AllFreeNovel
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“No, not really. It’s just a plank of wood that whacked into my bone,” Parker jokes.
I pull out of his arms. “Be serious. Are you hurt?”
“I’ve walked off worse.” He shakes out his leg. “Don’t think you’re getting out of your lesson that easily.”
“Hurting the teacher isn’t an automatic fail?”
He flicks the skateboard back onto its wheels. “No, it’s a do-over.”
“How do I do it without beefing it again?”
“Try getting back on the board. Your stance was really good, you just have to maintain your balance. So, lift your arms out to each side.”
Over the bolt patterns, I ground my feet down. With bent knees, I gradually lift my arms. The board rocks and my balance shifts. I squeak and lower my arms.
“It’s okay. Try again,” Parker encourages.
Steadying my nerves, I try the position again. My core contracts like it never has before. With my arms balancing out each side, I manage to stay on the skateboard.
“Woo. Go Kylie!” Kai and Tabitha cheer from their bench seats.
I smile at the ground, feeling a blush brightening my cheeks.
Parker gives me a thumbs up. “Wanna try moving?”
My airway constricts.
“I’m not asking you to pop an ollie,” Parker teases. “Just point your left foot, and go that way.”
“Left foot?”
He shrugs. “Or right. I’m left handed, so I always opt left.”
Because it feels more comfortable, I point out my right foot. With my arms out, I push my palms down as if balancing on an invisible railing. Slowly, the board edges to the right.
“Oh gosh, how do I stop?”
“You just started to roll. It’s not like you’re flying down a ramp.”
“Parker.”
He grabs hold of my hips and anchors a foot against the side of the board, stopping it in place. “You good, daredevil?”
I cover my face with my hands, letting out a nervous laugh. “Oh my gosh, that was so scary.”
“It barely moved.”
I lower my hands. “But it moved.”
He grins. “You moved it.”
I giggle and place my hands on his shoulders. “Help me off.”
He lifts me off the board, spinning me before letting my feet fit the ground. The laughter spills out of me as I stumble on solid ground.
Parker cups the side of my face. “You did great.”
“Do you think Lewis saw?” I whisper.
