Page 65 of Harper's Holiday Romance

“It takes time, but I know you can do it.”

“Okay, let me try.”

It took three attempts to find the courage to haul myself up, but I finally did it. Julia clapped so enthusiastically she almost fell in the water, which made me laugh so hard I had to tense my stomach to stop my shoulders from shaking.

“Please stop making me laugh, I beg.”

“Look at you.” She beamed.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

I fully submerged the paddle into the water, using all the core strength I could summon to keep my body upright. It wasn’t as unstable as I expected. The board held its own in a way.

“Longer strokes are more efficient. You want to try and pull your board past the paddle rather than pulling the paddle through the water, if that makes sense?” Julia was to the left of me now; she kept her eyes focused on me, not straight ahead as the instructor recommended.

“That’s it, perfect. Now push the blade backwards to do a reverse stroke, like this.”

I didn’t want to jynx it, but paddle boarding wasn’t so hard after all. It felt serene. The vast open sea before me, nothing but us, two paddle boards, and nature. Fundamental needs—sunshine, fresh air, and good company, maybe the basics were the key to happiness.

Julia sat in the centre of her board. She adjusted herself to allow her feet to dangle in the sea. She was a few metres away from me because I might have mastered how to stand up, but directing the thing proved more difficult.

“Grab hold of my paddle, and I’ll pull you in.”

“Please don’t let me fall in,” I begged.

“I won’t. I promise.”

When I was within touching distance Julia reached out for my paddle. “If we place them both like this, we won’t float away.”

She held my hand as I got more comfortable. The sea remained calm. The occasional boat caused a ripple through the water, but I didn’t worry too much. Julia spread her knees so our legs fit into one another. The arm’s length between us was too much. I wanted to be closer to her. I wanted to jump from my paddle board to hers and lie across her bikini-clad body.

“What are you thinking?” she asked whilst stroking the outside of my leg.

I want you.

“I’m really enjoying this, with you.” I unclipped the front of my ugly orange life vest. I wasn’t brave enough to remove it, but the instructor had pulled it so tight I could barely breathe.

“Me too.”

I fused my fingers with her left hand. She had long thin fingers and well-maintained nail beds, which was a huge turn on for me. I didn’t have many “icks”, but a guaranteed turn off was an unmanicured, dirty hand.

Eww.

“I like your hands,” I said.

“Really?”

“Yeah, they’re so soft.” Icaressed her knuckles.

“What about my lips? Do you like those too?” Julia smirked.

“They look nice, but I can’t remember how they feel.” My flirting game was bleak. Of course I could remember exactly how they felt, with disturbing accuracy if questioned.

“Oh,” Julia leaned forwards. “Maybe I can remind you.”

God, she was smooth. Like butter.

“I’d like that,” I whispered against her mouth.