As I watch a group of pelicans soar over the waves, I’m genuinely shocked that I’m not breaking out in a cold sweat. I hadn’t been able to stomach breakfast or coffee this morning because my intestines were too busy stewing with dread. Other than the time I chased Tenny onto the soaked beach, the last time I’d been this close to the ocean had been during that fateful training session.
My lips downturn, thinking about how lucky I’d been that the jet ski guys were watching over us that day. They are literal angels, always keeping surfers safe. Nalu—the man who rescued me—even visited when I was in the ICU.
Tenny bops the inflated stegosaurus on the head. “Plus, I’m ready for an unexpected tsunami.”
I nod absently, lost in memories I’d rather not relive.
When Tenny beams that dimpled smile at me, I fail miserably at mirroring it.
“Hey.” He reaches out like he wants to touch me before thinking better of it. “Remember what you told me Friday? It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it.”
When I don’t respond, Tenny releases a nasally exhale. “Since my over-the-top outfit isn’t enough to keep your mind distracted, what if I tell you something that makes me uncomfortable? Will that make you feel better?”
My eyebrows lift as I perk up. “I generally enjoy seeing you taken down a notch.”
“Of course you do.” The glare he sends me has no malice in it.
Pushing his goggles up on his forehead, he draws in a deep breath. “As much as I’d hoped this get-up would make you laugh, I was worried about it. I only ate one breakfast instead of my usual two and a half.”
My brows bunch as I look him over.
Ilovewhat Tenny is wearing. The sweetness of him wanting to distract me from my own anxiety makes my chest ache. He really needs to stop being so darn considerate all the time.
“Why would you be nervous about helping out a friend?”
The last word pops out naturally. We might have had a few rocky moments in the past, but I consider Tenny my friend now. After all he’s done for me, I’d be foolish not to.
He rubs at his jaw, pausing for several beats. “Because my ideas can be a lot.Ican be a lot.”
I stop walking, forcing Tenny to face me. With the ocean silhouetting his eyes, they’re a deeper blue than normal.
“You’re enthusiastic about everything, but that makes you fun to be around.” When he averts his gaze, I shift right back into it. “Seriously, Tenny. Your energy is infectious. I never know what to expect from you, and it’s…”
Like sunshine during a rainstorm. Like a snuggly hug at the end of a long day. Like you’re the person I want to tell all my stories to, because I know you’ll be excited to hear them.
Before I can finish my sentence, a high-pitched voice interrupts me.
“Oh my gosh, I told you!” Two women in sports bras andveryshort shorts jog up to us.
“You’re Tenny Jackson,” one says, her gaze darting all over his body in a way that makes my blood boil.
“I’m Emma.” The other one extends her hand, wrist bent like she expects him to kiss it. “Nice to meet you.”
“Um…” Tenny rubs the back of his neck, accidentally bonking himself in the head with a floatie.
It’s the first time I haven’t seen Tenny overjoyed to meet a fan. He looks like a startled deer, and a surge of protectiveness makes every muscle tense in awareness. Tenny is clearly not in the right headspace for fan interaction right now. The tight tick of his jaw is all I need to solidify my decision.
Maybe it’s time thatI acta little more like Tenny.
Sliding my hand into the woman’s outstretched hand, I shake it heartily.
“Hi, Emma! I’m Bethany, but you can call me Beth. Sorry for the confusion. My boyfriend, Bruce, gets this all the time.” I laugh, leaning against Tenny’s shoulder—or as close as I can get with his middle wrapped in an inner tube. “I honestly need to get you and Tenny Jackson in the same room so we can get some doppelganger pics. Wouldn’t that be funny? Your mom wouldlove it.”
I’m so ardent in my delivery that both the women blink, one of them sliding her sunglasses on top of her tight ponytail.
“But—”
“Iknow,” I tell her, nodding. “I see it too! Except, beneath Bruce’s sweats is nothing but flab. Sorry, babe.” I give his bicep a little squeeze, mentally sending Tenny an SOS. Outlandish, on-the-spot fabrications arehis thing, not mine. “It’s the truth, but luckily, I don’t like men with rock-hard abs.”
