Page 83 of Lowering His Guard

May

I hum as I drag the racks of surfboards out of the shed and onto the sand. It’s a glorious day. Especially since it follows a glorious night in Brock’s arms.

That man… my body tingles at the mere memory of how it felt to be touched by him. To be held by him.

Except he couldn’t get away from me fast enough. Although, he did stand in the parking lot and watch me drive away to make sure I was safe.

I notice Jace coming toward me. “Hey, surfer dude.”

He grunts. “Not a surfer dude yet.”

“You’ll get there. After all, you have the best surfing instructor in the world at your service.” I take a bow and he barks out a laugh.

I scan the beach but I don’t notice Brock. “No daddy giant today?”

“Nah. He had training.”

“Gotcha. One second.” I dig my phone out of my bag laying in the sand and message Brock to let him know Plank has been safely returned.

“Who are you messaging?”

I whip my head up and narrow my eyes at Jace. “Rude.”

He shrugs. “Just curious if it’s my dad since you’re smiling like a loon.”

I gasp. “I don’t smile like a loon. I smile like the beautiful mermaid I am.”

“You’re crazy.”

I don’t get the chance to answer before the other students arrive. It’s time to start.

I clap my hands to get everyone’s attention. “Good morning. Let’s get started. Everyone sit on the beach.”

The students groan. “We’re not surfing?” One complains.

“You are. Just not with your boards.” I point to the horizon. “Tell me when the next wave comes.”

One student immediately points.

“Nope, it’s already breaking. Try again.”

We spend another few minutes studying the waves until everyone understands the correct timing.

“Now we’re going to look for the set. Waves don’t usually come one at a time. They travel in families.” I point to the ocean. “See those three bigger waves?”

The students squint. “I only see one,” Jace says.

I grin. “Keep watching.”

A few seconds later... Another larger wave appears. Then another. “That’s a set.”

Now I explain where the waves will break. “The wave breaks where it gets shallow first.” I point toward a sandbar. “See how the section stands up before the rest?”

Jace nods.

“That’s where it’ll peak.”

Sure enough, the wave pitches exactly there. The students are looking at me in awe now. As if I’m a magician.