Chapter 1

It was the summer of 2016, when the weather was warm and the wind was wild as it blew against Elsa Nordland's long hair. Crinkling her nose, the young woman pushed the flying strands from her face and continued to read her book. At the moment she was sitting in the backseat of her father's red Nissan Rogue with her legs curled up and her body comfortably leaning against the door.

Outside her window, the blue sky promised no storms When Elsa turned to look out, she saw a father and son standing on the sandy shore and tossing a Frisbee. Turning to her right and past her younger sister, Elsa smiled as the car passed the large road sign.

Southern Isles Resort

7 Miles.

Excited, Elsa bookmarked her page and slipped her book into her handbag. While Anna listened to her music and scrolled through her phone, the older girl leaned to the front and draped her arms around her father's shoulders.

"We're almost here!" she spoke up.

Adgar met his daughter's glance with a bright smile.

"I think this summer vacation is a great idea. It's been a while since the four of us went on a long trip like this." Idun admitted beside her husband.

Adgar nodded. "How long was it since the four of us last went on a vacation together?"

"Six years!"

"It's going to be amazing." Elsa assured them. She moved back to her seat and turned to the window.

From what she read on the website and a few brochures, the Southern Isles Resort seemed like the perfect place to vacation at before Anna was to start her freshman year at Arendelle University and Elsa would continue her education at the same institution. From finishing her final exams a few weeks back, shadowing at her father's business, and working at the ice rink, Elsa had little time for herself. Now, with the pressure and responsibility off her shoulders, Elsa could not wait for a summer of sleeping in, drinking chocolate shakes, and catching up on her reading. And like her mother said, it was six whole years since the family went on a vacation together. Her parents were always busy with their business, and because of it, the Nordlands rarely left the state unless it was for their work.

"Is it true that Mr. Westergaard has thirteen sons Daddy?" Anna asked as she took her earphones out.

Adgar chuckled. "It's true. They're all grown successful men making a good living for themselves."

Behind him, Elsa shook her head in silent awe. She simply could not wrap her head around the fact that one man could have so many sons.

"Maybe we'll pair Elsa up with one of them this summer." Anna teased and gave her sister a playful nudge.

Elsa rolled her eyes and took out her sunglasses. Her sister was always the hopeless romantic and determined matchmaker. Ever since Anna and her best friend Kristoff Bjorman became a couple earlier this year, the younger girl has become set on finding someone for her innocent older sister. Elsa though, was in no rush to find a man. She had just finished her sophomore year with a 4.5 GPA and was about to work alongside her father in the fall as part of her internship.

The older girl slipped on her sunglasses and smiled as Adgar laughed at something her mother said. Truth to be told there was no man could be be better than her own father.

Ever since she was a little girl, Elsa always had a close bond with Adgar. He was the one who brought her to his office when Elsa was still in her single digit years and helped her with her studies when she went to school. With her father's guidance, Elsa passed both junior high and high school with outstanding grades and was accepted into university on a full-time scholarship. And now Elsa was on her way to passing the next two years and learning the ways of becoming the next CEO of her family's business.

While Agdar and Idun fell into a light conversation about the scenery, Anna smiled and scooted closer to her sister.

"So..." the younger girl spoke up, interrupting Elsa's wandering thoughts. "Do you have any big plans for the summer? Besides getting that gorgeous tan?"

Elsa smiled and leaned against the window. "Just sleep til noon and enjoy myself."

Anna giggled. "And maybe fall in love."

"I don't count on it."

"Why not? You're young and beautiful and still single."

"And you're silly Anna." Elsa insisted and she stroked the soft plait of her braid. "I'm perfectly happy with my life right now. And there's the fall internship, work, and school to look at. You know Daddy's very excited to have me."

"Of course he is, you're his 'perfect little girl'." Anna mumbled with a roll of her eyes.

Elsa released a small sigh. "Anna please don't go back to -"

Anna though, would not let her continue. "Don't deny it Elsa. You were always Daddy's favorite, ever since we were kids. And now look at you. You're twenty-one and you never snuck out after curfew, you don't drink, you don't smoke, you're still a virgin, and you never made Daddy mad and not regret it. You. Are. A. Bore. Elsa."

"I am not!" Elsa argued.

Anna scoffed. "Yes you are. Even Kristoff admits it."

Elsa winced and turned to the window. If there was one thing she did not like it was having Anna say how boring and bland she was. Elsa hated to admit it, but it was always so apparent. When they were younger, Elsa had less friends than her sister because of her quiet and serious demeanor, while Anna was always pulled to this or that group because of her outgoing personality. Elsa loved to absorb herself in a good book on the weekends, while Anna went out to every party and gathering there was. Elsa was shy and preferred to stand outside the crowd, whereas Anna jumped right in and wanted to become everyone's friend. Elsa knew that she was different from her sister, and she did not need Anna to keep reminding her.

"I can be fun and daring!" Elsa spoke up in sudden defense.

Anna gave her a unconvinced look. "Oh really? Then prove it. Do something wild and unexpected this summer. Something you'd never thought you'd do. And you'll see what you've been missing out in life."

"I will!" Elsa insisted. She crossed her arms just as Anna shook her head with tease and slipped on her sunglasses.

"We'll see."

As Anna turned back to her phone, Elsa turned back to the window just as the radio speaker announced a new song and the familiar tune of Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" began to play.

Uptown girl!

She's been living in her uptown world.

I bet she's never had a backstreet guy

I bet her momma never told her why!

Ten minutes later, the car pulled up in front of the resort's large circular drive and parked right in front of the large stone sign.

Around them, a handful of other vehicles were pulling up and families were in the middle of unloading their luggage. Children holding swim toys and pillows squealed and ran along the sidewalk while their mothers called after them. Old men and their wives strolled through the lawn and complimented the massive, white, four-story main house that stood on a small slope. Two cars ahead of the Nordlands, a small group of college students stood by their mini van and took group selfies. Standing on the middle of the lawn, a young man in a dark blue resort T-shirt was holding a megaphone and announcing the day's activities.

Elsa smiled and slipped out of the car, glad to finally get out and stretch her legs after sitting in the car for so long. Her feet slightly ached as she stepped onto the sidewalk and glanced at the area around her. Her eyes first fell on the main house and the recreational buildings and then moved to the nearest cabin. While doing some research on the resort, Elsa learned that it was best known for its' massive size and many offered activities. There were two tennis courts, a basketball court, an all inclusive spa, dance studio, arcade, bar, fitness center, banquet hall, and nature trails. The first resort was first built in Denmark by Anton and Jonathan Westergaard in 1910 and the current resort the Nordlands were visiting was built in 1978 and run by Jerome Westergaard. It was not the original resort that was built on the Jutland peninsula, yet it was just as well praised and luxurious.

"No no no!"

At the sound the of the distressed voice, Elsa turned around and noticed Idun and Anna standing on the sidewalk. At the very moment her sister was holding onto her bag and rummaging through.

"I can't believe I left my favorite sandals back home! I was going to wear them when we arrived!" the strawberry blonde cried.

"You bought seven other pairs sweetie." Idun reminded her gently.

"Yeah but neither one of them will match my new spring green summer dress!" Anna whined and dropped her bag. She crossed her arms over her chest with a small pout.

Nearby, Adgar slipped off his sunglasses and squinted at the sunlight. "This is not a tragedy Anna. Tragedy is young folks getting killed on the road for texting and driving."

"Or children dying from disease and hunger in third world countries. You're lucky you even have seven pairs of shoes to begin with." Elsa added.

Anna's cheeks flushed red in sudden embarrassment and she gave her sister a small scowl. "Butt off Elsa!"

Elsa smiled and turned away. She adjusted her sunglasses and slipped her bag strap over one shoulder.

"Attention folks! Attention! We got beanbags on the south lawn in ten minutes! We got splish-splash on the water by the lake! Watercolor art classes! Volleyball and ultimate Frisbee! And for the older folks we got Make-Your-Own-Tie-Dye shirts!" the activity boy announced with glee. "Come one come all!"

As the sisters and Idun admired the resort, a tall, handsome, middle aged man dressed in a dark blue polo and white khaki dress pants approached the family. His dark neatly combed hair had a few silver streaks and his green eyes were bright and welcoming. Walking beside him was a younger man with dark brown hair and a goatee. Just like the activity coordinator, he wore a dark blue resort T-shirt, a pair of scruffed shorts, and sandals.

"Adgar!" the older man greeted with a large smile.

Adgar turned and grinned at the approaching men. "Jerome!"

"I was wondering when you'll show up at my resort." Jerome chuckled and grabbed his friend's hand.

He then turned to the younger man beside him. "Help the man with his bags Eugene."

"Yes sir!" Eugene nodded and took the keys from Adgar's hand. Giving the men and Idun a polite bow, he moved to the back of the vehicle to unload the luggage.

Jerome turned back to Adgar and patted him on the back. "So how is good old Nordland Enterprise? Is it still prospering?"

"You can say that, and I have a feeling it's going to have an even brighter future with Elsa on her way to becoming CEO. She's very excited to start her internship in August." Adgar explained.

"Well then it's a good thing I made sure to get the best cabin for you and your beautiful girls." Jerome said with a charmed wink directed at Idun and Anna.

Anna hopped up in sudden glee. "Is it by the lake?"

"It most certainly is."

While the adults continued their conversation on the sidewalk, Eugene stopped before the trunk and lifted the door. He was about to reach out and grab the closest suitcase when Elsa suddenly appeared beside him and took it herself.

"Here let me." she offered.

Eugene grinned and stepped back. "Thanks! Are you trying to get a job here?"

Elsa could not help but laugh. "If you want to do it all by yourself then be my guest. This is the heaviest of them all." she said and let go of the handle to Anna's suitcase.

"Eh I think I'll let you take that one then." Eugene offered, placing his hands on his hips.

Elsa smirked and lugged the suitcase out. She dropped it on the ground with a startled oomph. What on Earth did Anna pack inside?

Beside her, Eugene bit back a laugh. "I think I'll take it from here. Thanks anyway Ms..."

"Elsa, just Elsa." Elsa said and held out a hand.

"It's nice to meet you just Elsa. The name's Eugene Fitzherbert." Eugene said and shook it. "And welcome to the beautiful Southern Isles Resort."

Elsa smiled and dropped her hand. "Thank you Eugene Fitzherbert."

"Elsa!"

The two of them turned around just as Anna approached. Eugene grinned at the younger Nordland before he resumed to his task of unloading. As Eugene kept himself busy with taking out their bags, Elsa moved aside to be with her sister.

"Guess what I found out. There's going to be a merengue class at the dance studio in five minutes. We should go!" Anna suggested.

Elsa crinkled her nose and turned to their car. "A merengue class?"

"Yes! I talked with Mom and Dad and they said we can go while they move into our cabin." Anna chirped. She then looped an arm through Elsa's and began to pull her from the car.

"Anna I don't know about this. You know I don't dance." Elsa stammered.

"Oh I know. But remember what I said about you breaking outta your shell?" Anna reminded with an arch of her brow.

Weary and defeated, Elsa released a small sigh and allowed Anna to lead her to the studio. When she turned back to the car, Elsa noticed Eugene watching her with a helpless grin. Did he know what the sisters were in for?

The sisters reached the large dance studio in no less than three minutes, and soon enough they found themselves standing amidst a fairly large crowd of children, adults, and the elderly. And as the merengue class went on, Elsa could not help but feel ridiculous as she stood in between Anna and a small old woman who wore way too much perfume for her nose's liking. It was clear that none of the guests were good enough, so everyone ended up swaying from side to side like an awkward cluster of seaweed.

"Okay everyone one, two, three, four! Stomp those feet and stomp some more!" the dance instructor exclaimed as she moved to the music.

Looking up from her feet, Elsa watched Valery Fontana dance before the group.

She was a beautiful young woman who looked to be no older than Elsa herself. Her long, dark brown, wavy hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her dark brown eyes gleamed with energy. The lime green summer dress she wore brushed along her long, slender legs and her long thin arms swayed in the air. By the way she moved with such ease and fluency, Valery looked as though she had been doing this her whole life, as opposed to Elsa, who felt just awkward.

Why did I let Anna pull me into this? Elsa wondered.

"One, two, three four! Come on listen to the music!"

"Ow!" Anna squeaked beside her.

Elsa turned and looked down to see that she stepped on Anna's toe for the fifth time. "Sorry!"

"It's okay." Anna whispered, trying to match her moves with Valery's. "Maybe we should've gone to the watercolor art thing. At least there we wouldn't look like complete weirdos."

Elsa giggled in agreement as she moved her arms.

"Don't stumble ladies! Move your caboose and shake it loose!"

"If Kristoff saw me right now I think his ribs would break for all the laughing." Anna mumbled and stepped to the side.

"Well you are quite a sight." Elsa said. She met Anna's narrowed glance and laughed.

"Okay now let's start the train!" Valery announced.

Before Elsa knew it, Anna was gripping her hips and Elsa found herself holding onto the little old woman to her right. The train began to move in a slow carefree pace and Valery once again began to direct.

"Come on follow me into the round robin!"

The train continued to move and Elsa could not help but wish that she was anywhere but here. She felt like a child doing the train in a school dance class. A few moments later Anna let her go and the guests continued to move and dance to the music.

"Okay ladies! When I say stop you're gonna find the man of your dreams!"

"Oh this should be interesting." Anna chortled behind her, and Elsa felt her cheeks grow warm in sudden uneasiness.

"Stop!"

The train then broke apart and when Elsa turned around, she noticed that Anna was paired up with a short thin man with a large, white, handlebar mustache and small glasses. Feeling someone grip her arms, Elsa looked down to see a small thin boy with dark hair standing in front of her. And just like Elsa, he wore a look of complete embarrassment.

"Trust me I don't wanna be here either." he admitted as the two of them began to uncomfortably dance.

Half an hour later, the two sisters sat down on the soft lawn with an ice cold water bottle in their hands.

Anna took a few good gulps of her drink before she lowered it and met Elsa's glance. "Okay so the first activity wasn't as exciting as we thought it'd be."

Setting her drink down, Anna leaned over and began to undo her sandals. "Just look at my poor feet!"

"You're the one who suggested the merengue in the first place." Elsa pointed out.

"Hey be glad that you didn't have to dance with Mr. Twinkle Toes Weselton!" Anna hissed as she laid down on the grass.

Elsa laughed and turned to watch a group of young boys throw a football to each other. Placing her bag and water down on the lush green grass, she leaned back on her arms and let the sun warm her skin.

"Well hello ladies, you must be the beautiful Nordland sisters!"

The two sisters looked up to find a tall figure standing before them. Anna crinkled her nose and lifted a hand to her brow. When she got a good look at the man, her eyes widened and her mouth flew open. Beside her, Elsa also did not know what to say as she looked up at the handsome young man. Just like Jerome Westergaard, he was dressed in a casual blue polo and khakis. His blonde hair fell over blue eyes and his face were well sculptured and slender. He bore traces of the older man's features, and Elsa could not help but wonder if he was one of the thirteen sons.

"Yes we are." Anna's frown disappeared as she stood up and held out a hand towards the young man. "And you are?"

"Will Westergaard." Will introduced. He shook her hand and Elsa swore she saw Anna swoon at his glance.

Her younger sister immediately straightened and gestured to herself and her sister. "I'm Anna and this is Elsa."

"It's nice to meet you Will." Elsa admitted. She took his hand with a polite smile.

Will shook her hand in return. "The pleasure's all mine. I'm sorry for not coming out with my father, but I had some important errands to run. I'm working here for the summer before I have to go to back to school and finish my master's. I want to take over this place once Father retires."

"That sounds exciting, cause it just so happens that my sister also wants to take over our family business and become the next CEO." Anna mentioned and gestured to the older girl.

Elsa gave her a stern glance before turning back to the young Westergaard. "I still have a few years ahead of me."

Will opened his mouth to speak when a loud familiar voice called out his name from the main house. The three of them turned and noticed Jerome standing on the porch with a large frown. Lifting his arm, Jerome tapped the watch on his hand expectantly.

"I better go, duty calls." Will said with short sigh.

He turned around and gave the sisters one last smile. "Enjoy the rest of your day ladies. I hope to see you soon."

"It was nice to meet you Will." Anna stammered, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.

As Will began to make his way back to the main house, Anna turned back to her sister and nodded back to the young man. "Well?"

Elsa turned to her with a strange look. "Well what?"

"What do you think? Isn't he something?"

Elsa rolled her eyes as she picked up her bag and water. "Come on, we still have to unpack our things."

Just as Jerome mentioned, the cabin reserved for the Nordlands had a spectacular view of the lake and it stood not too far from the main house.

Overall the cabin was large enough for the four of them with its two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge area. The wooden porch was bare except for swinging bench that faced the lake. When Elsa and Anna stepped into their shared bedroom, they both grinned at the two neatly made beds and the folded dark blue resort T-shirts that were give to all the guests as a welcome present. The rest of the room was simple and clean, with a nightstand beside each bed, a large closet in one corner, a small flat-screen television, and a set of speakers on the cabinet across their beds.

After unpacking her bags and getting settled, Elsa decided to go out and explore the resort. She changed from her creased traveling clothes and into a simple light blue summer dress and flip flops. In front of the dresser mirror, Elsa pulled her hair up in a neat ponytail and grabbed an extra sweater in case the weather grew cold. Anna's voice echoed from outside the bedroom as she spoke with her parents about what to wear for tonight's formal dinner.

"Should I wear the peach summer dress with the brown flats? Or the olive shirt and black skirt with gold heels?"

Stepping out into the hallway, Elsa peeked into her parents' room. Her father was sitting on the bed and looking through a brochure and her mother and Anna were looking at a few dresses on the bed.

"I'm going to the main house to look around." she announced.

"Do you have your phone?" Idun asked.

"Right here." Elsa held up the small device with a smile.

"Don't stay out too long. We're meeting Jerome and his son for dinner tonight." Adgar added.

The evening was drawing near as Elsa stepped out of the cabin and began to make her way along the sidewalk.

Fewer guests strolled on the resort grounds now than before as Elsa approached the towering main house and began to stroll along the winding porch. Most of the rooms within were dark and empty, yet as Elsa drew nearer to the dining hall, she caught sight of a light slipping through the crack of the door. Suddenly curious, Elsa approached the door and peered through.

Since there was still an hour before dinner, the spacious dining hall was empty yet already decorated and prepared for the guests. At least a dozen round tables with five chairs or more were scattered around, covered with white tablecloths and set with napkins, cutlery, tall glasses for water, and small bouquets of roses as the centerpiece. Gold lights were draped along the walls, and Elsa was able to recognize Will. He stood with a group of six young men dressed in crisp white uniforms near one of the tables.

"Now listen up boys. This is a family resort. Hospitality is everything. If a guy shows you attitude, just keep smiling and do your job. Compliment the women, make the kids laugh, even pet the dogs. Do everything to get on everyone's good sides. My father didn't hire you so you could mess this up. He's got all your reference letters in his hands." Will instructed firmly. He was no longer dressed in the resort polo, but an elegant dark blue dress shirt and black dress pants.

"Yes sir." the men answered in unison.

Just as Will opened his mouth to continue, a door from another part of the room and a small group walked in. Squinting, Elsa saw a smiling Eugene at the front of the group. The young man beside him wore a dark blue resort T-shirt and jeans. Shiny, auburn hair fell over his forehead and his face was well sculptured with auburn sideburns running along slender cheeks. Elsa guessed that he had to be a few years older than herself.

At the sound of the approaching footsteps, all seven heads turned. The frown upon Will's face vanished and was replaced with a sly grin.

"Well well if it isn't the entertainment staff." he sneered.

The auburn haired man turned and faced Will. A matching grimace appeared on his face. "And if it isn't my darling brother William trying to level up to our father."

He looked at the waiters with a smirk. "You're doing great."

Brother? Elsa's eyes widened in surprise and then she saw it. The slenderness in all three men's' faces, their well built bodies, and strikingly handsome features. While Will bore his father's facial features and height, his brother bore Jerome's striking green eyes.

Will's face scrunched and he took a step forward. "Listen wiseass, don't forget your place here. Dance with the daughters, teach them to mambo, salsa anything they pay for but that is it. That's where it ends. No funny business, no conversation. Just keep your damned hands off."

When his brother looked away, Will chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you think you can do that Hans? What you can and can't keep your hands on?"

Elsa frowned when she saw Hans throw Will a cold glare. "Just keep being Father's pet and let me handle what goes on in my life."

"Oh don't worry about me. Unlike you I actually have a promising future ahead of me." Will jeered and gestured to the dining hall. "Once Father steps down this will all be mine, and what will you be? Just another one of my employees."

Hans tensed in sudden anger and Eugene placed a hand on his shoulder. "C'mon Hans, we still got some work to do."

With a slow nod, Hans narrowed his eyes at his brother and brushed past him. The haughty smirk remained on Will's face as he and the rest of the waiting staff watched the small group walk out of the room. The moment the door closed behind them, Will turned back to the staff with a disbelieved shake of his head.

Moving away from the door, Elsa chewed on her bottom lip and began to retreat back to her cabin.