Page 4 of Semi-Rejected Life

“It’s my real name, thank you. My mother was very into hippie culture and saving the rainforest.”

“Well, my name’s Vincent,” I said, taking his hand at last.

There was a sort of shock as our skin connected, the both of us gripping harder involuntarily. We just stared at one another for a moment, our scents suddenly intensifying until we both pulled away. I felt my heart speed up and I swore I saw a little speck of gold appear in River’s otherwise deep blue eyes.

“You must be Italian,” he said. “I figured from your complexion you had to be Mediterranean of some sort, but the name proves it.”

“Vincent Marino,” I nodded. “Very Italian.”

“No wonder you live here,” he smiled. “It makes sense with your name.”

“It does?”

“Marino means of the sea. And here you are, on a beach of what is practically an inland sea.”

“Uh… I never knew that. I don’t speak a lick of Italian, so all of that is a mystery to me.”

“Your family didn’t speak any?”

I looked up at him, my expression darkening. “Didn’t stick around very long to find out,” I replied. “But I’ll save that sob story for another day.”

“Sorry to bring it up,” River replied with an apologetic nod. “But if you ever want to talk about it… that’s one of the reasons I’m here.”

“You came to Shifter Grove to surf and to listen to my personal trauma?”

“Yes to the first and yes-ish to the second. The other reason I stopped here was to listen to other wolf’s experiences. I’m going home to become the Alpha of my pack at the end of the month, and I want to make sure I’m a good leader. I figured hearing stories from those that left their packs would help me avoid repeating some of the same mistakes.”

“Wow… an Alpha that cares. That’s a new one to me.”

“Ouch.”

“Sorry,” I sighed. “Old wounds.”

“I get it.”

Another silence stretched between us. Our flirtations were dead thanks to the sudden change in topic and my pathetically sad response. Way to go me. I always knew how to ruin a good thing.

“So… do you want a ride anywhere?” River asked. “I’m heading into town and I can give you a lift.”

“I’ve got a car,” I replied.

“But are you feeling alright to drive?”

“Yeah,” I lied as I attempted to look more well than I felt. “I’ve only got a short drive, anyway.”

“Only if you’re sure.”

“I’ll be okay.” Attempting to prove my point, I clambered down out of the van. “You got me out of the water and saved me from drowning, so I feel like I’ve inconvenienced you enough today.”

“It was no inconvenience at all,” he replied, flashing me that bright smile again. “The pleasure was all mine.” He climbed down after me, pushed his surfboard into the back of the van, and shut the doors. “In fact, if you’d like me to save you again sometime, let me know.”

That mischievous glint in his eye told me everything I needed to know. He meant business. Sexy business. And considering this handsome stranger wasn’t going to be around that long, it seemed a shame to let a perfectly good opportunity pass me by. After all, it wasn’t every day that new guys like him showed up in town. Now if I could only work up the bravery to actually follow through with such a thing.

“I might take you up on that.”

“Do you want my number, Carino?”

A shiver went up my spine. “I don’t know what that means...” He started for the door but I stopped him, my burst of confidence surprising even me. “Actually, why don’t you just go out for pizza when you want to see me again? You can just ask for me when you come in.”

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