Page 26 of The Castle in the Bay

‘Well, I’m going to seek some waves right now.’ She scanned him over. ‘Why don’t you come with me? I’ll give you a taster lesson. No charge.’

‘You’re crazy… You saw me in a boat.’

‘Go on. I dare you.’

A little smirk played on his lips. ‘Are you for real? There’s no way.’

‘Why not? The only thing stopping you… Is you. If you go in, I’ll take some photos and you can post them to your ex. Why not show her what a daredevil you can be?’ She folded her arms and tilted her head, daring him with her eyes.

He looked like he was chewing his tongue, and she smirked, knowing full well he’d say no. Ruaridh and maybe even Alexander would have risen to the bait, but Monty was so measured compared to them. Maybe that was what had led his ex to call him boring.

‘I… um.’ He ran his fingers through his damp hair.

‘It’s ok. You don’t have to.’ She tipped him a little wink and his gaze locked on hers again.

‘Actually, you know what, I will.’

‘Really?’ Her jaw dropped.

‘Yeah. Just let me get something on.’

‘Ok.’ She smiled, though a frown was overtaking. ‘Meet me in the yard in ten.’

‘See you there.’ He closed the door and she shook her head. She hadn’t expected that.

Ten minutes later, Iona waited by the car, tapping her fingers on the bonnet. Monty emerged from the annex, ruffling up the front of his hair. He’d swapped the towel for a pair of running shorts and a baggy white linen shirt. Why did he hide his nice bod like that?

‘So, you ready?’ She opened the car door.

‘As I’ll ever be.’ Monty climbed in. ‘Where are we going to do this?’

‘At the beach next to the paddleboarding school.’

‘When you say school—’

‘I mean it’s a container where I keep the equipment. It’s not actually a school.’

‘And will anyone else be there?’

‘There might be other people using the beach but there won’t be anyone else at the school.’

He nodded and leaned his elbow on the window ledge. ‘I think paddleboarding might be too advanced for me. I’ve never even swam in the sea. I’m not sure I can swim anymore. It’s been years since I tried. Like since I was at school.’

She shook her head and laughed. ‘Ok. You really are a case. Well, no water sports until we check you can swim. Let’s try that today and maybe we can do some bodyboarding. It’s a lot easier but still loads of fun.’

‘Dare I even ask what it is?’

‘Oh my god, Monty. Where have you been? Bodyboarding is like lying on a board and riding it in. It’s easier than surfing and paddleboarding.’

‘Ah, right. Ok.’

It was only a short drive before she pulled into the small car park beside the container that served as her storage and office.

‘Here we are.’ Iona hopped out and unlocked the container. She flicked on the light, revealing rows of wetsuits hanging from hooks. ‘Let’s get you kitted out.’

Monty followed her in, looking around. She rifled through the wetsuits, pulling one off a hanger and holding it up against him.

‘This should fit.’ She handed it over. ‘There’s a changing room in the corner.’

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