And just like that, the whisper of flirty Riddick was gone, and the stone-cold, professional surf instructor was back.
I forced myself not to outwardly groan in frustration. This strange tension between us infuriated me, and it was only day two.
What had I gotten myself into?
Ifinished the yoga session without busting in my shorts, but it was a challenge. Every time I thought I was finally starting to soften, Riddick would make me get into a downward dog again and massage me.
He asked me if I wanted him to stop, and though my mind screamed ‘fuck yes, or I’m going to fucking come,’I always told him no.
He asked in this strange, teasing tone. Like, if I asked him to stop, it would be proving I couldn’t handle it or something.
So, I shook my head each time and just focused on my breathing, doing my best to keep the insanely strong need to come under control.
By the time he finally told me we were finished, I was a tense, sexually frustrated mess.
“You did good, Finn,” he informed me, a small ghost of a smile on his face as he watched me roll up the yoga mat.
“Yeah. Thanks. I guess,” I mumbled, and he chuckled.
“You earned an afternoon of surfing. Just take it easy. Don’t strain yourself; tomorrow is going to be a rough day.”
I glanced up at him, all my irritation with him melting away instantly at the thought of hitting the water.
“You gonna surf with me!?” I asked excitedly, and his almost smile slipped off his face.
“No.”
“Awh, come on, Riddick. Stick around for a bit. Let’s have some fun; not everything needs to be so serious all the time.”
His expression darkened even further, and suddenly he looked angry.
“If you insist on surfing waves that will kill you, then yes, Finn. Everythingdoesneed to be serious. This is life or death. How do you not get that?”
I rolled my eyes, shooting him one of my most mischievous smirks.
“Okay, Mr. Grumpy Gills.”
For a second, he looked completely taken aback, then, to my delight, the corner of his mouth twitched.
HA!Finally got a reaction out of him!
“Did you just quote ‘Finding Nemo’to me?” he asked, and I nodded, tucking the yoga mat under my arm. I moved to grab the longboard too, but Riddick brushed me off, picking it up himself and following me to the lean-to.
“Sure did.”
“I suppose youarenearly as annoying as Dory.”
I shot him another grin, impressed that he even knew who Dory was.
“I think you meant to sayendearing.”
“I meant exactly what I said.”
Rolling my eyes, I stashed the yoga mat next to the surf rack while Riddick put the longboard away.
“Whatever, we have more of a Gill and Nemo relationship anyway.”
His lip twitched again, and I felt a warm buzz of pride that I’d been the one who almost made him smile.
