Paradise Beach: A Sweet Second Chance Romance (Book 1)

By Shantal Sessions

A fun and flirty second chance romance set on the beaches and blue waves of Maui. A gorgeous, feel-good, heartwarming love story about forgiveness, new beginnings, and finding love all over again. Fans of sweet romance will adore this charming beach-bliss break.

Cat Cortez's world shattered the day her soulmate walked out.

Heartbroken but determined, Cat throws herself into the building her family's new nursery and landscaping business. Desperate to get over him, she hopes to plant something new in her life where love once bloomed. Just when she thinks she's salvaged what was left of her broken heart, he careens back into her life…

She has no intention of getting back together with Dan Reese, but as Cat begins to see his true intentions, her steely heart softens and, surprisingly, finds herself wanting a second chance. But she hasn't reckoned on the hurricane force of his domineering father, who's intent on tearing the couple apart once again.

Despite the brutal blow, her foolish heart isn't listening . . . putting her in danger of falling for him all over again.

Don't miss this chance to lose your heart in Paradise Beach with Dan, Cat, and a charming ensemble of family and friends, where learning to love again is finding where you truly belong.

Note: This book originally appeared as A Second Chance in Maui. This version, Paradise Beach, has new content that ramps up the chemistry between Dan and Cat, plus a bonus epilogue! You'll love their witty dialog and sweet interactions as they take their relationship to the next level.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shantal Sessions
• Release date: Jun 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9798201698072

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cat was late. She’d lost track of time at the nursery, like she always did, her fingers in the dirt and her mind spinning with ideas for new garden spaces. She hadn’t accepted a date in forever and didn’t want to make the make the wrong impression. She’d fought those her entire life. They seemed to hang around like a bad smell. People could just not get the idea out of their heads that she was someone else’s girl.

She wasn’t, and that was that.

Screeching to a halt at a rare parking place on the crowded street, Cat put her truck in park, grabbed her purse, and slammed the door behind her. She hit the pavement jogging but decided it would look desperate, probably lame. She slowed into an easy walk.

The pleasant, early evening breeze on the island lifted her long, dark hair off the back of her neck enough to help gain her bearings. Chill, sis, she thought with a sigh. It’s just drinks and maybe some dinner. She hadn’t eaten lunch and craved some sweet Maui onion rings.

Just outside the door, she heard music blaring, the crowd whooping and hollering, and wondered why it had started so soon. Loud music was the norm for a laid-back Mexican cafe, but Fred’s usually got rowdy late at night when the young tourists came to party.

A casual joint with large, airy windows, it opened to the outside facing palm trees and the ocean. Crayon colors splashed the walls and old surfboards hung from the ceiling, while pictures of beach scenes jammed every inch of space. The air from ceiling fans gently nudged their frames, some clicking against the walls.

When Cat walked in and saw the reason for the commotion, she groaned under her breath. She couldn’t see her date, but the past was coming at her fast, like a car speeding out-of-control toward the trunk of a tree.

That sort of collision would be life-changing, altering everything in her peaceful, solitary world. It was a world she had constructed to protect herself, a place where she could throw herself into her work without the threat of ever being hurt again. She’d heard he’d just gotten back from Afghanistan, but why was he here?

There he stood on a table, shirtless, undoubtedly drunk, with a mic in his hand. Surrounded by several friends, his back-up singers, he belted out the words to Danger Zone from Top Gun, a classic rock song from the ‘80s film.

One hand in the air as he sang into the mic, he moved his hips in a slow, sexy gyration. And dangerous he was, Cat thought, the kind that made women shiver. She knew the military had been hard on him, had nearly killed him, but dang, he looked good.

Seriously, girl. Get a hold of yourself! Cat huffed to herself, trying to pry her eyes away from him.

The crowd in the bar loved the routine, gathered around, clapped and whistled, egging him on. They all loved a fool. Feeling a little sorry for her old flame, Cat sighed in frustration and searched the room for her date. Unable to find him, she thought he must be upstairs.

She edged toward the stairway along the bar behind the crowd. Just then, the music stopped, as if a DJ had pushed the needle off and scratched the record. The cheering continued, but the crowd slowly fell into silence when they followed his gaze.

Cat?

To her horror, all the people in the bar stared at her, including the man on top of the table.

She cringed when she heard her name. Stopping dead in her tracks, she swallowed hard and faced him.

Cat, is that you? Why you sneaking off, girl? He handed the mic to one of his back-up singers and clambered down from the table. Almost falling when he stepped on the chair, he was still a bit wobbly when he landed on the floor. The crowd was now so enthralled by his actions, they parted like the Red Sea as he walked toward her.

Hi, Dan, she said with a shy smile and an awkward wave of her hand.

My beautiful, beautiful girl. He opened his arms to her, expecting her to fall right into them like she used to do. Did you hear I was back in town? Is that why you’re here?

Not exactly. Cat pushed a tendril of hair behind her ear and glanced toward the staircase nervously, hoping Dan wouldn’t figure it out.

Her date, a native Hawaiian named Max, appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He watched the scene unfold, looking at her with expectation. Why didn’t she walk toward Max? Cat didn’t know, didn’t understand why her feet were rooted to the ground when it came to Dan.

He had always been her weakness.

But, she had given him up for good. Luckily, he’d gone into the Army and made it easier for her keep her promise to herself.

When Dan got close and looked down into her eyes, she could smell the alcohol on his breath, his old vice that he could never completely conquer.

You look great, Cat. He put a on hand on the bar to steady himself. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.

Look, Dan, she said, eyeing the watchful crowd behind him. I’m glad you’re back home, safe and sound, but I actually have a...

A date? He swung his perfect torso around and threw a rude glance at Max, tightening his fist and thumb to point toward the staircase. With that guy? Nah, not you, Cat. You’re way too good for him.

Dan, please. I’ll come visit you later, okay? This isn’t the place for a reunion.

Sure, it is, baby.

For a moment, she thought he was going to cry. Then he turned and placed both hands on the bar and bent over, breathing deeply. When he looked at her, she could see he’d broken into a sweat and color had drained from his face. Standing up straight, as if he’d gained his bearings, he gave her an easy smile, like he’d done a thousand times before, and then ... barfed all over her.

Honestly, it wasn’t a surprise. Messes and mayhem always ensued when she was around Dan. She always talked herself into being with him anyway, no matter how crazy, or how stupid, or how insane. There was always a reason why.

Not this time. She was so done.

Cat felt the wet of the vomit soak through her new sundress. A few slimy chunks oozed down the front of her as she shook debris off her hands. Dan was on all fours, puking on the floor. The crowd backed away, but some still echoed the collective oh from the shock of seeing someone throw up in public.

Max walked up beside her, not quite sure what to do. He looked around desperately, grabbed some napkins off the bar, and gave them to her. While she dabbed at her dress, the servers worked in full force to clean up the mess.

Gabe the barkeep, a haole, a big, beefy guy with strawberry blond hair and an impressive coppery beard, walked around to the front of the bar. He lifted Dan off the floor, hefting one of Dan’s arms over his shoulder, and then wrapped his other arm around Dan’s waist.

Thanks, man, Dan said, but I need some more time with Cat.

"I think you’ve done enough, man." Max assumed a proprietary role in the whole fiasco, which was so weird. They hadn’t even been on a date yet.

Let’s take you in the back and settle your stomach first, Gabe said with a nod and wink, his chubby cheeks rising with a smile. You’ll want to brush your teeth before you try to woo the ladies.

I’m going to marry this girl! Dan shouted to the crowd, pointing at Cat as the barkeep ushered him away. They erupted in laughter and cheers. Just you wait and see.

Cat wished she could fall through a trap door in the floor and hide forever.

I know you have a history with this guy. Max furrowed his brows and shook his head. From what I’ve heard, it’s all in the past. Are you two still tight?

No, we are not tight. Cat clipped her consonants, enunciating in anger. She tossed the napkins aside, grabbed a towel off the bar, and tried to sop up the mess on her dress, scrubbing furiously. I put Dan behind me a long time ago. Look, he just got back from fighting in Afghanistan. We grew up together...

Yeah, the whole island knows that. Max scowled, his nose pinched from the sour smell. Now, I’ll be the laughing stock of the island for trying to take a shot at you.

Take a shot at me? Who says things like that? Cat tossed the towel on the bar in frustration, trying hard not to yell. Are you for real?

Look, you’re the prettiest girl on the island. Every guy has his eye on you, but you’re quiet, he said slowly, carefully. You keep to yourself, only hang out with your family, and you’ve got a history with this idiot who thinks he’s going to marry you. You’ve got these barriers all around you. I can’t get through. No one can.

Great, just great. So, that’s what everyone on the island thinks. Just when she finally had the courage to say yes...

Max walked out of the bar and left her alone in the middle of a dwindling, but talkative crowd. This incident would live forever, no doubt about it. She shuddered to think about what would appear on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Hey, Cat. One of the servers approached her with a kind smile. There’s a ladies lounge in the back. You can borrow some clothes from me while we run your dress through the washer and dryer.

Thanks. I’ll take care of it at home. She waved her off and turned to leave.

She had to get as far away from Dan Reese as possible.

Chapter 2

"Y ou’re back early, mi niña ," Cat heard her mother, Marta, call from the kitchen as the screen door closed behind her.

Cat paused in the living room of their small Hawaiian plantation house. She wished she could bolt to her bedroom, just a few steps away, without talking to her mom about it. There was no hiding her appearance, or the dress, for that matter. Marta had helped her pick it out. She took a deep breath but immediately regretted it— such a vile stench — and walked into the kitchen.

"¡Ay! What’s that smell?" Marta asked, wrinkling her nose as she dried a dish and put it in the cupboard.

Her mother had a smooth olive complexion, thick, curly, black hair cut short around her face, and beautiful golden-brown eyes. As she aged, she was getting a little stout around the middle and had some streaks of grey in her hair, but it suited her. She thrived on her heritage, her family, her cooking, her personality, and shared it with everyone unabashedly. Everyone was welcome in the Cortez home.

When she caught a glimpse of Cat, her eyes grew round. "¡Porque no! Not the new dress. What happened?"

I got in the way of a drunk.

I thought you were meeting Max. Marta scowled and put her hands on her hips.

I did meet Max, after I got thrown-up on. He was waiting upstairs at Fred’s and pretty much deserted me when he saw what happened.

Men! Marta huffed in mock contempt. Can’t handle the sight of puke. Children, all of them! She winked as she dried her hands and draped the dishtowel over her shoulder. Let’s get you out of this smelly thing and throw it in the washer. Hopefully, all that stomach acid hasn’t faded the colors.

Eww, Mamá, gross!

I don’t know why you’re calling me gross. You’re the one who got soaked in barf and drove home in it.

I know — I’m lame.

Cataleya, her mother said in warning. You try my patience sometimes. You are not allowed to disrespect yourself. We’ve talked about this a thousand times.

You can’t convince me otherwise. Not today.

I’ll get the coffee ready, Marta sighed in resignation.

I think I need a sugar fix.

"Okay, then ... milk and cookies for my baby girl?

Better. I need comfort food right now.

"I know, mi niña."

YOU’RE KIDDING? MARTA almost dropped her cup of coffee on the table. "Dan’s the one who puked on you? ¡Ayyy!, pobrecita. I’m so sorry." She shook her head in a sympathetic way but pressed her lips together, trying to hide a smile.

You think it’s funny? Cat asked with a sigh.

A little.

It’s not funny, Mamá. Cat dropped half a cookie on her plate. She wiped her hands on a napkin and began twisting it. It was embarrassing, probably the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. Max says we’ll be the laughing stock of the island.

Since when does Max know anything? Marta shrugged and sipped her coffee. He’s a high school football star who’s worked odd jobs since graduation. I wouldn’t call him the smartest guy on the island, not by a long shot.

He brings up a good point.

"What? That you and Dan grew up together and became high school sweethearts? It’s not anything to be ashamed of, mi niña."

Cat moaned and laid her head on her hands. Why can’t people just forget about it? We’ve been out of high school for four years. I help run a successful family business. Dan served in the Army. We’ve been apart for a really long time.

There have always been high expectations for you two. You seemed destined to be together from the very beginning. You’re the perfect couple, very compatible.

It’s not true. Cat wagged a finger at her mother and shook her head in disagreement. Dan is too high-strung, too unpredictable, too out-of-control. I mean, come on, who actually vomits on the nearest person? Why didn’t he run to the restroom or grab a garbage can? There is something very wrong with that.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when something like that is going to happen. Of course, he didn’t mean it. You forget how passionate he is, loving, daring, fun, and a total hottie, if you don’t mind me saying so. She arched and wiggled a brow comically. He cares so much for the people who are important to him. He’d do anything for you.

He didn’t give up alcohol for me, then or now.

I see that as a blip on the radar.

You should’ve seen him dancing on the table. He was so plowed.

"Wait, he was dancing on a table?

And singing.

Every girl’s dream.

Mamá!

Just saying, I’d like to have seen that.

Blip or not, I can’t deal with it. Cat shook her head emphatically, her mouth turned down as she sat back and folded her arms across her chest. Dan knows it. You know it. You and grandma act like it’s no big deal, but we’ve lost good people in our family to addiction. I just don’t want that for my life. I have to protect myself.

But you’re lonely and Dan is the only one who sees into your soul. Maybe he’s changed.

It’s not just the drinking, Cat said, tapping her finger on the table for emphasis. I have trust issues, too. I was crazy about him, but he was not a good boyfriend.

Oh, here we go again. Marta blew out a long deep breath, invoking patience. Why can’t you just put things behind you?

Why can’t you take my side, Mamá? Cat took her frustration out on the wadded up napkin in her hand, spreading it and shredding it to bits. "I remember it like it was yesterday. Dan swam ahead and left me between a sandbar and the shore with a rip current. I’m not as strong of a swimmer as he is or as fast. I got kicked around by the waves and went under several times. I got nicked by rocks and coral reef. I kept going, but still ... Who does that?

Who just leaves his girlfriend a hundred yards from shore all by herself with night coming on? There were moments when I really thought I was going to die out there, that the last thing I would see before I drowned was my boyfriend drinking beer around a bonfire with his friends.

Dan has apologized a thousand times, Marta countered, drumming her fingers on the table in irritation. He thought you could handle it. He said he kept his eye on you the whole time. The idea was for you to prove to yourself that you could swim that distance on your own. As I recall, you told him to go on and you wouldn’t be far behind him.

He should’ve helped me, Cat whispered fiercely.

"I agree, but you told him you’d be all right on your own. He can’t read your mind, mi niña. Maybe you should try forgiving him."

I know I should...

I’ve been housekeeping for Dan’s mother. Marta took a sip of coffee and looked out the window.

What? Stunned by the news, Cat leaned into the table on folded arms and stared hard at her mother. When were you going to tell me?

I just did, Marta said with a shrug.

As I recall, Vivian has never been afraid to bare her soul to the world. You must know all the dirt.

A little bit.

Are they still warring with each other? Cat asked casually, trying to act nonchalant about it, but she was dying to know. Dan has never understood anything about his parents. He thinks his mother is an over-stepping, crazy manipulator and his father is a ruthless businessman. Their divorce must’ve put a new spin on the family dynamics.

Made it much worse, I’m sure.

You’re killing me, Mamá, Cat said impatiently, leaning against the back of her chair, gazing at the ceiling. "I know he’s home for a