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“More like my curfew. I have an early surf lesson in the morning, and I expect a difficult morning.”
“You should’ve told me! We could’ve left already.”
I shrug as we start toward our apartment building. “I didn’t want the night to end.”
Maia looks away, but I catch the big smile. Warmth runs through me, which is stupid. But I can’t help it. People pleasing is just one of my many skills.
“I had fun. But one question. Why do you need surfing lessons? I thought you were a pro already.”
I chuckle. “Not quite, but thanks. It’s actually a lesson I’m teaching.”
“No way, that’s awesome, Rhett! When did you score that gig?”
“Over summer break. I was working at a local surf shop and one of the owners took us out surfing. He couldn’t believe how good I was. His words, not mine,” I say while flashing her my most charming grin. “And when I gave him some pointers about his own techniques, he offered for me to teach.”
“That’s really awesome. I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf. Maybe I’ll check out some of the shop's lessons.”
“Or I can show you.” The words tumble out before I can stop them. Anything to spend time with her. “I mean, you know, if you want me to.”
She opens her mouth to answer but quickly shuts it, and her entire demeanor changes.
I follow her line of sight directly to the source.
Her boyfriend, Alex.
Standing in front of our apartment building.
Chapter 3
Maia
My brain short-circuits, and my thoughts are a jumbled mess. With a slight wave and a big smile, I hold one finger up toward Alex before turning to Rhett. He at least deserves a goodbye.
But I should’ve known it would never go down that easy.
“Maia! Rhett! Weird seeing you two together at two in the morning. Must be why Maia wasn’t answering my texts.” He holds his phone up as he walks toward us.
Fuck, he texted me?
Shit, shit, shit.
The last thing I need is him jumping to conclusions. I shake out my hands but quickly clutch at the sides of my skirt instead, having learned to hide the nervous tic well.
I take a deep breath, but it doesn’t stop the endless train wreck of thoughts colliding in every direction. My head is ready to explode.
I don’t want the night with Rhett to end.
Why the hell is Alex here?
Alex knows Rhett is just a friend.
Relax.
You’ve got this.
Alex’s stare burns a hole through me, and a trickle of sweat slides down my back, but I ignore it. Before I have a chance to say anything, Rhett takes over.
“Hey Alex, how are you doing? I was just walking Maia home. It was late and I didn’t want her to walk alone.”
