Page 17 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“I’m just thinking about how I got slammed by that wave when I followed you in.”

“I warned you,” she reminded him. “You were supposed to just watch and learn, not try to catch it for yourself.” Gage was catching on quickly enough, but waves of such big proportion required a more advanced skill set. She shrugged and shot him a playful wink. “At least you lived.”

He laughed some more, and Carly took the opportunity to take in his handsome features. His dark eyes held hints of gold today. Drops of water trickled from his brown, mussed hair and settled along that chiseled jawline, accented once again by that short scruff. For the second time in two days, he’d unzipped the top half of his wetsuit toward the lesson’s end and tugged his arms out. Carly had been more than a little distracted by his chiseled abs and chest, complimented by the glorious reflection of sunlight. No wonder they wanted him to star in the movie. He’d light up that screen like a natural.

A sting of jealousy snuck in as she considered the women who’d be beating down Gage’s door after the movie released. What exactly was she feeling for Gage? She thought back on the way it had felt when he touched her hand in the gift shop. The way his gaze had fallen to Christian’s hand on her back. She was crushing on him, she admitted to herself, but was it possible he was taking an interest in her in return? And just what did these feelings for Gage—as new as they might be—mean about her future with Jimmy?

She looked out over the horizon and pondered the question. Most likely the budding interest she had in Gage only went one way. But the competitive side of her challenged that idea—wanted to prove that hedidlike her, in fact.

“How about we catch some lunch,” Gage said. “My treat.” He flicked the hair from his face and shot her a grin.

Carly felt a heart spasm coming on. Rapid beats clanked against her rib cage. “Sure.” She shrugged for effect, hoping it would counter any notable reddening in her cheeks.

His grin widened, and Carly sucked in a gasp; a girl could drown in all of that swoon-worthy glory.

“Good.” Was that triumph she saw on his face?

They made their way past the clubhouse’s main restaurant, a place that lured the Royal Palm’s more sophisticated patronswith cocktails and fancy food, to The Mini Palm, another outdoor establishment which offered a casual take on fine dining. Freshly grilled burgers, hand-cut fries, and flavored sodas.

“You have to admit,” Gage said once they’d ordered. He took a sip of his Coke and slid it to the center of the table. “I’m a quick study, right?”

Carly tipped her head. “Hollywood wants a compliment.”

Gage looked caught. “Noo…” He rolled the word into three syllables.

It made her happy that the guy could be vulnerable, that he didn’t actually know how good he was. The breeze came in and tousled his hair as he waited for her reply. The private gazebo offered everything she could want in that moment: a view of the ocean, an icy drink in her hand, and the warmth of the sun on her skin. The company wasn’t bad either.

“Youarea quick study,” she admitted. “You might be good enough to fly solo after just two days.” She watched with interest as Gage’s brow furrowed in response. “I may as well go back to teaching kids and let you take it from here.” She hated even saying it, but Carly couldn’t resist the chance to see his reaction.

“On second thought,” he said, rolling his shoulders. “I’ve still got an awful lot to learn.”

She lifted a brow. “You do, do you?”

Gage only held her gaze and nodded.

It took effort for Carly to keep the grin off her face. “Fine,” she said. “And you’re right. You still have alotto learn.”

“So how long have you been coming out here for this? Giving surf lessons, I mean.”

She counted back a few years. It’d been six years since she’d lost Ava. And she’d started work here the summer after that. “This is my fifth year,” she said.

“Christian said you used to compete professionally. That’s impressive.” He grinned. “So what made you quit?”

The pendant around her neck—hidden beneath her swim top—grew heavier in the quiet pause. She had the sudden urge to hold the metal charm, rub her thumb over it as she thought back on that time. “A lot of things,” she finally said.

It was too personal to share. Besides, she was enjoying the role she was playing: mysterious, snarky surfer. Not the girl who was mentally tethered to a man who didn’t know how to love. Not the woman who was still mourning the loss of her baby girl. That’s not the person she wanted to be today. Not the person she wanted to be this summer.

Sure, Carly might not be the one who’d scored the lead part in a movie, but where Gage was concerned, she’d be playing a role all the same: fun, easy-going Carly. Ready to flirt with a gorgeous guy she met on the beach, possibly share a kiss at sunset, and feel all the feels she’d been missing since devoting her broken heart to Jimmy McGraw.

“Burger with blue cheese, bacon, and tomato,” Landon said while sliding a plate onto the table. “And a jalapeno burger for the gentleman. Condiments are on the table. Can I get you anything else?”

Carly shook her head and glanced over at Gage. “Nope,” he said softly. “This looks perfect. Thank you.” He set his gaze back on her, an act that caused heat to fill her cheeks once more.

“So, Ms. Carly,” Gage said, voice raspy and low. “I’ve got a question for you.” He rested an elbow onto the table—a big no-no at her house—and quirked his lips, thoughtful.

The french fry in her grasp was all but forgotten. “Yes?” Here came the big waves again. Causing all sorts of chaos to her insides. She gulped, felt herself leaning in as she awaited his question.

He broke into a wide, confident grin. “Are you dating anyone?”