Page 49 of The Heartbreak Hotel

Ella wondered if the older woman’s sudden interest in the sport had anything to do with Riley.

After practising positioning on the sand like marooned whales, they took the boards into the shallow water, getting a feel of the waves. Lying-down surfing seemed the way to go. The rush of the waves cresting around her as they pushed her body along were much more appealing than the thought of falling and ending up with body parts in different places.

Riley waded through the water to her, dimples deep in her cheeks. “You’re looking good out there.”

“Don’t sound too surprised.”

Riley grinned, sweeping a hand through her long hair so it fell down her back. Ella’s eyes were drawn to the toned muscles in her arms, then the tight swimsuit caressing the rest of her tanned body, until Pauline’s excited screams made them turn their heads. Her limbs were spread like a starfish as her board crept onto the sand in slow motion. She lay there for a few seconds before struggling to her feet.

“Did you see that, Riley?” she called.

“Great work, Pauline. Keep it up.” Riley turned back to Ella, an inquisitive look in her eyes. “I have to admit I was surprised to see her sign up for this. Has she said anything to you?”

So much for “letting Riley down gently”. Ella bit her lip to stop the chuckle forming in her throat. “Maybe her guide is a dolphin, like you.”

“Or a starfish, perhaps.”

Their eyes locked, and a slow smile spread across Riley’s face. One that made all of the world shrink around them and Ella’s insides turn to jelly.

As though she suddenly remembered they weren’t alone, Riley broke contact, swishing her hands through the water before returning Ella’s gaze, but this time her expression was much softer. “You ready to give standing a go?”

“Really? Already?”

“I think you can handle it.”

Ella felt the fear creeping up her spine but exhaled, embracing it. If it all went tits up, at least it was an excuse for Riley to manhandle her again.

They paddled further out into the ocean so they were waist-deep. Ella clung to her board as Riley recapped the instructions. She needed to lift her chest, keep her balance and focus her eyes where she wanted to go.

Riley squeezed her arm. “You’ve got this, Ells.”

Ella’s head swivelled at the nickname, and her heart swelled. Ells. There was something about the personal touch that gave her wings. She flashed Riley a wink, then started paddling forward, cutting her arms through the water. The wave lifted the board, and she hesitated, fear immobilising her muscles.

“Pop up!” Riley encouraged.

She forced her legs to move, straddling the line in the middle of the board. She wobbled, legs shaking as she stepped into a crouch. She leaned left, almost stumbled, but managed to right herself. Spray coated her, some saltwater going in her mouth. She glided forward, trying to spit, the board wriggling with a life of its own underneath her. She hit a bump and almost tumbled headfirst into the sea.

“Ahh!” she shouted, tearing her eyes from the board to look at the shore.

But she was already there. She’d made it.

The group applauded and whistled, Pauline’s voice carrying above the others. Not sure how to dismount, Ella flopped off, landing in the shallows on her arse and splashing everyone nearby. But she didn’t care. Nothing could wipe the smile off her face. She’d never thought of herself as athletic. Now, she could add it to her résumé.

Riley ran towards her, the gay equivalent of a Baywatch babe, kicking spray in every direction. “That was amazing!”

Ella laughed, throwing her head back and taking in the blue sky above them. It fucking felt amazing too.

They stood, chests heaving, taking in each other’s smiling faces. Flooded with the urge to kiss Riley’s gorgeous mouth, Ella’s body hummed. Did she have to look so utterly kissable? She wanted to taste every inch of her perfect freckled skin, trace the lines of her muscles with her tongue. She dug her nails into her palm to focus on something else.

From the way Riley’s gaze continued to focus on her lips, Ella wondered if she was in the same predicament. She hoped so.

“You coming in for another?” Riley asked.

Ella shook her head, feeling the ache in her muscles. “I’ll think I’ll end on a high today.” She lowered her voice, even though the others were far enough away in the sea. “But why don’t you go show me how it’s done?”

Riley’s mouth quirked. “Would you like that?”

“Definitely. Any excuse to ogle you.”