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Pippa slipped her arms in the jacket, and struggled with the zipper.
“Here.” He dropped the bag, gripped the edges of the life jacket and cinched it, squeezing her tits together in the process. His gaze flicked over the swells of her breasts and then back to the zipper. Stop ogling her.
He zipped it as far as it would go. This vest wasn’t made for someone so voluptuous.
“It’ll have to do.” His voice was rough, as if he’d swallowed a mouthful of sand.
She flinched.
“Is it too tight?”
She looked away. “It’s fine.”
Was she disgusted by him being so close? Some people were uncomfortable with his injury. He picked up her bag. “I’ll run this to the truck and be right back.”
After he returned, Mason picked up the board and walked into the water. “Let’s get Lady on first.”
Pippa followed his directions as they got her and the animal situated on the first board. She sat, one leg over each side. Nerves were evident on her face in the tight set of her mouth. But she didn’t hesitate as he walked her through instructions on how to get up to kneel and paddle. When she was more comfortable, she paddled out to the smoother waters and he got on his own board, paddling to catch up to her. Cool ocean water dripped down his legs from his board shorts. The splash of the paddle melded with the watery sounds of the waves rocking the paddleboard. His skin was sticky with a mixture of saltwater and sweat. The hot sun beat down on them, and there wasn’t a cloud in sight—just beautiful blue sky that went on for what seemed like forever. A few seagulls flew overhead before diving into the icy water for their meals.
It was so peaceful out here, away from the noise of the fellow beachgoers. A few fishing boats could be seen out in the distance, as well as the lighthouse.
Mason drew in a deep breath tainted with saltwater brine. It was one of his favorite things about living on the seacoast. Something about it just settled him.
He took his time coming to Pippa’s side and stopped on the left, so she’d be on the good side of his face. “You’re not too shabby at this.”
She smiled and bit her lip self-consciously. “Is now a bad time to admit I’m terrified of seaweed, dark water, and sharks?”
He chuckled. “I never would have guessed.”
She shrugged and then widened her arms as if to catch her balance. “It’s my killer poker face.”
He turned his head away so she wouldn’t see his damaged smile.
“If you’re so scared, then, why do it?” he asked.
She blew out a breath, her eyes scanning the glittering water. “I try not to let fear hold me back from living.”
He stayed silent, digesting her words.
“Can I stand up now?”
He paddled closer. “Take it slow. Balance your weight.”
Lady’s nose rose as she kept a watchful eye on Pippa, her tongue wagging in the warm breeze.
Pippa bit her lip as she carefully stood. The board tipped but she righted herself. She giggled. Something he hadn’t experienced in a long time drummed in his chest. His body heated as his gaze wandered over her. Fuck, he wanted to bite that juicy ass. His cock pressed against his shorts.
Pippa turned towards him, catching his gaze. He grimaced. Fuck. Pippa had to be in her early twenties and that meant he was most likely a decade older than her.
“You like owning a bookstore?” he asked, needing to get his mind into safer territory.
“Yes, I love it.” Her eyes lit up. “What is it that you do? Are you still in the Navy?”
“No. I work security.” He cleared his throat, trying to get a hold of himself. Maybe he should dive in for a quick swim to cool off.
“Are they going to jump from there?” Pippa asked, eyes focused on the Black Cliffs as a few small dots of people lined up at the edge.
“Yup.”
