Like a wave, baby, I never even saw it coming.

The airplane touched down before the sun was up. My body was aching from being cramped in the middle seat of my flight from northern New York, but a quick glance out of the window and to the open ocean was the reason I needed to not care. The tortured flight with the screaming baby was worth it.

Destination: Daytona Beach, Florida. Summer vacation 2019. Just me, myself, and I. There's nothing more confident than a single, working woman taking a much needed vacation from work and from life. For the next week, I plan on laying on the beach and sipping drinks with cute little umbrellas in them and not caring when the next deadline is.

Ivy Lynn is officially off the clock and in vacation mode. Now, where's my suitcase?

**

I refreshed my weather app while sitting in my rental. The sky was darkening with every click of the clock. A roll of thunder made me jump as the radar popped up on my screen. No wonder the sun wasn't up when I landed, it's calling for severe weather all day. Lovely. I let out a heavy sigh as big, fat raindrops began to pelt against the windshield.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the seat. Automatically, I turned up the radio with the latest Jonas Brothers' song on full blast and decided to fuck it. I was on vacation and a little rain wasn't going to bring me down.

I closed out of the weather app and brought up the address to the cottage I was renting out this week, which I couldn't believe I scored. This trip is completely last minute and how everything fell into place is a miracle. I immediately fell in love with the pink little home that sat right on the beach. It had a king size bed, a Jacuzzi on the back patio, private beach access with a walk up bar that was only a walk away. I also saw the hammock that was tied to two palm trees and decided that's where I was going to read the latest erotic novel I was hooked on.

When I finally pulled into the driveway of the cottage, I decided I need to officially change my zip code. It was more than I could ask for. It was on the edge of the beach, the last house with only a Villa next door, of which I think the owner of this place lives at. There was no sign of life anywhere.

I have officially arrived in heaven and I just had a good feeling about this place.

**

"So, are you here for the races?" I popped a cherry in my mouth when my third drink was sat in front of me. This one was called "Sand in my Shorts", it made me giggle.

"The what?" I blinked up at the cute bartender who I have named Jordan, because he looks just like Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block, but much, much younger. And no, I don't care if his work badge says "Garrett".

"NASCAR." I scrunched up my nose in disgust.

"That would be a no." I took a deep pull through my straw and watched as the umbrella swirled in my drink.

"Rumor has it one of the drivers is staying in the Villa down the beach. Real popular with the ladies."

"That's nice. I don't care." My comment made the guy next to me chuckle.

"Not into racing, I assume?" I turned towards the sweet southern accent coming from beside me and locked eyes with the most chocolate pair I've ever laid eyes on. I swear they melted my soul.

"I'm not into guys who think their social status should automatically make women flock to them." This guy cocked his head to the side and smirked. Boy, did my heart just do a funny flip.

It's time to leave. I'm more drunk than I realize and I think a nap is in order before I head out tonight.

I sat my drink down and pulled out some cash from my back pocket. "Here, let me get that."

"I am more than capable of." Money exchanged between the bartender and this guy before I could finish my thought.

"Okay sunshine, time to tell me why you don't like racing as I walk you back to your cottage."

"I don't need any help." I stood up and regretted every moment of my life. Yup. I am never drinking again.

The ocean was suddenly sideways and the beach was coming up very fast. "Easy there, darling!" I scrunch my nose again at how perfect the word 'darling' fell from the plush lips of this stranger.

"Got her, Clyde?" I looked up at him and laughed. I could come up with a better name than Clyde. I will call him, Chad. Chad's hands were on my waist and he steadied me. I did not take note at how strong or big his hands were. Nope. I did not envision how amazing those fingers would feel in me.

Fuck.

I locked eyes with this stranger and wished I never ventured down the beach to this tiny private bar that had amazing drinks, good music and the hottest guy I've ever laid eyes on. He had my heart racing and my lips parted at the thought of even getting close enough to kiss him.

I want to blame the alcohol - no, I am. Yes. It's the alcohol. The alcohol is clouding my thoughts. What time is it?

"It's 5'clock." I blinked into focus and looked at a lazy smile.

"I didn't realize I asked out loud."

"Got somewhere to be, darling?" I wish he would stop calling me that.

"I need a nap." He laughed then, grabbing my hand and started pulling me towards the cottage. "Wait. How do you know where I'm staying at?"

"I followed you here."

"So, you're a stalker." And I'm still holding his hand. I tried to let go but he wouldn't let me.

"You happen to be in front of me while I was walking behind you." I eyed him suspiciously, trying to remember any type of self-defense that I had. "I'm staying next door," he sighed, "I happen to see you leave the cottage when I decided to come down here for a drink. Ask Garrett, I wouldn't hurt a fly." I peak over his shoulder where Jordan stood wiping down the counter.

"He wouldn't!" A rumble of thunder brought my eyes back to Clyde and then off into the distance. Another storm was rolling in and I did not want to get caught in the rain.

"Fine, but if it starts raining, you're giving me your hat." That cheeky grin returned and I just rolled my eyes.

I pushed past Clyde and he let go of my hand when he saw I was stable on my feet. I kicked off my sandals and enjoyed the coolness of the sand from a fresh storm.

"What brings you here to Daytona if you're not here for the race?" I looked over to were Clyde kicked off his own sandals and fell in beside me.

"Can't a girl just get away from reality a bit? And why is everyone asking me if I'm going to a race?"

"Sorry I asked."

"No, I'm sorry I jumped at ya. I've had a very long flight here and right now I'm supposed to be in my bikini laying on the pristine white sand while the waves crashed around me. Not semi drunk and walking with a really hot stranger while avoiding the next thunderstorm." I heard a soft laugh and I knew he caught what I said about him.

"Sounds like you're having a great day to me." I stopped in my tracks and glared at him. "With the whole 'hot stranger'. Tell me more about him."

"Well, for one, he's cocky."

"You're not wrong there." He laughed at the honestly and that was enough to let my shoulders relax. This guy was just enjoying his day like I was, nothing to be worried about.

We were almost to my cottage when I stop suddenly. "Holy shit, this Villa is huge."

"Didn't you notice it when you walked by? I mean, you had to. It's kinda hard to miss."

"Well excuse me for not be observant!" Clyde laughed and gave me that look from earlier. "Wait, this is where that racecar driver is staying at, isn't it?"

"Huh, must be. Anyways, I'll see ya around?"

At that moment an array of things happened; the sky opened up and started to pour down rain. Then I watched in disbelief when Clyde smiled and awkwardly waved my way and ran towards the Villa. It wasn't until I was completely drenched when I put two and two together.

Clyde was the owner of the cottage I was staying in and he was the famous racecar driver.

Oh God, what did I get myself into?

**

A/N:  Hi!! I'm FINALLY posting my new Chase story!  I'm so excited for everyone to read this.  It's unlike anything I've written before.  I got the idea from the song, Like A Wave, from Jordan Knight.  It's about a whirlwind romance that happens on vacation and I needed to write that.  

This is honestly one of my favorite fics I've ever written.  I hope you're read for this.

Love you guys!!