He composes himself and turns, piercing eyes on me.
“Areyouin a relationship?”
I lift up my hands.
“Single since always.”
“See? Not taking any advice from you.”
He leans back on his heels, throwing the wax back in the cooler.
I tilt my head.
“So you don’t believe in following the heart?”
He rakes a hand through his hair, but the wind ruins it immediately. Pulling a hair tie from his pocket, he twists it into a messy bun.
His eyes stay fixed on the waterline where the surfers are flying over the waves, but he’s not really watching. I see it in the way his face tightens.
He’s choosing his words carefully.
“I think...chasing love is a dangerous game. One I’d rather not play.”
I nod slowly.
“But?”
“But once it catches you, and you start playing, backing out is impossible.”
Fair enough. I can relate to that first part of not wanting to play. Love died for me the day Chris died. That’s the harsh truth I’m finally daring to admit to myself.
Until now, that is.
I don’t know what this is I feel inside nor where it will lead me. I just know I want to chase it.
I’m playing the game, and I think I should take my turn.
“So why’d your former fuck buddy call you a red flag?”
“That’s definitely not professional conversation material, Tom.”
“Oh, come on. Today we’re just two lads catching waves, having a chat over an imaginary pint. We can get back to our roleplay on Monday.”
His eyes flick around for a second before he scoffs and lifts his board from the sand.
“You’re a walking headache, McKenna.”
“Red flag and headache,” I say, rising to my feet. “Coherent. Completely unhinged. Iconic.”
He groans under his breath.
I’ve got him wrapped around my finger. He’s trying hard to keep his cool, eyes locked on the rolling waves like they’re saving him from me.
Except, I’m not done with him yet.
I grab my board and drape my free arm lazily over his shoulder. I lean in, close enough to brush my lips over yesterday’s spot on his neck.
“Well,” I murmur, “at least your diver boy said you were an amazing fuck. Solid reference. Might need to verify that claim myself.”
