Married To Murder

Chapter One

Seth

The first time I laid eyes on Tanner Trenton, I was mostly confused. He was gorgeous with charcoal hair and smoky brown eyes, but he definitely seemed out of place. The guy’s suit and designer sunglasses probably cost more than the entire inventory of my surf shop. Why a guy like him would have wandered into my store was beyond me. But I was willing to take anybody’s money, so I just smiled and went to see if he needed help.

Can I help you with anything? I smiled, and my pulse fluttered a little when he turned his gaze on me. He was even nicer to look at up close, and I found myself feeling strangely shy.

I’m just browsing. His voice was deep and husky.

Sure. I went back to hanging some new-arrival shirts. It’s a beautiful day today.

Yeah. He didn’t sound convinced.

I laughed. You should take a walk on the beach or something. That might help lighten your mood.

You think my mood needs lightening?

I glanced at him over my shoulder. I believe I’m sensing some tension. I smiled to soften my words.

He studied me in silence for a moment. It’s been a stressful day.

Sorry to hear it. I shrugged. But you’re at the beach now. Just soak in the sun and fresh air, and I’ll bet you can turn your day around.

He snorted. Wow. You’re certainly an upbeat guy.

Grinning, I didn’t take offense. I’ll choose positivity every time.

He was quiet for a while, and then he said, That’s probably a wise choice.

I picked up the box I’d emptied and went out back to throw it away in the dumpster. When I returned to the inside of the shop, he was standing at the register empty-handed. I smiled at him and gave him a curious look. What’s up?

I was wondering if you give surfing lessons?

He wanted surfing lessons? I’d kind of expected him to be gone when I’d returned to the shop, but instead here he was asking about surfing lessons? I tried to keep my expression blank. I didn’t want to be rude, but he looked like he’d be more at home in a boardroom than on a surfboard riding waves. Yeah, I have a group lesson tomorrow… if you’re going to be around.

He frowned. I was hoping for a private lesson.

I nodded. I do those too. But it’s cheaper if you take the group lesson.

I’m not worried about the cost. I’m worried about making a fool of myself in front of a bunch of other people. He smirked.

He didn’t strike me as someone who’d care what other people thought, so his reticence was intriguing. The thing is, everybody in the group will be beginners too. You’ll all look pretty ridiculous at first. But they’ll be more worried about themselves than you.

His smile was pleasant. Still… I’d prefer a private lesson. I don’t suppose you have any openings later today?

I shrugged. Sure. Whatever you want. I glanced around at the empty shop. It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Montecito, and most people were already at the beach. Do you have time now?

He hesitated. Um… sure. He frowned and looked down at his suit. I didn’t bring trunks. He laughed gruffly. I figured you’d tell me to come back later.

Hey, this is the beach. There are no clocks. There’s only the ocean and the sun to worry about.

Good point. I don’t have sunscreen either.

I grinned. I’ll take care of you. I moved closer to the cash register, aware of his gaze on me. I grabbed the little remote for my open sign and switched the flashing neon off. Then I punched some buttons on the POS machine. Like I said, private lessons aren’t cheap, but the board and wet suit are included in the price. I’ll throw in some board shorts and the sunscreen for free.

Thanks. He tugged his wallet from his back pocket.

I’m Seth, by the way. I smiled cheerfully and held out my hand.

Tanner. His firm hand pressed mine.

Nice to meet you, Tanner. The feel of his fingers on mine had my pulse spiking. I pulled my hand away, hoping I didn’t look as rattled as I felt. So that’s one hundred and eighty dollars for two hours. Sound good? I arched one brow.

He didn’t even blink. Yep.

It must have been a nice feeling to be able to drop almost two hundred dollars on the spur of the moment without a care in the world. My reality was slightly different. Most months, I had more money going out than coming in. But at least I lived my life on my terms. All I needed was the ocean and my board to make my life complete. Guys like Tanner had to be leveraged up to their eyeballs to afford surfing lessons and thousand-dollar suits.

I ran his card and then handed it back to him. I came around the counter and went to a rack of trunks I had on clearance. Large or extra-large? I asked, riffling through the brightly-colored swimwear. I was tempted to run my gaze over his body because he was a good-looking guy, but I didn’t want to make things awkward. Teaching someone to surf was already up close and personal.

He patted his flat stomach. I’d say large.

I pulled a pair of blue-and-yellow trunks from the rack and handed them to him. Then I grabbed a wet suit from another rack. Trunks first, then wet suit over. Dressing room is at the back. Take your time. I’m going to wax our boards while you change.

Okay. He walked cautiously down the hallway to the changing room.

I smiled at how hesitant he seemed. My little shop probably felt like a hovel to him. While the place was small and cluttered, it was clean. I made sure of that. I hated filth. It reminded me of times when showers and a clean bed had been just a dream. I was never going back to that way of life, and I kept those negative thoughts of the past at bay by making sure my shop was my own little organized space.

I grabbed a nice wide, long board for Tanner. Then I laid down a thick base coat of wax on the surface in thick diagonal lines. Next I rubbed on the softer, tackier wax used as a top coat so he’d be able to grip the board better with his toes. By the time I had the board nicely waxed, he came out of the back room wearing only his trunks.

He carried himself confidently, as if he was used to being admired. He had a long, lanky torso with a perfect six-pack. He was tanned, although not as tanned as me, and his legs were muscular with a light dusting of dark hair. I was embarrassed at how attractive I found him. I saw half-naked people all day long working on the beach, but I didn’t usually even notice. Something about Tanner got to me more than usual. Maybe it was because he seemed so out of place. Even in just a pair of ten-dollar swim trunks, he looked twenty times more sophisticated than me or my usual clientele.

Am I supposed to wear these under the wet suit? he asked, looking puzzled.

Yeah. I hoped he hadn’t noticed I’d been gawking at him. It seems warm today, but the water will be cold.

He patted his hips. Won’t the suit bunch up?

Not usually. I have some Speedos you can wear instead? If he took me up on that offer, I was a little afraid I’d have trouble hiding the boner I’d probably get seeing him in Speedos.

He grimaced. No. I’ll stick with these.

The suit will fit over your trunks. Trust me. I smiled reassuringly.

Okay. He headed back toward the dressing room.

I got dressed in my wet suit and closed up everything but the front door. Then I carried his board out of the shop and set it on the sand. About that time he came outside in his black wet suit. It fit his body like a glove, and I tried not to look at him too much in case he noticed. I went inside to grab my board and when I returned, he was staring out to sea, the wind whipping his dark locks around. It’s been years since I’ve been on a California beach. His voice was soft.

Seriously? I squinted at him. Why?

He looked surprised at my question. Well, I work a lot. And I usually go to Hawaii or Bermuda if I plan on being on a beach.

I nodded. Oh, got it. You’ve been on beaches, but not California beaches. No. Monte Carlo was probably more his style. I pointed to his board. That’s yours. I’ve waxed it nice and thick so you can stay on better. Have you ever had a surfing lesson?

I had a few when I was in college.

Okay, so it’s been a while?

He winced. Is it that obvious?

I laughed. That’s not how I meant it. But neither of us are college age. I couldn’t tell how old he was. His skin was smooth, and there were very few lines around his eyes. If I’d had to guess by looking at him, I’d have said he was midtwenties, but judging by how sensitive he was about his age, that made me think he was probably closer to his thirties.

Fair enough. He rested his hands on his waist.

I handed him a packet of sunscreen, and after he’d applied it to his face, I locked the front door and cleared my throat. Grab your board and follow me.

He gave the shop a curious glance. You’re just closing up and taking off during business hours?

That’s how we do it around here. I laughed. I’m the only one in the shop, so if you want a lesson, I don’t have much choice. Not to mention his lesson would net me more than anyone who wandered through browsing the T-shirt section.

Well, I’m ready when you are.

As I walked I explained my process. We’re going to start with some basics on the sand. Just things like standing on the board, positioning your body in the center, paddling. Beginner stuff.

Okay. He sounded breathless as he tagged along behind me.

I dropped my board on the sand, and he did the same. I had him stand in the center of the board, and we practiced lying down and sliding up on his palms in preparation for standing to catch a wave. He was graceful and he mastered most things very quickly. I could tell he’d surfed before, even though he was obviously rusty.

Because of the nature of the lesson, I had to touch him a lot. I gave lessons all the time, but I was bashful about putting my hands on him. However, if I was going to give him his money’s worth, I needed to get over my hesitancy to touch him. I put my hands on his shoulders and helped him balance on the wobbly board. He smelled good, his cologne was definitely high-end, and his muscles were hard beneath my hands. I clenched my teeth and focused on teaching.

After about an hour of drilling him on the basics, I said, I think you’re actually ready to get in the water.

He wrinkled his brow. You sure?

I’ll be with you.

He gave a little smile, and for the first time I was able to see a reciprocal gleam of attraction. You’ll keep me safe, Seth?

Absolutely. I was painfully aware of the thump of my heart as I held his dark gaze.

This surfing lesson was just a spur-of-the-moment thing. He laughed. But you’re a good teacher. I’m kind of glad I walked into your shop.

So is my bank account.

He grinned and little dimples appeared. I’m spending the night in town. I might just come by for another lesson tomorrow.

Sounds awesome. Maybe I’ll be able to pay my rent this month.

His laugh was husky. You seem very focused on the money aspect of this.

I shrugged. It’s my business, but I want you to have a good experience too. It’s not just about the money.

Good. He glanced out at the waves, and he sucked in a breath.

It’s okay. Don’t be nervous. Just remember what I showed you and have fun. I leaned toward him. Life should be enjoyed, Tanner. Just let go and feel the water around you and the sun on your skin.

His eyes warmed. That’s a nice thought.

I’m full of nice thoughts. I don’t have time for negativity, man.

Me neither. He picked up his board, and he blew out a long breath. Okay. I’m ready.

I put my hand on his shoulder to reassure him. The waves are small today. I don’t think you’ll get in too much trouble.

He turned his head, and our faces were only a foot apart. I don’t have anything against trouble. His gaze dropped to my mouth. In fact, I kind of like trouble.

Is that right? I asked breathlessly.

Yep. He tore his gaze from my mouth, and glanced at the ocean. It’s drowning I worry about.

Chapter Two

Tanner

I’d been stressed and in a foul mood after a nasty argument on the phone with my dad, when I’d wandered into Seth’s little surf shop called Surf’s Up. It was located in a small, nondescript white building tucked just off the sandy walkway near the beach. Perhaps the thing that had drawn me to Seth’s store was the rainbow wind sock attached to his roof, flapping wildly in the breeze. I’d still been hurting from some homophobic comments from my dad, and that flag had been a welcome sight.

The thing that had kept me in the shop was Seth himself.

On the surface, he had a sexy surfer-dude vibe, and I was embarrassed to realize that made me dismiss him at first as probably not very bright. But when I’d actually started talking to him, it was obvious he wasn’t dumb at all. His light blue eyes were sharp and intelligent, and his demeanor was calming. My decision to ask about surfing lessons had mostly been because I’d wanted to spend a little more time around his cheerful energy.

I studied him as he tied