Crashing Hearts: An Oakport Beach Romance Read online

  Crashing Hearts

  OAKPORT BEACH SERIES #1

  EMILY BOWIE

  Crashing Hearts

  Copyright © 2020 Emily Bowie

  Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photography, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Excerpt from Southern Hearts

  Other books by Emily Bowie

  Author’s Note

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  PROLOGUE

  Typically when people talk about fate, it’s all about the inevitable, about love written in the stars. I have been forced to hear all about those happily ever afters and destined soulmates that happy couples hang upon fate’s shoulders. I think fate is a bitch and purposely tries to screw me over. She likes to tease and taunt me in threes. Three is also my most hated number. Nothing good ever comes from it. I purposely avoid that number like the plague.

  When my boss happened to find out I’m dating her not-quite-divorced ex—honestly, I had no idea he was even ever married—she called me into her office and fired me. Technically, the paperwork said laid off, but I knew better.

  When she said, “I think this is fate’s way of bringing you something bigger and better,” all while patting my hand, I had to bite my tongue to not make any puns about still needing bigger and better, because her ex was nothing to brag about. And fate isn’t trying to help me. No, she’s back to kicking me while I’m down.

  All I know for certain is any act that seems out of our control is a new chance to steer your life. It’s up to you what road to take.

  I decide to take my road out of the city to some beach town I’ve never heard of, Oakport Beach, in need of a change. All while I prepare myself for the next two events that will no doubt be called “fate.”

  CHAPTER 1

  The breeze from the shoreline blows through my car in an attempt to keep me cool, whipping around my body, making small strands of hair fall from my knotted bun on top of my head. The smell of salt, sand, and humidity mix in the air, reminding me I’m no longer in the city. It wraps around, clinging to my body as it begins to frizz my normally straight blonde hair. The fading sun does nothing to diminish the heat of the day and acts to only blind me with its rays. South Carolina is in the beginnings of a heatwave and shows no promise of letting go.

  Tourists and rental cars clog the highways as everyone heads into these beach towns, trying to soak up the sun and hit the waves as an excuse to escape from their daily lives. Turning off onto a lone road, I begin to question if I’m going in the right direction. No other vehicle follows mine, staying the plotted course straight ahead. The traffic dies away from my rearview mirror, and I wonder what’s wrong with this section of the ocean.

  The ocean resembles a panoramic picture, looking beautiful and perfect. I look forward to the slower schedule and hope maybe I’ll be able to find some relaxation here. Being caught up with the once heavy traffic and now the ocean view, I’d forgotten my gas gauge hasn’t been working properly. My car engine sputters and I put the transmission in neutral down a slight hill, trying to preserve my gas. I estimate how far I’ve come since I gassed up last, and think I should have a few miles left in the tank.

  My map app has already taken me to the wrong address as I try to head into some small beach town I’ve never heard of, Oakport Beach. It’s so off the beaten path it seems like tourists don’t even bother with this town.

  Taking my eyes off the road, my fingers quickly slide over my paper map that cost an outrageous amount from the gas station. It takes a second for my eyes to adjust, looking away from the blinding rays. At the bottom of this hill, all I should need to do is turn left, away from the ocean, and it’s about five miles away.

  Turning my attention back to the road, a line of ducks waddles over the pavement, entering my lane. Instinctively, my foot stomps on the brake, my whole body pushing as hard as humanly possible. My grasp is ironclad on the steering wheel, my car trying to pull from its previous straight line.

  I can’t look away, my eyes wide as I helplessly watch the last duck shuffle and stop in the middle of the road. They can’t get to the other side safely without me changing my direction. My hands yank on the wheel, my car lurching to the left. Time stands still as my eyes scan my mirrors for cars I have to avoid, all while keeping my eyes on those ducks. Adrenaline surges through my body, causing my senses to become hyperaware, allowing me to make split-second choices to the best of my ability. I watch as I miss the ducks before I slam into a bank of sand. My body is shaken like a tub of paint at a hardware store until my car comes to a complete stop. Gasping for air, my body trembles at the near-miss with the ducks, my heart rapidly beating against my ribcage.

  Silence surrounds me before what sounds like a shotgun fires out the back of my car until that same silence takes over once more. The only thing I can hear is the beating of my heart. Placing my hand to my chest, I feel the strong pounding that’s echoed in my ears. My breath comes out as fast as my heart. Damn, that could have gone worse than it had.

  I take it this is event number two. Bring it on. The faster number three comes, the faster I’ll be able to relax.

  On shaky legs, I step out to see the last duck step onto the sand/grass mixture toward the ocean, unaware that I just saved all of their lives. “You’re welcome,” I call out to the ducks that soon leave my vision.

  Taking in my car, sand rests on my hood. I’m scared to remove it and see the real damage. As I circle to the back, I see the rest of my car looks fine. So, between the lack of gas and the hood issue, it can’t be that bad. But the thought of three keeps circling me. The backfire—I doubt that was from lack of gas. Whatever issue that might be is fate keeping her promise of taunting me with my most hated number.

  The loud rumble of an engine lacking any type of muffler takes over the thumping of my heart. A huge jacked-up, topless black Jeep rounds the corner. It doesn’t stop until it’s parallel to mine.

  “Need a push out?” I’m questioned.

  In front of me is the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. His smile is contagious, making my lips curve upward. One soft dimple shows itself as his smile stretches out. Standing up, he holds onto the roll bar of his Jeep, showcasing his tanned, washboard abs that glisten in the sun. A ring of flowers in the form of a lei circles his neck, dipping in the middle of his chest. My eyes travel down his perfect ten of a body to his blue shorts covered with what
looks like pink flamingos as he hops out to inspect my car. I can’t help but see the obvious outline of his package, and I’m pretty sure he’s not even hard.

  Maybe for once, fate has brought me something good. Hopefully in the form of orgasms from lots of fulfilling, mind-blowing, heart-pounding sex. I’ll only be here for the summer, and then I’ll be back to regular life, wherever that takes me. A nice summer fling might be what I need to put my hot mess of a self back into a routine and end these types of days.

  He clears his voice, winking, having caught me checking him out. What was his question again? Oh yeah, do I need a push?

  “Oh, uh, I don’t think that’s going to help me,” I reply, knowing I’m out of gas and who knows what else with this car.

  “Why don’t you hop in with me, and I can help you get your car sorted?” I would much rather he take me home and return me to my car later, but that doesn’t seem to be on the table.

  “It’s okay. I have it under control.” I smile, trying to wave him off. He looks to be around my age, mid-twenties, and radiates this carefree, happy energy.

  He quirks an eyebrow like he’s unsure if he should accept my answer. Suddenly, I’m more worried about my appearance than my car. Looking down at myself, I realize I’m wearing shorts and a paint-splattered T-shirt, after wanting to go for comfort rather than style. No wonder he’s only offering to pull my car out. My hands go to my hair, feeling the stray strands that outline my face before being shoved into my messy bun.

  “At least let me give you a card for the tow truck company.”

  I look from him to my car before concluding I can get on my way faster if I don’t have to research who to call. “Thank you.”

  I reach out and take the card he pulled from his back pocket, but not before his fingers graze over mine. My chest tightens like recognition just took hold of my heart. It’s impossible. I don’t know this man, because I would have made it my mission to know him very intimately if we crossed paths before. Pushing the irrational feeling away, I look at the card in my hand. It’s faded, and the ends are curled like it’s been sitting in his pocket for years.

  “Crash Towing.” I look from the company name on the card to him. That weird vibe has been swept away, leaving only the sound of the ocean.

  “Don’t worry; they’re reputable and don’t cost a fortune. If you get anyone from outside of town, you’ll be paying triple.”

  “Thank you. You live around here?” If I’m going to be staying here, it might be nice to recognize a face.

  He looks proud as he announces, “Don’t get more local than me.”

  “I’m here for work, but I’d love to take you out for a coffee to thank you.” I hold my breath, hoping he says yes. Maybe I should have asked if he has a girlfriend… considering I forgot to ask my last guy if he had a wife.

  “It doesn’t work that way around here. Men do the asking.” He dips his handsome face toward me. “I’m sure I’ll see you around though.” He gets back into his Jeep, and disappointment swirls around me. Already getting turned down and I haven’t even stepped foot into the town. “Be sure to call that number soon. Everything around here closes with the sunset.”

  “Will do.”

  He starts up his engine, the sound destroying the crash of waves coming from the shoreline. He gives me one wave before he’s off, leaving me standing deserted with only a card in my hand.

  Looking at the shape of the cardstock, I hope this place is still in business. I’m starting to develop trust issues, and this card isn’t screaming “call me; I’ll save you.”

  CHAPTER 2

  The pink sky has taken over the bright sun, but the heat stays in the air. With a small blanket, my car is finally cool enough for me to take a seat on my trunk while I wait for the towing company. They were more than hospitable, offering to come out for free if I used their garage for servicing. My mind drifts back to the guy in the Jeep, wondering what his servicing of me would be like. I’m going to have to use him in my reel the next time I have a moment by myself.

  Leaning against my back windshield, I close my eyes, enjoying the solitude and the sound of the waves. It’s only short-lived as my mind wonders to my “to do” list. I don’t even know where I’m staying tonight. I originally thought I would come up here a day early to get the lay of the land before I meet my new boss. I thought I’d have time to scope out all the different locations to stay before I made my choice. My hand rubs at the small area above my heart as it starts to feel like it’s skipping beats while it accelerates with the extra stress I’ve found myself in.

  This is the first time I’ve had a moment to breathe since everything went down, and my body is still not dealing with the anxiety of it any better. I should be angry or disappointed at another failed relationship and needing a new job, but I honestly don’t think I liked either of them that much. I’m sadder I couldn’t afford my rent and was forced to move, uprooting my whole life as I live a summer in limbo, not knowing what life will look like in the fall.

  Hearing the rumble of a vehicle, I open my eyes, seeing what looks like a tow truck coming from the opposite direction of the Jeep. It just barely makes its appearance on the horizon. Sitting up, my stomach growls with the movement, reminding me I haven’t eaten since breakfast. It will have to wait like everything else right now.

  As the truck comes closer into view, I hop off my car, going to stand on the edge of the road. In big, bold, blue letters is the name Crash Towing.

  The truck stops, and a frail-looking man greets me, “You Piper, young lady?” His voice shakes, making him sound hardly in any condition to help me physically. His skin looks to be wrinkled from his years in the sun, but he has a warm smile. I knew this was too good to be true.

  “What seems to be the problem, miss?” I turn to the other voice, seeing the same man who stopped earlier giving me a knowing smirk. He’s changed clothes, now wearing a pair of jeans and a shirt that covers up all the delicious muscles that were on display previously. He has sun-kissed brown hair that looks to be turning blond. It’s longer on one side while the other is clean-shaven.

  “You know what the problem is.” I look from him to the old man.

  “Well, let’s get your car hooked up.” He taps on the truck, and the older man begins to angle the hitch correctly to get to my car.

  “I’m Crash by the way.” He extends his hand, taking mine. My body immediately swoons for him, making me self-conscious about what I’m wearing once again.

  “You could have just told me you were the towing company,” I tell him as he begins to work on my car.

  “Now, where’s the fun in that?” He looks over his shoulder, giving me that sexy grin of his before going back to his task.

  I stand there, unsure if I should watch or go sit in the truck. I fiddle with my hair, but he doesn’t even seem to notice me as he works. I use it as my opportunity to get a good look at him. My original assessment was right. He’s sexy, and even more so when he works with his hands. Within a few minutes, my car is up on its back wheels, ready to be moved.

  “Thank you for helping, and I appreciate the free tow,” I say, needing to fill the silent void.

  He stands and gestures for me to go ahead of him, while replying, “Anytime.”

  Going to the passenger side, I realize the cab of the truck is small. I look back to Crash, who has a knowing smile on his face.

  “We can squish in, or you can sit on my lap.” He winks before double-checking something in the back.

  Opening the door, I introduce myself again, “Hi, I’m Piper Stone.”

  “Nice to meet you, dear. I’m Tony Griffin. You’re lucky you met Crash earlier; otherwise, when you called, we would have already been closed,” he informs me.

  “Well, I appreciate it. I have a work interview in the morning.”

  Crash opens the door, sliding right in with ease. My legs are sandwiched against his, and I become all too aware of him. He places his arm along the back as he angles hi
s body to give me a fraction of an inch more room. I can feel his arm hairs dancing across the back of my neck. A zap flows through me, igniting this unnerving sensation along every inch of my skin.

  “Now, what is it you do?” Tony asks. I welcome the distraction, refusing to look at the gorgeous man beside me.

  “I’m a nurse.”

  “We don’t have any hospitals here, and the doc has his wife to help him.”

  “Oh, I’m doing some live-in care. I needed a change, and this sounded perfect.”

  “Is that so?” Crash chimes in, his arm now fully touching my shoulders as it rested on the back of the seat. “Do you wear cute nurse outfits?” He wiggles his eyebrows at me. My nerves begin to scream with want, and all I can think about is how handsome this man is.

  “Unless you think scrubs are sexy, no.”

  His hand flies to his chest. “Scrubs are my favorite. How did you know?” I can’t help but laugh.

  “His heart is better than his flirting,” Tony remarks.

  “I’m hurt, man.” Crash laughs as Tony shakes his head, driving us into town. Soon, the vacant ocean line begins to show signs of life. Across the ocean, small cottages emerge just back from the shore. Across the road, small stores start to pop up. There’s what looks to be an ice cream store, coffee shop, liquor store, a small tavern, then a breakfast place. I can’t help but notice a few other stores with the name Crash on them, including Crash and Go Mechanics.

  “You love the play on words with your name, huh?”

  “What’s not to love?”

  Nodding, I fall quiet. Looking back to the water, I see a small marina that houses some boats before I feel the truck stop.

  Crash gets out of the truck, helping me down the step. I go to retrieve my bag from the backseat not knowing how long they’ll have my car.

  “Where are you staying?” he asks as I follow him into the shop. He unlocks the door and flips on all the lights.