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Chapter One
“Here you go, dude. Safe travels.”
“Thanks.” Grady looked out the window of the VW camper at the bustling airport, then turned back to smile at his friend. “This was awesome, I needed this. Thanks, Monty.”
Monty grinned at him. “No need to thank me. Anytime, you know that. I’m out there chasing waves. You’re the one who moved on.”
“Yeah. I know. But you know why.”
“Sure do. You went and settled down. Bought into responsibility and obligations.” Monty laughed. “You lost your touch with the ladies, too.”
Grady rolled his eyes. “Don’t give me that shit. Ava’s worth it. And besides, raising her might be a big responsibility, but I don’t see it as an obligation. I’m still doing what I want to do, it’s just that what I want changed.”
Monty met his gaze. “I know. I’m just giving you shit. I think it’s awesome what you’re doing with her.” He chuckled. “I’m not taking it back about the ladies, though. You could’ve had that chick last night if you still had the charm. I was surprised at you. The Grady of old would’ve been all over that like honey on a hot biscuit.”
Grady had to laugh. “Where’d you come up with that one?”
“Never mind changing the subject. Admit it. You’ve lost your touch.”
“Nope. I’ve not lost it. I just choose not to use it anymore. I dunno, chasing ass just doesn’t hold the same appeal since Ava’s been with me …”
“Still not buying it, dude. Ava wasn’t with us last night. You can’t blame your niece for your inability to close the deal.”
Grady shrugged and checked his watch. “It wasn’t a case of inability. It was a choice not to. I came down here to see you – to catch some waves, drink some beers and catch up. But I guess you’ll just have to believe what you need to.” He grinned. “But I know the truth. I should get going.” He reached for the door handle. He’d love to stay a little longer and convince his old friend, but part of him knew that Monty was right. He had lost his touch with the ladies. At least, he’d lost interest in playing the games.
Monty got out and came around to meet him at the curb. “Give Ava a hug for me, huh?”
“Will do. You should come up and visit.”
Monty shrugged. “Yeah. Next time I’m up that way.”
Grady knew what that meant – not any time soon. Monty still lived the life that Grady had loved years ago. He lived in his camper, lived to surf. He worked where he could when he had to and dedicated his life to chasing waves. He’d stay down here in SoCal for the winter and wouldn’t venture up anywhere close to Napa until summer rolled around again.
Grady had lived that way for years. It’d been a good life, but he’d left it behind. He’d been working at Molly’s restaurant in Napa for a few years. And a few months ago, his niece, Ava, had come to live with him. Taking care of her was his whole purpose in life now. Sure, he’d enjoyed coming down to LA to meet up with his old buddy, but a day at the beach was all he’d ever allow himself now. His priorities had changed.
Monty grabbed his hand and pulled him in for a one-armed man-hug, then spoke next to his ear as he looked over his shoulder. “Damn! You can’t tell me that you wouldn’t drip your honey all over that biscuit if you got the chance.”
“Dude! That sounds …”
“Dirty?” Monty waggled his eyebrows and jerked his head toward a woman who’d just gotten out of a limo that had pulled up in the drop-off lanes a few cars behind them.
Grady nodded as he looked her over. Monty was right. Though Grady wouldn’t have worded it the same way, there was no denying that once upon a time he would have gone all out after a woman like that. She was gorgeous; long, blonde hair, long legs clad in perfectly faded denim. A cream-colored jacket over a pink shirt. Everything about her was everything that appealed to him – or at least, used to. There was no mistaking that she was wealthy; even if she weren’t getting out of a limo, her clothes, her purse, her shoes, all screamed that they cost more than he made in a month.
Monty bumped his shoulder. “If you haven’t lost your touch, get after it.”
Grady raised his eyebrows. “I have a plane to catch.”
“So does she. I’ll tell you what, if you can get a photo with her and text it to me, I’ll believe that you’ve still got it.”
Grady had to laugh. “We’re not kids anymore.”
“Don’t I know it. A woman like that wouldn’t give a kid the time of day. She’s one of those rich chicks, right up your alley.”
Grady frowned. “I never went after rich chicks for mercenary reasons.”
Monty laughed so loudly that people around them turned to look. The woman glanced in their direction, too, while she waited for the driver to get her bag from the trunk of the limo.
Grady loved that she smiled at the sound of laughter. When her gaze met his, he smiled back at her, wondering if she’d engage. She did. Her smile grew bigger. How about that?
