Two words sum up my summer in paradise-Evan Ashford. I have a life back home I must return to, though my heart battles this reality. What started as a carefree summer fling has become so much more. Evan has become so much more. He's become everything. Cupping his face, I stare into his deep blue eyes, wanting to lose myself once more... needing to know he feels this too. Although our connection won't stop the summer's end from rushing toward us or silence the demons Evan battles, I have faith our love can overcome the obstacles that will undoubtedly arise from us choosing to be together. I still worry... Will our good intentions be good enough? But I'm all in, willing to take the risk, knowing he can destroy my heart if I'm wrong. Like a riptide, I was forever changed by one woman-Mallory Wray. Our eyes meet and we spend a moment looking into the others', reading the fear and the love that mingles within. I move slowly down and kiss her forehead, her nose, her eyelids, her cheeks, and her chin before I kiss her lips again-soft and gentle, not rushed, but sensual. She smiles and I die inside knowing that I won't get to see her face every day. I've been spoiled by this sweet angel giving me all her days and nights. I possessively take hold of her wrists and like so many times before, the air stills as our connection intensifies. I can't help myself when it comes to her. I kiss her. Rain pours down harder and I wrap my arms around her, engulfing her body, her love, her soul.