I pull my BMW into the circular drive and park near the front entrance before cutting the engine, grabbing my duffle bag from the front seat and exiting the vehicle. It takes only a moment before I'm up the stairs two and punching in the code on the keypad. Once unlocked, I push open the front door and step inside the two-story foyer. As soon as I do, the scent of beef stroganoff hits me full force. I inhale a big breath, doubly glad I decided to get the hell out of Dodge.Even if it's only for the night.Jenna pads through the hallway from the kitchen with a dish towel in her hands. Surprise lights up her eyes when she catches sight of me. "I thought I heard the front door." She closes the distance between us before rising up on her tiptoes and pressing a kiss against my cheek. I lean down, wanting to make it easier for her. Jenna tops out at five foot. Sometimes I like to tease her by asking what the weather is like down there. "Why didn't you tell me that you were coming

Three years later...I roll over and stretch out an arm, only to find the space next to me empty and the sheets already cooling. I crack open an eye and glance around the room. The sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon, painting the vast stretch of space with pink and purple strokes.Where the hell did that girl disappear to?I throw off the covers and pad over to the bathroom.Empty.I don't bother to put on clothes. It's just the two of us. I surprised Alyssa with a weeklong vacation at the beach. One of my father's friends owns a house on Kiawah Island in South Carolina right on the ocean. We can hear the crash of the waves from our bedroom window. It's the perfect sound to fall asleep to with Alyssa tucked in my arms.I pad down the stairs to the first floor. The scent of fresh brewed coffee permeates the air and the door to the patio is open. I should have known that she was out here on the deck. She can't get enough of the fresh salty air.I push open the scree