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Zane rubbed the back of his head. “I think it’s a start.” He’d thought about doing it on and off over the years, but until this week hadn’t seriously considered it. And making it public? If it helped kids—if it helped anyone—that made it more necessary.
Sophie looked his way, but quickly averted her gaze when his eyes met hers.
“You thinking about starting something else, too?” Bryce asked.
“Like what?” He kept staring at Sophie. She’d turned back to the conversation, but she was the best thing to look at, so he did.
“I don’t know. Sewing, horseback riding, a relationship with someone who matters.”
Zane put a hand to his chest. “You wound me. I thoughtweloved each other.”
“You know what I mean.” He pushed Zane this time. “And the fact that you don’t want to talk about it just means the shit’s real.”
“Says the master of meaningful relationships.” Zane righted himself and moved his attention to his friend.
“We’re not talking about me,” Bryce pointed out. “What’s the deal with you and Sophie?”
“There is no deal. We’re going our separate ways.” Shame gripped him by the neck and he didn’t want to get into the details. Itwasfor the better.
Even though…
Even though when she’d looked at him with anger in her beautiful green eyes when they’d shaken hands earlier, the kind of jolt a guy experiences only once in his life had rocked him.
He loved her.
He’d realized it this morning, but this afternoon without the harsh words he’d said to her, it spread through him like the best and worst kind of gift. Erasing her from his head and heart would take the rest of his days.
Bryce flicked Zane’s sunglasses, to get a better look at his expression, Zane guessed. Zane pulled off the shades. “Just like that, huh? You’re not going to tell me she didn’t mean anything to you, are you? Because I saw the way you looked at her. The way youarelooking at her.”
Zane sighed. “No, I’m not going to tell you that.” He took a quick glance at Sophie. She was nodding at something someone said. “But it was a temporary thing, okay? She’s got a life that has nothing to do with surfing and is better off living it than being stuck with me.”
Every muscle in his body constricted in pain—the kind he’d never experienced before. The heavy-hearted, miserable kind.
“Zane, Bryce,” Jon Waldron said, approaching before Bryce could say anything more on the topic of Sophie. “I wanted to say good-bye.” The older man extended his hand and he and Bryce each shook it. “And tell you again how much I’m looking forward to our new relationship.”
“I couldn’t be happier,” Zane said. “It’s an honor to serve as your ambassador.”
“Your schedule just got a lot busier, young man. My wife’s the brains behind our events, and she can’t stop talking about plans for you.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” This was his chance to make a difference and be good at something besides surfing, and he planned to give it 110 percent. He felt like a kid all of a sudden, pride and achievement welling inside him like he’d just won his first trophy. His head got a little light. He couldn’t contain his smile.
“Where is Mrs. Waldron?” Bryce asked.
Jon nodded over his shoulder. “She’s saying good-bye and thank you to Sophie Birch. Sophie handed us a check for SHE earlier. We understand you won a scavenger hunt.”
“We did,” Zane said. His smile grew wider thinking about how pleased Sophie had been for his group.
“I think this is going to be a worthwhile partnership,” Jon said, a thoughtful and appreciative expression on the older man’s face. “I’ll be in touch later this week.”
“Pleasure meeting you,” Bryce said.
“Thanks, Jon, I do too.” Zane nodded as Jon turned to go. The thing Zane loved most in the world was surfing. And now he’d get to do thatandraise awareness for excellent causes.
His eyes found Sophie again. She’d made him better this week, made him see things with new, fresh eyes, and he was grateful.
She’d stolen his heart and with it his wish for her to have it all. Everything she desired and hoped for. Rose petals and burgers and milk shakes. Late-night Tarantino films. Waves at her feet. And someone by her side to enjoy every moment with.
I love you.
