Chapter 2
Ridge
I smile down at Darla Dearling. It’s rude of me to keep us standing out in the rain. But I feel like being rude. I’ve been at the lake for only two days and it seems that everywhere I turn there is a woman flicking her hair and batting her eyelashes at me.
Some women have literally been throwing themselves at me. Falling down in front of me. One young lady was hiding up in a tree and dropped right on top of me. I’ve had attention from women before. But nothing like this. Normally my dark scowl is enough to keep people away.
But I have just found out that I have my new sister-in-law and cousin-in-law to thank for all this madness. Apparently they have put out the word that I am looking to settle down. Actively looking for a woman to date. And it has brought out all the crazies.
Sure, I am happy for my brothers. And my cousins.
All of whom seemed to have found their perfect match and are all deliriously happy.
Well, good for them. And sure, it might be nice to have that sort of relationship.
Maybe some kids one day. But I have always been a little different from the rest of them.
Maybe a wife and kids just isn’t in my future.
But if it is then I can damn well sort it out for myself.
I don’t need my family meddling in my business and I don’t need women throwing themselves at me every chance they get.
They only want me because I’m a Kingsley.
Everybody knows the family has money. They might not know that I have built up my own business.
That I have made it on my own. I’m just a Kingsley.
One of those wild Kingsley boys. We’ve always been lumped together.
Just a name. When all I've ever wanted is for someone to know me for who I am rather than my last name.
Take Darla here. We knew each other as kids and she didn’t want anything to do with me back then.
I was the weird kid sitting in the corner with his drawings while she was the popular one all the boys wanted.
But none of that seems to matter now as she looks up at me through the rain.
On one of my nicer days I might have suggested we go inside.
But she came chasing after me. She stopped me.
So she can stand here in the rain if she wants to talk to me.
And she is definitely doing all of the talking.
I was heading to the Boathouse Cafe in the hope of getting away from all these women.
But it seems they are everywhere. Right now I caught a glimpse of flame red hair.
Wild curls and a curvaceous body of a woman up on the roof of the cafe.
Well, this is unique. I guess climbing up onto the roof right in front of me is one way to grab my attention.
And she certainly has that as I watch this woman wave her ass in the air right in front of me.
It is a damn fine ass and I am intrigued.
But this woman shouldn’t be climbing around on the roof when it’s wet up there.
She could fall at any minute. She looks especially awkward, keeping her back to me so I can admire her behind, while making me eager to see the face that goes with all that wild hair.
And then she half turns and looks over her shoulder.
Looking right at me. I get a glimpse of green eyes and adorable freckles.
And then she slips. With a yelp she falls from view.
Sliding down the far side of the roof. My heart stops as I hear the splash.
Without a thought I jump up onto the railing to help her.
Diving into the water below. My only thought is that I have to save her.