Sex on the Beach

By Melissa Schroeder

Edwina Mitchell, Eddie to her friends, doesn’t think she can have a happily ever after. She grew up with multiple fathers and never wanted to do that to a child. The problem is, she’s in love with two men from her past. When she runs into them in Hawaii, she thinks it is just another carefree weekend, but the guys got another plan.

Drew Masterson and Sean Childress have served their country and now they’re ready to enjoy life. That means opening a dive shop and finding the woman they both love, Eddie Mitchell. When they get a second chance with her, they refuse to fail. With New Year’s Eve approaching, they decide to do everything in their power to convince her she is the one for them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094466842

Melissa Schroeder

From an early age, USA Today Bestselling author Melissa loved to read. First, it was the books her mother read to her including her two favorites, Winnie the Pooh and the Beatrix Potter books. She cut her preteen teeth on Trixie Belden and read and reviewed To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school. It wasn’t until she was in college that she tried to write her first stories, which were full of angst and pain, and really not that fun to read or write. After trying several different genres, she found romance in a Linda Howard book. Since her first published book, Grace Under Pressure, Mel has had over 60 short stories, novellas, and novels published. She has written in genres ranging from historical to contemporary to futuristic and has worked with 8 publishers although she handles most of her publishing herself. She is best known for her Harmless and Santini series. After years of following her military husband around the country and world, Mel happily lives with her family in horse and wine country in Northern Virginia.

Book preview

1

Edwina Michelle Mitchell, Eddie to her friends and anyone who wanted to keep their front teeth, stepped into the kitchen and smiled when she saw Sophia lip-locked to one of her lovers. She stood, enjoying the happiness her friend found. Less than two weeks earlier, Sophia had met Mal and Jack, and for the first time in the twelve years Eddie had known her, Sophia was truly happy. She must have made a noise because they broke apart, Sophia blushing, Mal smiling and arrogant.

Morning, you two. I would say good, but I am sure after that kiss, it’s already been a good morning.

Sophia wiggled out of Mal’s grasp, her fair skin flushing with embarrassment. Eddie, I didn’t know when you would be up. I thought you’d get up early, but then again, your normal time is noon at home, so… She glanced at the clock and saw that it was seven. You are right on time.

Eddie laughed unperturbed. She liked to sleep in, and for that reason alone, she loved her career as a fitness instructor. It gave her a lot of freedom when and where she worked. She did not like being tied down.

Yeah, the last time I was up this early was in college.

Seriously? Disbelief filled Sophia’s voice. I seem to remember all your classes were scheduled no earlier than ten.

Eddie frowned. That is early.

How can someone who grew up on a ranch hate the morning so much?

It’s because I grew up on a ranch that I hate mornings. She shuddered dramatically, causing Sophia to laugh. God wouldn’t have allowed the snooze button to be invented if he thought we should be up at dawn.

Mal slipped his arm around Sophia’s waist and gave her a loud, smacking kiss. I’ve got to get to work. Have a good day, ladies.

Once he left them alone, Eddie whistled. Lord, woman, when you go Alpha, you go big. He doesn’t have any extra brothers or cousins, does he?

Sophia laughed. No. None that you would be interested in.

Eddie snorted. She didn’t have a particular type, but she preferred a fun man. Not that she was a slut, but she definitely could handle a little flirting. Her spirits had been off a bit the last few months.

How do you know?

Too young.

Eddie pursed her lips and contemplated her sexual dry spell. It had been a long time.

How young?

Sixteen.

She shook her head. Damn, jailbait. With a sigh, she headed to the fridge. I will console myself with some yummy fresh fruit.

What are your plans today?

Eddie shrugged, not really knowing what to say. She had flown to Honolulu on a whim. The last few weeks in Texas at her brothers’ dude ranch had driven her crazy. Or that was what she was telling herself. It seemed as if during the last year, she had been more restless than usual. She could not seem to get settled, no matter where she was. Even now, just hours after she had arrived on her eight-plus hour flight, she was ready to do something...or somebody. Unfortunately, she had lacked in that department, something she planned on rectifying as soon as possible.

How about the beach? I thought I would just chillax today, get over the jetlag.

Sophia rolled her eyes. You are trying to kill me, right?

Eddie looked over at her friend and laughed. She was not a sun worshiper for a good reason. Redheaded and fair skinned, without SPF four thousand, she burned.

Why did you hook up with a couple of Hawaiians if you wanted nothing to do with the sun?

The smile that curved Sophia’s lips told Eddie everything she needed to know. Just sorta happened.

Eddie shook her head. You can stay home. I know my way around the island.

Sophia’s chin came up, and Eddie tried not to laugh. It was the traditional take-no-prisoners look she had used when she still worked for Nouveau Resorts. She should have known better than to even say anything. The woman took everything on as if it was a challenge. And Sophia loved challenges.

No. I have an umbrella and a lot of sunscreen. But we have to go up on the other side of the island. Box jellyfish are here today.

Eddie nodded as she pulled out a container of fresh pineapple. She opened it, and a wave of sweet tartness filled her senses.

Damn, fresh Hawaiian pineapple. Can’t get better than this. I can’t eat pineapple anywhere but in Hawaii. It always tastes stale when I buy it on the mainland.

I’ll leave you to your breakfast while I get ready.

Eddie knew better than to say anything as Sophia walked away. Of the three friends, Sophia was the girly girl. Her makeup was always perfect, and she never had a hair out of place. Although Eddie thought, she liked the curly hair she now had. And she looked happy. It had been a long