We’d met at orientation last spring when I’d first decided to transfer during my senior year of college. I didn’t know anyone in California, but I wasn’t worried about making friends. I wasn’t exactly shy. And Zoe wasn’t either. We’d bonded in the food court over an intense conversation about the proper condiments for corn dogs, both agreeing that spicy mustard was the way to go.
Okay, so she’d shamelessly flirted with me. When it got awkward, I’d gently let her know that although she seemed cool, I played for the other team. I’d braced myself for disgust or disappointment, and a round of “Are you sure?”…as if I might change my sexual orientation if the right girl came along.
That wasn’t how it had gone down. After a surprised silence, she gave me a curious once-over, shrugged, and asked what I thought about adding hot sauce to ketchup. Boom…insta-buddies.
Zoe was a great girl and the kind of friend who was willing to sign up for last-minute surf lessons on a whim. Her motivation wasn’t completely altruistic, though. This morning’s excursion gave her an excuse to make a twenty-minute drive to Seal Beach to buy her latte at the coffee shop on Main Street where her crush du jour worked as a barista. Although she might have a new crush now, I mused, as our surf instructor approached.
And okay…wow. He was damn hot. Square jaw, full lips, high cheekbones, gorgeous hazel eyes, and a deep sexy voice.
“Hey, there. I’m Cal.”
He extended his hand in greeting to Zoe, who shook it and hooked her thumb toward me.
“I’m Zoe and this is my friend, Luca.”
I waved lamely and almost swallowed my tongue before finally blurting, “Hi.”
Zoe frowned, casting a WTF glance my way. I couldn’t blame her. I mentioned that I wasn’t shy, right? I was normally pretty gregarious and friendly. Not so much now.
I felt oddly self-conscious for no apparent reason. Sure, Cal was handsome, but I’d met plenty of good-looking guys—and slept with them too. That wasn’t an option here. Not only was Cal my instructor and someone I wasn’t destined to know after my three one-hour lessons were complete, he was probably straight.
Snap out of it, Luca.
Thankfully, Cal moved on quickly. He conferred with the owner, double-checking to ensure we’d signed all the waivers and were ready to roll.
“They’re all set,” the older man confirmed. “Have fun out there.”
Cal saluted him, then set his hands on his hips and turned to us with a broad grin. “Have either of you been on any kind of board? Paddleboard, surfboard, skim board?”
“I’ve never been erect in the ocean,” someone who sounded like me said.
“For fuck’s sake, Luca,” Zoe sputtered. “Sorry about him. He’s prone to weird outbursts when under-caffeinated. We’re newbies. Show us everything, maestro.”
Cal snorted. “All righty, then. Here’s the plan…we’re gonna head out to the sand. I’ll give you a brief intro and show you how to balance before we hop in the water. Grab your boards and follow me.”
I passed Zoe her board and tucked mine under my arm.
“Thanks. Hey, are you okay?” Zoe whispered. “You’re kind of jumpy.”
I shrugged. “I guess I’m nervous.”
That was the honest truth, but I wasn’t sure why.
I trudged through the sand, thinking it might have been a combination of sleep deprivation, the early hour, and even hunger. I’d snap out of it once we were in the water.
Or not.
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing sticks? My hearing was just fine, but my ability to absorb new information was sadly lacking. I nodded attentively, as if I were hanging on Cal’s every word when he gave us a spiel about learning curves and ocean safety.
“…one of those activities where you can’t be afraid to fall. It’s gonna happen, especially when you’re new. It’s important to know how to read the elements and remember that you’re not ever really in charge. Mother Nature is. Winds, tides, and swells are always changing. It’s up to us to pay attention. Today is pretty mellow, but rip currents can form out of the blue.”
Zoe raised her hand like a kid in a classroom. “What’s a rip current again?”
“It’s a strong, narrow stream that pulls water from the shore out to sea. Emphasis on strong. You can’t swim against them. If you ever get caught in one, swim sideways—not toward the beach.” Cal clapped decisively and picked up the tether from his board. “You’re going to want to attach the leash to your back foot. If you’re right-handed, that’s generally going to be your right foot. Then lay flat on your stomach and start paddling.”
We practiced paddling and “popping up” in the sand for what felt like forever. I couldn’t decide if I was grateful for the close-proximity extra eye candy or if being too near this guy was bad for me. I’d never felt so dopey around a man in my life. I didn’t ask any of the questions I’d had planned. I just nodded and stared a lot. Thankfully Zoe was engaging enough that I doubted Cal noticed my fixation with his mouth or his ass.