Chapter 2: Corbin
FIVE YEARS AGO
I had never laid eyes on a pair of eyes so captivating until I saw her step out of that car, her short summer dress fluttering in the breeze. The wind whipped through her long red hair, which fell in delicate curls. But what truly stole my breath was her smile—it broke into my dark, lonely existence like a ray of light. I hadn't seen her around the neighborhood before, but after being away from home for over two months and only returning last night, I found myself wondering who my new neighbor could be.
When I realized who she was with, my joy vanished instantly: it was an older man, well-dressed, who seemed to be enjoying her company a little too much.
"Hey, you're a cheater!" the beautiful girl said, laughing. I felt a surge of jealousy immediately. Her sweet voice was like a soft melody, a gentle whisper. She walked over to him and pulled him into a hug.
"My little girl just doesn't know how to lose. Come on, let's go tell your mother who the champion of donut-eating really is."
"Oh, Dad!" she said, still laughing and shaking her head. To my immense relief, he was just her father. Still, I was sure as hell that I wanted to get to know that sweet girl with the wild hair.
As they passed by my porch, I picked up my guitar and started playing, needing to grab her attention. Without hesitation, she turned to look at me with a dazzling smile. She was just a kid to me, and getting close to her would be wrong in so many ways, but damn it... I had to do it.
My bliss was short-lived when her father pulled her out of my sight. Even so, I wasn't going to give up on her, even though I knew I had to keep her away from my darkness. Away from me.
(####)
A week has passed since I saw her, mostly because I had to leave town for work. But I've got so much shit on my mind right now that I walk into my house, drop my bag on the floor, and head straight back out; I need to distract myself, and it's a beautiful day with the sun shining bright.
I hop into my Fortuner truck, sliding behind the wheel. I hit the road and head to the outskirts of San Diego, to a beach that's rarely frequented. When I arrive, I park as close to the water as possible. The sea looks tantalizingly beautiful, the sun shimmering over its undulating surface. That's all the motivation I need to jump out of the truck. I toss my leather jacket and black shirt onto the seat, kick off my combat boots, and leave them aside.
I walk toward the shoreline, feeling the hot sand sliding between my toes.
"Hi!" Hearing a warm voice come out of nowhere gives me a hell of a jump, and I'm not a man who scares easily.
I turn to see the owner of that voice, though deep down, I already know who it is. When I do, my eyes find her quickly. There she is, wearing nothing but tiny shorts that make her look… God, help me, those legs are endless and show off her gorgeous pale skin. She's in sandals and, Lord, she's only wearing her red bikini top; no shirt, just a towel draped over her shoulders.
Her shy gaze travels over my body, and I feel it burning me in the process.
"Hi. I didn't know you were here," I say.
"Well, actually, I just got here." She lifts her arm and points to something nearby. I follow her gesture and see her mother's car parked to one side. How could someone who wasn't old enough to drive be wandering around just like that? She keeps talking. "It was such a nice day and… well, here I am." Yeah, it's obvious you're here, and looking fucking incredible. "Don't worry, I won't bother you. I'll just set up somewhere and that's it," she says, seeing that I'm still speechless.
I snap out of my idiocy and look her straight in the eyes—they're a grayish-blue. I'm not sure if that blue tint comes from the sea.
"It's fine. You can stay close and keep us company." I point to the two of us. She frowns, which makes her look even more adorable, then she smiles and nods. "By the way, I'm Corbin Hunt. We're neighbors. I'm sorry I wasn't around when you moved in; I was out of town for work." She looks at me confused, and that's when I realize she thinks I'm the new one, not the other way around. "Did you think I was new?" She blushes instantly; she looks embarrassed.
"Yes. Well, the house next door was empty. We've only been here about a month or so, anyway. My name is Sienna. Sienna Green," she says.
I watch her walk past my truck and spread her towel on the white sand. She's so indifferent, acting as if I don't even exist. She ignores me completely. That has never happened to me; women don't usually ignore me. She kicks off her sandals and nothing else, then walks straight into the water, the small waves washing over her feet. She begins to wade in. Her beautiful curly hair falls down her back, reaching her cute, heart-shaped ass.
The water seems to invite her in, and I, trapped under the spell of her beauty, can't look away. Sienna moves with grace, as if the ocean is her ally. The waves wash over her feet, pulling the sand away again and again like a lover who doesn't quite dare to touch her completely. I can't help but smile watching her play with the water; her laughter is fresh and pure, ringing through the air like bells on a spring day.