The wind rustled through the trees, making the leaves tremble. Eve sat and listened, her eyes closed, to the peaceful sound. Every once in a while I bird would chirp or sing, adding to the serenity of the moment. Where she sat, nothing could touch her, not the long school year she’d just finished or the annoying sound of trucks barreling down the interstate.

Eve was ready for peace and quiet. Every day had been a challenge. She knew going back to college at 32 would be tough, but she never imagined it would be quite that hard. The twenty-something’s she’d been in class with banded together to keep her down, or at least it felt that way. She wasn’t in their dorm, or their sorority, or going to this party or that one. She was the old woman in class, and none of them were all that interested in getting to know her.

But that was over. Class ended and in a few days Eve would be getting her degree. She’d finally see her lifelong dream realized. After waiting an extra decade before finishing up school, she was glad to finally be done.

The roar of an approaching vehicle drew her from her relaxed state. She knew the small lake access wasn’t private, but not many people knew it existed. Usually Eve could sit in her chair all day, her toes digging into the soft sand as the water danced over her ankles, and not see anyone. On the day she really needed the relaxation, it appeared she wasn’t going to get it.

The red SUV parked next to Eve’s car and three doors opened.

The driver was stunning. Sandy brown hair and a killer smile were the first things Eve saw. A broad chest, barely covered in a white t-shirt that begged to be free of his muscles, led to a narrow waist and low slung board shorts with some sort of fake tropical scene. Long tan legs made her think of long summer days spent lounging in their private spot.

Then Eve noticed the brunette woman who got out the passenger door. A black and pink bikini barely covered her abundance of breasts and perfectly perky ass. She flashed the hunky driver a come hither look that could only be missed by a blind person. ‘Oh, well,’ Eve thought, ‘I wasn’t looking for a summer fling anyway.’

Eve closed her eyes again, hoping they’d go about their business and not bother her. She wanted peace and quiet, not sex on the beach, especially if she wasn’t one of the participants.

Voices drifted over to her, the deep baritone of the guy, a high pitched giggle from the brunette, and a third voice, mixing with the other two. Eve forgot about the third person. She’d been too busy ogling the driver to think about him. Something about his voice was familiar, niggling in the back of her brain. The hottie driver wasn’t familiar, and neither was Ms. Perfect Boobs, so Eve pushed away the thought that he was familiar.

She tried to focus on relaxing again, but his voice kept drifting to her ears. She couldn’t place it, but she definitely liked it. Deep and smooth with just a hint of an accent. The more Eve tried to ignore him though, the more she heard.

“Dude,” he said, “I thought you brought me here to hang out. All you’re doing is ignoring me for your flavor of the week.”

Interesting, Eve thought. He was more interested in spending time with the guy than the half naked woman they were with.

“Relax, bro. I’ll be here for another week. We’ll have time to get together.”

“I’ve got shit to do. That’s why I agreed to come out today. And instead of finding out how you’re doing and catching up after you’ve been gone for almost a year, all I see if the back of your head buried in her face.”

“Aw, come on, Nico, lighten up. Why don’t you go chat up that sexy little thing over there. She looks like your type. Cute, brunette, nice legs perfect for wrapping around – oof.” Eve heard a splash and opened her eyes to see the driver come up from the water. He splashed the other guy who just laughed at him. The brunette jumped in after him and tackled him, joining in the game she didn’t start.

Guy two turned toward Eve and smirked. His eyes danced with mischief. She just shook her head at him. He grinned and started walking toward over after a glance at the other two, who were making out like teenagers.

With each step he came into clearer focus and all at once Eve knew exactly who he was. Her breath hitched in her throat as she took in his glistening body, killer legs, and a smile she’d dreamt about more times than was fair. She’d been lusting after the man approaching her for months, but had never seen him so sexy. She wasn’t sure what to say, or how to act. But the time to decide was nearly over. His shadow covered her toes, then her legs, and finally her face.

“I’m sorry if my brother offended you. He’s a bit of a jerk when it comes to women. I hope we aren’t ruining your day.”

“It’s okay, professor Rich. Don’t worry about it.”

Dread, then recognition filled his face. Then a grin teased his lips. “Well, Ms. Martinez, I never expected to find you here.”