And somehow that makes it harder to look away.
He’s confident, but a little more reserved. Not quite as cocky or as smooth as Finn came across, and definitely less intense. But the attraction is there all the same. I’m looking forward to our surfing lesson tomorrow. I’m sure it’s not a date, but I’d love it if it led to one.
As we part ways, I can’t help but think that this chance encounter might be the beginning of something exciting. Then I tell myself to stop overthinking everything and head home.
Stupid concussion.
BETA BAIT
Beta Bait:Exciting news, Beta. Your profile is now live and being shared with potential chasers in your area. Plus, it’s time to choose your profile name – a unique moniker that represents you in the hunt.
(Reply with your chosen profile name.)
Beta Bait:Once you’ve picked your name, would you like to review some of the chaser profiles expressing interest?
(Reply YES to take a peek, or NO to keep enjoying the mystery.)
Beta Bait:There are chasers out there waiting to hear from you, each eager to embark on this thrilling chase. Your adventure is just beginning.
Beta Bait:Remember, if you ever get cold feet or decide you no longer wish to hear from us, just reply STOP. Your comfort is our priority.
EIGHT
LANI
I don’t knowwhy people describe nerves as being like butterflies in their tummy. Excitement or anticipation, maybe. But dread-nerves, not so much.
On my way off the beach, Old Pete caught me and begged me to pick up the lunchtime shift for one of the waitresses who called in sick. I agreed,thenfound out it was up at the hotel, in the main restaurant. The incredibly posh,silver servicerestaurant.
The pubs back home, even the nice ones with proper freshly cooked meals and not microwaved shite, never offered silver service.
So here I am, after a short nap at home to clear my pounding head, with bloody hedgehogs doing gamboles in my stomach, freaking out about how the hell I’m going to survive this shift.
I wipe my sweaty palms on my skirt for what feels like the hundredth time while I try to psyche myself into leaving the safety of the staff zone.
“Lani! Hi!” A beaming smile greets me as I struggle to recall the name to the face. I know it’s one of the girls from the beach,but it can’t be Rachel because Pete said that’s the shift I’m covering today.
“Hi.”
“It’s Emily.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry. How’s Rachel?”
“She’s okay. Food poisoning, can you believe it?”
“Not from here I hope,” I joke.
Emily laughs. “Nah, she made her boyfriend take her to the new place that’s just opened in the village. Let’s just say it wasn’t good.”
“Yikes. Remind me not to go there anytime soon,” I quip, even though I have zero funds for eating out, pretty much ever. “So how hard is this silver service stuff?”
“You’ll be fine. So long as you’re not asked to wait on table eight.”
“What’s wrong with table eight?” I ask, my stomach sinking.
“The guy’s a demanding arsehole.”
“Sounds fun.”