laugh to himself when he thought about how happy Julie was with Ethan. They really were a cute couple.
His body slid down into the water, and his head fell back against the side of the tub. Maybe he was ready to retire from the force and move someplace warm. He wouldn't mind getting away from the Pennsylvania winters.
The next few days on the beach were nice. He spent hours talking to Kara. The rest of the day, she spent with her friends. John had seen a guy off to the side watching her. The guy was with a bunch of people. He was built and covered in ink. It wasn't the first time he noticed the guy watching. When Kara walked by him, John reached out and pulled her over.
“Do you see that guy?” he asked, barely pointing.
“Yes,” she said.
“He's been watching you. This isn't the first time. If he comes over to you, be careful.”
“Yeah right,” she said. “There is no way a guy like that is into me.”
“He is,” John said. “Trust me. I just want to make sure you're okay.”
She laughed and thanked him for caring. Kara had already asked John if they could keep in touch once they left. He was thrilled with the suggestion. John watched as she walked away and went back to her friends. The guy looked over at John with narrow eyes. It made him smile. He remembered feeling jealous over Sandy in high school. He didn't realize how much he missed it.
Before long, the guy finally had enough courage to go and talk to her. Out of all of the girls she was with, he picked her. She smiled and laughed when he said something. John winked at her when she turned to him with wide eyes.
The next few days, John noticed her spending more and more time with that same guy. She text a few times with details about the guy or things he was saying. John spent most of his time alone. He was enjoying the sun, beach, and his room. Each time he thought about hooking up, he decided against it. He wasn't in the mood for just one night anymore.
Time flew by, and before he knew it he was on a plane home. He had made a new friend and had a very nice time. Sure, he didn't party or get laid, but he accomplished what he wanted. John knew what he wanted to do. He was going to open himself up and see what happened. It was time to live for him.
Chapter 13
Almost two weeks had gone by since Sandy left her phone number at the station for John. He still hadn't called her. She wasn't sure why she wanted to talk to him. Of course she had something to tell him, but it was more than that. She just wanted to hear his voice or see his face. He must really hate her, she thought. She wanted to know about his life and his brother. After years of wondering, she just wanted answers.
Sandy had been on her own for two years. She struggled during that time, but she knew there was no way she wanted to go back to her old life. She had been able to save up some money and knew it was time to take the next step. After seeing John and all of her old feelings coming back to her, she knew what she had to do.
She took the day off work. First thing she did was drive to the lawyer's office that she had already researched and planned on using. After several hours, the wheels were in motion. She was finally going to officially get her life back. The lawyer was sure everything would move quickly. She decided to go to the restaurant her daughter worked at, so they could have lunch together and she could give her the news.
Sandy and Kelly sat down together. They ordered their food before Sandy said anything. She told her daughter that she wasn't asking for anything in the divorce.
“Are you serious?” Kelly asked. “You have every right to half of everything. He was at the end of his first year of college when you met. You were with him while he finished and built that company up. He didn't have a penny when you married him. How could you give up millions of dollars?”
“I just want my life back,” Sandy said. “We will never be together again. If I fight him, he will drag it on forever with all of his lawyers. I don't want that. I want to be free of him. If it takes walking away with nothing, I am fine with that. I don't want a single thing from him. I am making my own life, and I am doing it without his help. He's the father of my two children, and I want the best for him. I just can't be connected to him anymore. I need to be on my own. I hope your not upset that I filed. It's something I really need.”
“I'm not upset. Things have been bad for a very long time. I know that. He's my dad, but that doesn't change how he treated you. I love you, mom. I want you to be happy.”
Their food came. They talked and ate. Sandy felt like a weight had been lifted from her. The one person she was worried about was Kelly. Her son Kyle would be behind her the whole time. She knew that already. Just as they were finished eating, Julie walked by. She stopped and stepped back, as she looked over at Kelly. Sandy had never seen her before, but Kelly's eyes widened when she stopped in front of them.
“Hello,” Julie said. “You waited on me the other day.”
“Yes,” Kelly said. “I did.”
“You were the one whose mom was in the accident,” Julie said.
Sandy didn't think Julie saw her sitting there at first.
“I would be that mom,” Sandy said. “I'm Sandy.”
Julie jumped and turned her head.
“I'm sorry,” Julie said. “I didn't see you sitting there. I'm glad you're okay. John was telling me about it the next day. He got called away from dinner for the call.”
Sandy's eyes closed as she sucked in her bottom lip. She didn't want to show sadness. If John was happy, she knew she should be happy for him. Sandy couldn't help but notice how young Julie looked.
“Are you his wife?” Sandy asked.
Julie burst into laughter and hurried to cover her mouth.
“Oh no,” she said. “My name is Julie. I'm married to his brother Ethan. You know John?”
Sandy wasn't sure what to say. Her daughter didn't know that she had a past with John. She wasn't sure how much she wanted her to know.
“Um,” Sandy said. “Not really.”
“Are you sure?” Julie asked. “When yo
u asked if I was his wife, you looked sad.”
“Just a rough day,” Sandy answered.
Sandy knew Julie wasn't buying it by the tone of her voice.
“That's too bad,” Julie said. “He's a great guy. I was thinking you might have known each other.”
“He seemed very nice,” Sandy said.
“It was nice to meet you, Sandy,” Julie said. “I'm glad you're okay.”
“Thank you,” Sandy said. “Do you know if he's working today?”
“John?” Julie asked. “No, why?”
“I was going to ask him a question about the report,” Sandy said.
She immediately noticed Sandy's daughter looking at her with a confused look.
“He's been on vacation the last two weeks,” she said. “It wasn't even planned. He decided and booked it all in one night.”
Sandy felt instant relief. Maybe he hadn't blown off her letter. He hadn't been to work to get it. The sense of calm that ran through her scared her.
“Is he married?” Sandy asked.
Julie looked at her and smiled.
“No,” she said. “Would you like me to set the two of you up? It could be like one of those romance novels. The hot police officer pulls the stranger from the accident and they fall in love.”
Kelly and Julie both laughed. Sandy didn't look amused.
“No, thank you,” Sandy answered. “I'm not sure that's a good idea.”
“I'll let the two of you get back to your lunch. Have a great day.”
Julie turned and walked back out of the restaurant. Sandy was even more thrilled to hear that John wasn't married. Had he been, she wondered? Was he divorced? She looked back at the door and then back to her daughter.
“Did something seem strange about that visit?” Sandy asked.
Rescue of Love (Bachelor Billionaire #4) Page 6