Page 43 of The Other Plan

“That doesn’t sound like fun at all.”

“I still did it, though, because I loved it.”

“So, why’d you stop?”

“My job.”

“Your job forbids surfing?” She arched an eyebrow.

Chuckling, I shook my head. “No. But Camilla told me if I wanted to succeed, I had to stop spending my time at the beach and put in more hours at the office. First one in, last one out. That’s what successful people do. Grown-ups, you know?”

Jenna glanced away and up at the darkening sky. “And she was your fiancée?”

Now wishing I hadn’t brought it up, I answered quickly, “Yeah.”

“How did you two meet?”

“Valentina, actually. She introduced us. They were sorority sisters.” Regretting we’d gotten on the topic of the woman I had no interest in discussing, I quickly shifted the subject. “So, that’s why I stopped surfing. It was time to be a grown-up.”

“That’s too bad. She should have supported you doing the thing you love. No job is worth giving up the things that make life worth living. The passions that make you smile. And this...” She turned and looked at me. “This makes you smile.”

God. She was so right. The Carter who she’d known a decade ago had understood that, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost sight of it. Of him. But sitting out here on my paddleboard with Jenna at my side started to get him whispering in my ear again—whispering that I was being a schmuck.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to remember that when I go back. Maybe I’ll make time for surfing again.”

When I said it, her eyes darted away again.

“Jenna.” I reached over and tugged on her board. Her leg brushed against mine when the fiberglass bumped together.

“What are you doing?”

“Pulling you closer to me.”

“Why?” she said, and her panicked eyes met mine.

“What? Is your handsome and great boyfriend going to get mad I’ve got you so close?” I opened my mouth and lifted a finger. “Oh, wait. That’s right. You don’t have one.”

Deep crimson flooded her cheeks.

“What? You thought we’d make it through the whole day without me teasing you about that? Have you met me?”

“I hoped we could avoid that conversation.” She glanced down at the ripples of water forming around our legs. “Let’s just pretend that never happened.”

“But what fun would that be?”

“Forget it. I’m going in.” She reached over for her paddle, but I grabbed her by the arm.

“Stop. You’re not leaving. The sunset is just getting going.”

“I’m leaving. I’m mortified, and I’m leaving.”

“Jenna,” I soothed as I let go of her arm. “You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“Oh, right. Easy for you to say. You’re not the one who made up a fake boyfriend.”

“Well, I would hope I didn’t make up a fake boyfriend. I mean, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, but I still bat for the same team.”

“Carter! This isn’t funny! I’m dying over here. Wait. How did you find out, anyway?” She spun to face me.