Page 62 of Hate At First Sight


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"I think so," Claudia replies, adjusting her wetsuit.

"I'm so excited!" Kate gushes, bouncing up and down on her toes. Funny how she and Brad ended up having more of a vibe than Brad and I did.

I, on the other hand, am feeling a bit nervous about trying something new. Surfing has always seemed like such a cool and exciting activity, but the thought of actually getting on a board and riding a wave makes my stomach do flips.

"Don't worry, Amelia," Brad says, giving me a reassuring smile. "I'll be right here to help you every step of the way."

I feel a little flattered by his attention. Despite the fact that our date did not go well, Brad is undeniably handsome, with his tanned skin, muscular build, and sun-bleached hair. And he's been flirting with all of us throughout the lesson.

As we paddle out into the water and start practicing on our boards, I notice a figure in the distance, riding the waves with ease and grace. It's a man, and he's damn good at surfing. As he gets closer, I realize with a start that it's none other than Jack.

Figures.

I can't take my eyes off of him as he glides across the water, his muscular arms flexing as he expertly maneuvers his board. He's easily the best surfer out here, and I admit I feel a little envious of his skills.

I remind myself that--yes the man is hot as hell and certainly skilled with his tongue--but I’m not ready to actually form a romantic connection with him.

Hm.Interesting.

Maybe I was using my date with Brad as a defense mechanism since I’m still so hurt from my five year relationship with Jansen that didn’t pay off. So I decided to swipe on the apps on my phone. I mean, really, I’m thirty-two. Am I going to seriously date a twenty-six year old surfer boy with no job?

Jack, on the other hand…

There’s a man I could see myself falling for. But honestly? He’s an asshole and he scares me. And then there’s those playboy vibes.

And like I told him, I’m at the point in life where sure, would I want a fun ride with him? Yeah. But I don’t want to go getting emotionally attached to someone I could never be with in the long haul because they’re too much of a dick.

I laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of my own brain, giving me pointers on my life. Maybe Jack is right. Maybe I’m getting too attached to my phone.

Brad seems to notice my distraction and nudges me with his elbow. "Hey, Amelia, are you ready to give it a try?" he asks, grinning.

I snap back to reality and nod, trying to shake off my distracted flow of thoughts. "Yeah, I'm ready," I reply, determined to give it my best shot.

Brad gives me some pointers and helps me get up on my board, and before I know it, I'm riding a wave! It's a small one, but it's still an incredible feeling. I whoop with excitement as I glide across the water.

As we continue to surf, I feel a little self-conscious next to Jack, who seems to be effortlessly catching every wave that comes his way. But I try to focus on my own surfing and have fun, and before I know it, the lesson is over.

"You guys did great!" Brad exclaims as we paddle back to shore. "I'm so proud of all of you."

"Thanks, Brad," Kate says, giving him a flirtatious smile. "That was so much fun!"

"Yeah, thanks for the lesson," Claudia adds, grinning.

"No problem, ladies," Brad replies, winking at us. "I'm always happy to share my love of surfing with others."

As we gather our things and head back to our cars, I feel a little disappointed that the lesson is over.

But I’m happy that I’ve resolved that keeping Jack at arm’s length is the best thing for me right now.

As we’re wrapping up, I see Jack walking in from the surf with a young teenage boy, who is standing with a volleyball.

The boy is watching some girls his age play volleyball on the beach.

Intrigued, I walk over and introduce myself.

“Amelia, this is Kevin.”

“Nice to meet you, Kevin,” I say.

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