Page 22 of Lowering His Guard

I stand. I want to find Jace and have lunch with him. I expected we’d have more time together this summer since we came to Smuggler’s Hideaway before training camp began. But then Nolan devised a training schedule, and Coach Knox showed up.

I don’t bother to say goodbye. I’ll be back here soon enough.

I nearly slam into Raven on my way out the door.

“I’m sorry, Porter. I’m supposed to be improving so I can take over for you when you retire. But I have big shoes to fill.”

“Keep working. Keep learning. Nobody gets it right the first time.”

I wait for him to nod before continuing on my way. Maybe if I hurry, May will still be at the beach. My pace increases without me realizing it.

Chapter 8

Lineup – The place where surfers gather before paddling out. Nobody catches the best waves alone.

May

I sing along to the music playing from the surf shed as I return the rack of surfboards. There won’t be any surfing today. Not for the beginners anyway.

But for me? My body trembles with excitement. The offshore wind that makes it difficult for beginner surfers is a bonus for me. The waves are cleaner and steeper before they break.

I notice Jace trudging through the sand toward me. “Hey, Jace! What are you doing out here?”

He rolls his eyes. “Duh. We have surfing lessons this morning.”

My brow wrinkles. “No surfing for beginners this morning.”

“Why not?”

I indicate the water. “The wind makes it difficult to paddle straight, stay balanced, and control the board. In other words, it’s a disaster for teaching classes.”

And I am not in the habit of taking chances with the lives of children. Children are precious. They should be pushed but not into dangerous situations.

“Didn’t your dad get a text from me? I sent out a group text letting everyone know the class is cancelled.”

He snorts. “I doubt you have my dad’s number.”

I’m confused. “What do you mean?”

“Dad doesn’t give his number out to anyone.”

“But how am I supposed to inform him about changes to the class? Or what if you’re injured? Sounds pretty irresponsible to me.”

“Dad is never irresponsible.”

I grab my bag and dig out my phone. I scroll through my numbers. Sure enough, I have a number for Brock Porter.

“I have his number.” I show Jace.

He chuckles. “That’s not Dad’s number. It’s his assistant’s number.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket. “I’m sending you his number now.”

“Should you give me his number? Sounds as if your dad is pretty careful with who has his number.”

He shrugs. “He should have your number. You’re my teacher. All my teachers at school have his number.”

“Okay. Thanks,” I say, but I don’t believe him. He’s avoiding my gaze and kicking the sand with his foot. He’s up to something but I have no idea what.

“What are you going to do today since you don’t have school anymore?” I tease.