Not like last night.
Not likehim.
I’m not ashamed to say that my eyes did stray to his rather fine arse as he went.
Sighing, I bring my hand up to the bump on my head. It throbs, but my fingers come away blood-free so that’s a good sign. I should probably grab my stuff and head back home though. Going back in the ocean probably isn’t the smartest idea.
My head’s still buzzing when a shadow falls across me.
“Hey, are you okay?” The early morning sun is partially blocked by the tall guy standing before me. Holy moly, is theresomething magical in this water? He’s just as ripped as Finn, maybe even more, and my heart skips a beat at the sight of him.
“Umm, hi. Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply, my voice a little breathless from his presence and two back-to-back encounters with gorgeous guys this morning.
He smiles, and it’s like the sun breaking through the clouds. “Are you sure? I saw the wipeout. It looked like you got quite a nasty bump.”
“No worries, no blood or broken bones, so all good,” I assure him, trying to regain my composure.
He extends a hand to help me up, and I eagerly accept, feeling a jolt of electricity as our skin touches. With his support, I’m on my feet in no time. But my head spins and I stumble into his bare chest.
“Whoa, easy!” he chuckles, his laugh infectious. He catches me easily, righting me, but remains close enough that I can see the goosebumps on his chest.
“What’s your name?” I blurt out, suddenly needing to know more about this attractive stranger. “Sorry, that was rude.”
He takes it in stride, still smiling. “Not rude at all. I’m Koa.”
“Hi Koa, I’m Lani,” I say, trying to act casual but a smile tugs at my lips. Secretly, I’m thrilled to be having this conversation.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Lani,” he replies with a touch of playfulness. I can’t help but notice the way his eyes linger on me. Is it just me, or is there a spark of interest there? The way he looks at me makes me feel steadier.
“So, are you a local here?” I ask, genuinely curious about him.
“Yeah, born and raised,” he replies, a hint of pride in his voice. “What about you?”
“I’m new in town. Just here for the summer actually,” I admit.
“Well, welcome to the neighbourhood, Lani,” he says, and I swear I detect a hint of flirtation in his tone.
“Thanks, Koa. It’s nice to meet a friendly face. So, do you come surfing here often?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation going.
“As often as I can,” he says, flashing a grin that sends my heart into overdrive. “You should join me sometime.”
The invitation catches me off guard, but I play it cool just in case he’s simply being polite. “I might just take you up on that.”
Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world around us fades away. It’s just the two of us, standing on the beach, feeling an undeniable attraction.
“I’d like that,” he says softly, and I feel a rush of excitement at his response. “What are you doing tomorrow morning?”
“Well, hopefully I wake up without a concussion, but no plans.”
“If you want, I could give you a few pointers.”
“That would be great. I surfed a little a few years ago, but just the absolute basics like being able to get to my feet and fall off safely,” I say with an excited laugh.
“Well,thatI can work with.”
As the conversation continues, the chemistry between us grows stronger. There’s something about Koa that makes me feel alive but steady and safe, and I can’t help but flirt back, drawn to him like a magnet. He’s not flashy in the way that Finn was.
He’s quieter. Steadier. Less overwhelming.