Page 30 of The Castle in the Bay

‘You did it.’

He breathed and pulled himself to his feet. ‘That wasn’t as bad as I thought.’

‘Well done.’ She reached out and patted him on the arm. ‘That was great. How did it feel?’

‘Not bad, I guess.’

‘Let’s do it again.’

‘Ok.’

They paddled back out. This time, it didn’t seem as daunting. In fact, it was almost enjoyable. Each time he waited, feeling the rhythm, then caught another wave, an invisible hook seemed to tug him back into the water to do it again and again, either in an attempt to do better this time or something else entirely.

‘You can’t say you’re not enjoying this now, can you?’ Iona caught his eye as they waited for the next wave.

‘Yeah… It’s ok.’

‘Ok?’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘Come on, Monty. Give me something more. Show me the passion, the fire.’

He chuckled. ‘You’re crazy.’

‘Me? Watch out, you’re missing one.’ She leapt onto the board and glided on the wave. Her movement was so elegant, she almost looked like she didn’t need the board.

Monty waited for a moment, then caught a wave, riding it all the way to the shore again.

As they waded back out again, Iona moved closer. ‘I think you’ve really got the hang of this.’

‘Which is somewhat surprising.’

Clouds had rolled over the sun and some warmth drained from the surrounding air.

‘Looks like it might rain.’ Iona glanced up. ‘Not that it matters. We’re wet anyway. But if you want to stop at any time, just say.’

‘Maybe one or two more.’ Monty eyed her, and she grinned.

‘You’ve got the bug.’

They waded out again, catching more waves. The sea, so intimidating an hour ago, now felt like a playground. This was actually quite fun, but with the gathering clouds, cold was creeping in and Monty shivered a little. Maybe this was the right time to call it a day.

‘Let’s get dried and dressed then,’ Iona said. ‘I’ve got a kettle in the container. I can make us some tea or hot chocolate to warm up with.’

Monty followed her up the shore, across the tarred area and into the container. Getting the wetsuit off wasn’t the easiest now his limbs were cooling off. He vigorously towelled himself down in the tiny changing area, and his mind wandered to Iona. Where was she changing? Was there another cubicle? Why did he even care? But his blood rushed south at the thought, and he ground his teeth.

Seriously?

It’d been a while since he’d had any bedroom action. Sophie had stopped being interested in the end of their relationship. No doubt that was due to his vanilla performance. Well, today had been far from dull. He’d made the first step to doing something a little more adventurous. He pulled on his boxer briefs, adjusting the fit as more thoughts barraged his brain. Ruaridhhad suggested Iona didn’t mind quick flings with guys she met through surfing. Maybe she used this container for more than just changing in. Was sex on the beach more than a cocktail for her?

All of that seemed like a fantasy to him. He’d confined his sexual activities to the bedroom so far, which pretty much confirmed his status as vanilla. And make that a double scoop. But things were changing. He’d done something way out of the zone today. What else could he do if he put his mind to it?

Chapter Twelve

Iona

Iona poured boiling water into two tin mugs, then stirred a spoon through them, blending in the hot chocolate powder. She pulled a face at the result. Never would she ever be a barista, but these would be good enough to warm them up.

She glanced at Monty as he emerged from the changing room, his hair still damp and somewhat rugged. The length on the front and the fair colouring could almost pass for surfer style.She smirked inwardly as he put on his thick-rimmed glasses, turning himself instantly back to Clarke Kent. Weird how glasses could do that to a person. One minute he was verging on hot surfer, the next he was back to sensible bank employee.Did I just call him hot?She gave herself a mental shake.

‘Here’s a hot chocolate.’ She held one out.

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