Page 10 of Out in the Surf
“I know,” Luca huffed, raking his fingers through his hair. “I know. Adrenaline was definitely a factor, but it’s a poor excuse. I apologize. I’m sorry for the kiss and I’m sorry for being a dick.”
“Forgiven.” I held out my hand, smirking when he stared at it suspiciously.
“Thanks.”
He pressed his palm against mine, shook my hand, and released it. No big deal, right?
Wrong.
My fingers tingled and my heart rate soared to the stratosphere. I played it cool, though. I hooked my thumbs in my belt loops, casually glanced up at the street sign before asking, “So…when do you want to schedule your next lesson?”
Luca barked a laugh. “I’m not doing that again. That was single-handedly the most traumatic thing that’s happened to me since I moved to Cali. A clear sign I should stay closer to shore and away from surfboards.”
“No, no, no. You’ve got that wrong,” I cajoled. “It’s like I tried to tell you…you’ve got to get back on that horse. Or surfboard. Don’t let fear win.”
“I’m not afraid of surfing. It’s more a matter of returning to the scene of the crime.”
“What crime?”
“The kissing crime!” He threw his hands in the air and paced a few feet away.
I pursed my lips to keep my smile in check when he came to a stop in front of me. “Are you going to do it again?”
Luca shrugged. “I didn’t intend to do it the first time around. But what if I accidentally stick my tongue down your throat? Don’t look at me like that. It could happen.”
“I’m willing to take a chance.” I chuckled. “How about Monday?”
He screwed his features into wide-eyed disbelief. “Really?”
“Really.”
“I can’t. School started last week and I can’t be late…yet.”
“Wise choice.” I stepped away from the crosswalk to lean against the building’s façade. “Okay, if you have any open mornings, we’ll make it work. Otherwise, I’ll make time for you on the weekend. Early.”
Luca furrowed his brow. “If I hypothetically agreed, what is ‘early’ to you?”
“Seven a.m.”
“Fuck that.” He snorted with a laugh. “I need my beauty sleep.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to assure him that he didn’t, but that was a strange sentiment coming from another guy. Wasn’t it?
“Early bird gets the worm and all that,” I singsonged.
“Hmph. I’ll think about it…someday.”
“Sounds fair. Gimme your phone number.” I handed over my cell and let him add his contact info. “I’m free tomorrow morning…just sayin’.”
I was teasing. I was more interested in coaxing an incredulous reaction than anything. And Luca didn’t disappoint. He put his hands on his hips and shook his head in mock consternation.
“You’re nuts. Certifiable. I wouldn’t want to hang out with hungover me if I were you.”
“I’ve seen you barf. Does it get worse?”
He opened his mouth and closed it. “Wow, I really was a mess that day.”
“You weren’tthatbad,” I chided playfully.