Page 86 of Lowering His Guard

My brow wrinkles. “How did you get here so fast?” Coastal State University is a thirty-minute drive away.

“I had a police escort.”

I should have known. The only thing the smugglers love more than sticking their noses into everyone’s business is drama.

“I’ll leave you to it. Jace and I are in dire need of some ice cream.”

I hurry away. I can’t witness Brock’s reaction. I don’t need to know he’s hung up on his ex. Thank you very much.

“Who fell off?” I yell to my class.

They point to Sandy. “She did!”

I motion them in. “It’s ice cream time.”

While my students return to the shore, Jace saunters toward me. He's watching his parents, his expression similar to a surfer who can see a set rolling in but isn't sure whether to paddle or get out of the way.

“Come on, my surfing champion. It’s ice cream time.”

I urge him away from his parents. I don’t want him to hear them. Judging by how Brock’s grinding his teeth, it won’t be pleasant.

Chapter 27

Rule #12: Don’t let yesterday steal tomorrow.

Brock

“Porter!” Coach Knox yells.

“I’m focused,” I yell back.

It’s a lie. I haven’t been focused all morning. My mind keeps drifting to May. How she tastes. How she smells. How she sounds when I touch her the right way. How it feels to cradle her in my arms all night long.

I shake my head as if it’ll help force the thoughts away.

“Over here!” Coach yells again.

Shit. I’ve been playing worse than I thought if he’s calling me to the sideline. I don’t drag my feet. Procrastinating won’t make the lecture any easier. I jog over while pulling my helmet off.

“Jace called.”

My heart thumps in my chest. “Is he okay? Did he get hurt? Is May hurt?”

“Your ex showed up at surfing class. She’s facing off with May.”

I growl. Serenity is a bitch. She wields words like they’re weapons. May is sunshine. My ex better not dim my sunshine. I need it. I need her.

Coach pushes me toward the locker room. “Go!”

I don’t need to be told twice. I race off the field. I grab my phone and keys from my locker, but I don’t bother to change. No time.

I drive faster than I’ve ever driven before as I make my way to Smuggler’s Hideaway. The second I cross the bridge, a police vehicle pulls out in front of me and switches on its lights.

I follow, but if it leads me astray, I’m not going. I’m on a mission. Thankfully, it leads me straight to the resort.

I honk to thank him before turning into the resort. I don’t bother parking. I slam to a stop in front of the reception and jump out.

I stalk through the resort to the beach. I scan the area. Jace is at the ice cream stand while May and Serenity stand off against each other.