Beautiful Chances (The Beautiful Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

do you have a stalking record?”
    Kyle frowned, deliberating his answer. “Ah…yes and no.”
    I immediately tensed and prepared my body for flight.
    He laughed and grabbed my waist. “Relax, Lily. I served in the Army for four years. So, yes, I had obligations to my country. And no, no stalking record,” he said.
    “Oh, okay. How long have you lived in California?”
    “My whole life, other than my military years. I love it there,” he answered easily.
    We kept walking along the shoreline. We passed a few kids who were working together to build a sand castle. I smiled at them and then continued with my questions, curious to know more about Kyle.
    “Family?” I asked hesitantly.
    “Normal parents. I grew up in Lake Tahoe with my family. My parents have been happily married for over thirty years. I have a brother and a sister. My brother, Ryan, just married his college girlfriend, Kate, and they are awaiting the arrival of my niece. We are all very anxious to meet her. My sister, Abbey, works with me in real estate. I have a normal dog, too, who chews some of my stuff.” He chortled.
    I could hear the love in his voice during the brief description of his family.
    “Friends?”
    “I grew up with my best bud, Drake. He and I went to college together. We tried to stay in contact during my four years in the military, but it was hard. When I came back though, it was like I’d never left. I haven’t had much time for others since I work a lot.”
    “College?”
    “University of Southern California, bachelor’s in business.”
    “Oh, nice. How about—”
    “My turn,” he said with a grin. “Kill anyone or have stalking tendencies?”
    “Nope,” I said, grinning back.
    “So, you’re a photographer?” Kyle asked. “And what about the typing on the beach?”
    “I’m actually a writer. Photography is more of a hobby.”
    “So, that’s what you were doing on the beach yesterday?”
    I nodded. “Yes, I like to write on the beach. I also enjoy editing pictures as soon as I take them.”
    Kyle nodded. “How long have you lived in Florida?” he asked curiously.
    I took a seat on the rocks in front of us and stared out into the ocean. Kyle sat next to me, bracing his arms on his knees.
    “Almost three years.”
    “And before that?”
    “Colorado,” I answered hesitantly.
    “Is that where you were born?” he asked, genuinely interested in my story.
    I could tell from the corner of my eye that his eyes were fixated on my face.
    “Yes,” I answered carefully, knowing the next inevitable question. I took a deep breath and waited for it.
    “Family?” he asked.
    My smile faded, and I tried not to let darkness overwhelm me. I will not let it take this moment from me. I’m starting a new chapter…for closure. I focused on the positives. “My Aunt Lucie and Uncle Dan live in Colorado with my three cousins, Jason, Blake, and Damon, who are all around my age.”
    He frowned. “And what about parents or siblings?”
    I shifted on the rocks, unsure what to say. Kyle noticed my small movements, but said nothing. “I don’t have any…anymore.”
    Kyle slowly slid his hand back in mine, tighter than before. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me. I thought that I would feel panicked, but oddly, he comforted me. My pain was reflected in his eyes.
    “I know that’s part of the pain and sadness in your eyes, and I’m so sorry you’ve been alone. But not anymore, Lily, not anymore.”
    He gave me a moment to gather my thoughts.
    “Friends?” he asked.
    “My cousins and I have always been close, and we had lots of fun growing up together. Here, I haven’t had much time for friends, other than Luke.”
    “Ah, the pizza maker. I have met him a few times,” Kyle said neutrally, awaiting my reaction.
    “Luke is a good friend and a good man. He’s in college, trying to make a life for himself outside of his family connections, so he’s not a permanent pizza boy.”
    Kyle nodded. “Did you go