“You should respect the ocean, but you don’t need to be afraid of it. Especially because…” Leo pauses briefly. “I would never let anything bad happen to you.”
I look at Leo, and he meets my gaze. Despite knowing this man approximately twenty-four hours, I believe him. I truly believe Leo is a protector. And although I’ve never seen myself as a damsel in distress, the thought of knowing Leo has my back gives me immense comfort.
“Do you think I’d learn more life lessons?”
“I’ve learned more being out here than in any classroom. It’s exhilarating. Nothing beats the thrill of riding a wave.”
Linda said I need more life experience to be an author. That’s what I came to Sunshine Shores for, right? To take a chance, to get a new perspective? I blow out a breath. “Okay. I’ll do it.” Immediately, I feel a tug-of-war in my spirit. Part of me wants to slink back to the parking lot, and the other part of me is happily running toward the sea.
“What do you say we start tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” I repeat, trying to ignore the lump rising in my throat.
“But, first. We’ll need to get you some gear. Wanna stop by the surf shop with me?”
“Now?”
Leo stands. “If you have time.”
I look down at my empty notebook and hesitate momentarily. My goal was to figure out a life plan, but now I feel like I have more questions than answers.
Leo reaches for me with his hand, and I immediately take it. I guess I’ll have to figure out my life later. Maybe my new life plan is not having a plan. No. That is not me at all. But, neither is surfing.
Chloe 2.0 people. Here we go.
Chapter 9
Leo
AfterpullingChloeupfrom the sand, I don’t want to let go of her hand. Her petite fingers fit perfectly in my palm. Her smooth skin slips from my grasp though as she stands and wipes sand from her pants.
Yes, she is wearing dress pants to the beach. And now she’s picking up her shoes…which are high heels. Even though it’s only 8:30 in the morning, the temperature is almost eighty degrees.
I shake my head and chuckle.
“What?” she asks.
“High heels?”
“They’re all I have…I mean besides tennis shoes and UGG boots. I was going to wear my tennis shoes, but the idea of mixing sand and socks grossed me out. And I knew better than to wear boots.”
“I respect your reasoning, but we gotta get you some flip-flops.” I watch her gather up her towel and backpack, and then we start walking toward the wooden pathway leading to the parking lot.
“Flip-flops? I haven’t worn flip-flops since high school. They’re so flimsy and uncomfortable.”
“You haven’t tried Rainbows. They’re gonna change your life.”
She tilts her head. “That’s a bold statement.”
“I stand by it.”
Chloe eyes me skeptically.
The door chime jingles as we walk into the surf shop. Chloe follows me to the counter. Immediately, I spot Jason. He and his dad run the shop.
I’m man enough to admit Jason’s a handsome guy. He was one of the first surf friends I met. Although I grew up in Florida, I didn’t get into surfing until after Elena left. It was my escape, my therapy.
When I stumbled into the surf shop, Jason took me under his wing and taught me everything I know. He’s like a younger brother to me now.
