Waxing His Board (Filthy Dirty Summer)

I had, but figured it wasn’t worth interrupting her when she was revealing so much and risking her shutting down. But I just tilted my head and watched her, listening.

“The thing is. I don’t feel right getting into a relationship with you when my whole goal this year is to beat your record. I don’t want you to resent me for knocking you off that pedestal.”

“My record?” I thought for a second, then guessed, “You mean the number of purses I won my rookie season?”

Chloe nodded, then looked up at me sheepishly. “You’ve always been my favorite athlete, and for some reason, it became really important to me that I surpass your record.”

I threw my head back and laughed for a good two minutes before she whacked me on the shoulder with an indignant grunt.

“I can do it,” she snapped. “I’m good enough.”

Wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes, I shook my head. “Baby, you misunderstand my laughter. I have no doubt you can meet that goal. And when you do, I’ll be right there to give you a congratulatory kiss. But the reason I was laughing is because you are so clueless.”

Chloe frowned and waited for me to explain.

“It never occurred to you that you wanted to beat my record in order to impress your favorite athlete?”

Her cheeks turned pink as my words sank in, and I held back another fit of laughter because she was just so damn cute.

“I don’t think that’s logical because I assumed you would be angry with losing your spot as the top surfer in a rookie year.”

“You’re right.” Her face fell, and I grinned. “You are illogical.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she huffed, “I can see why you’ve been single for so long. You’re really bad at this.”

I chuckled and grasped her chin, bringing my face inches from hers. “You might be right. But bear with me while I lay this all out for you, okay?” She bobbed her head, so I continued. “I understand now why you didn’t want to go out with me in the first place. A part of you was hoping I’d be impressed but didn’t want to risk building a relationship only to have it destroyed when I became angry and resentful over you topping my record.” She nodded again. “But here’s the thing. Would you really have had a crush on a complete asshole?”

Chloe’s face flushed, and her eyes darted over my shoulder. “I never said I had a crush.”

I pulled her mouth close and brushed my lips over hers. “Yeah, but we both know you did, and, baby, that is so fucking hot. I’m struggling not to lay you down on this couch and fuck you until you’re screaming my name.”

The blush intensified, covering her skin down past the top of her dress. I desperately wanted to know how far the pretty pink color went, but I needed to finish this conversation first.

“Now, answer my question.”

“I suppose not,” she sighed. “You always seemed sure of yourself without being a pompous ass. Plus, I’d heard that you loved working with kids and gave free lessons to ones who couldn’t afford them anywhere else.”

“Now is probably the time for modesty, but I’m just going to blow past it so we can get back to the point.”

Chloe giggled, and I released her chin, pulling her into my chest and wrapping my arms around her. “So we’ve covered your illogical assumptions, and I can tell you the reality of the situation. I have never been more attracted to a woman, physically or mentally. I think your strength and the fact that you’re a kick-ass surfer is incredibly sexy. If you achieve your goal, I will gladly step aside. As long as I’m by your side. Because I’m not letting you go, Chloe.”

Before she could respond, the soft and desire-ridden look in her eyes snapped my control, and my mouth crashed down on hers.

6

Chloe

I’d been so right about what would happen if Wilder ever got me alone. But with his mouth pressed against mine, I didn’t have any doubts about what was happening between us. Not after everything he’d told me.

My eyelids drifted shut as I gave myself up to his kiss. He started off gentle, exploring my lips and mouth with soft swipes of his tongue. But the kiss quickly turned wild, and it soon felt as though he was devouring me whole. Being kissed by Wilder was better than anything I’d ever experienced before…and even more addicting than getting barreled—the ultimate feeling for surfers.

His hands drifted down to my lower back, bunching the soft material of my dress in his fists as he pulled me closer. My nipples pebbled as my chest brushed against his. Our kiss went on and on for what felt like forever before Wilder ripped his mouth from mine. Fierce need burned in his green gaze as he stared down at me, his chest heaving. “I need to know you’re ready for this, Chloe. There won’t be any going back once I have you. You’ll be mine.”