woman from last night or was it a suspect? “If you’ll excuse me.” She brushed by him. “Wait. Please don’t leave me to hang all by myself.” Allie looked at him. His green eyes pleaded with her. “For someone who wants me to hang out with him, you’re barely paying attention to a word I’m saying.” “Yes, I am. You said you didn’t know Paul and I knew each other and I told you we met yesterday.” He looked her squarely in the eyes. “Tell me I’m wrong.” She shrugged. So he got lucky. “Why did you come?” She had to admit she was thankful he was here and he wanted her to keep him company. “I thought it might be fun.” He winked. So he was there in police mode. He was hoping to bust the dealer. Allie glanced around taking another look at the guests. She couldn’t help but wonder who, if any of them, were the dealers. Another thought plagued her. Would Tony bust up the party while she was there? She didn’t like the thought of chaos. At least she didn’t have to stand around feeling like an outsider. Tony was by her side and she had someone to talk to. “So are you having fun?” “Nah. I feel like an old man busting in on a teenagers’ party.” She laughed. “That’s how I feel too.” “Wanna walk down to the water?” “Sure.” He offered her his hand and she accepted. They left the loud, obnoxious crowd behind except for a few stragglers who were drinking on the beach. A group of guys was attempting to start a bonfire. It was the perfect night for sitting on the beach in front of a fire. The sky was a midnight blue, full of stars. The moon was large and round. It was romantic. Their hands swung between them as they headed toward the water. “Allie, I know I’ve said this many times, but I’m really sorry for the misunderstanding.” She stopped and grimaced. “Enough of the apologizing. If you don’t stop telling me how sorry you are, I’m going to leave you standing alone on this beach.” “Fine. I’m glad you’re here with me.” He stepped closer and Allie didn’t move. He was going to kiss her. There was a look of need in his eyes. “Me too,” she whispered. She wished he’d just lean in a little closer and get it over with. She wanted the kiss just as much as he did. “I really like you.” “Oh shut up,” she said. She grabbed his face and pulled him to her lips. They grazed against each other and the sparks were instantaneous. Allie wanted to combust the moment his tongue slid over the threshold of her mouth. She inched closer, allowing him to explore. Their tongues danced playfully. Her hands moved from his face down to his broad shoulders. They were strong and tense under her grip. Tony wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground. Unable to resist she draped her legs around his strong frame. Her arms snaked around his neck. She couldn’t get close enough to him. He released her lips and spoke softly. “Do you think we can find a private spot on the beach?” Allie glanced around, thinking it would be nearly impossible. “What about over by those rocks?” she suggested. “Let’s go check it out.” He started walking with her still in his arms. “Why don’t you let me down and I’ll walk myself. I wouldn’t want you to use up all your strength.” She wasn’t beating around the bush. She wanted him and she was going to have him right on the beach. Sand be damned. Tony placed her on the ground. Allie removed her shoes and Tony followed suit. He took her hand and they practically ran to the rocks. They found a nice little alcove where they would be hidden from the beach dwellers. “This is fabulous.” She bounced up and down, excited. “I’ve never you know…done it in the sand.” “Me either, but I’m willing to give it a try.” “I hear the sand can hurt.” She shrugged. “If it gets to be too much we’ll go back to my place. I’m sure Paul won’t miss us.” A clouded look