Page 19 of Fake Married to the Grumps

It’s why doing this with Nelly is the best option.

I let out a breath, pull my thoughts out of the past, and offer Nelly a shaky smile before getting on my feet.

“You should get ready,” I say as I head for the door. “We’ll explore the town later today and take some pictures for social media. Don’t forget, we have to make this as real as possible.”

“Got it.”

Her cheeky smile makes my heart do a speedy dive again as I leave the kitchen.

Choosing Nelly for this is supposed to be an easy way out of falling in love and getting married, but something about her smile and the way her eyes light up makes me think that keeping things casual will be harder than I anticipated.

Chapter 7

Nelly

We decide to have a beach picnic at the Flamands Resort beach shores. I hope to enjoy the sunny day and watch the waves flow down towards the shores easily, but Ethan has other plans when he joins me with a sunscreen tube and two surfboards.

Each time Ethan comes close, I catch a whiff of his earthy scent, and it heightens my awareness of him. The jolt of electricity that sparks through me in those moments is confusing.

Because I should be over him now. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that our kiss revived old flames in me. I can’t think about it, I conclude while battling the tension rattling my insides.

“Ready?” he asks, while wearing a mischievous grin.

I bat my lashes at him before tilting my head to one side. “What for?”

“Come on … We’re at a beach, Nelly. Did you think we’d sit on the shores all day, watch the sun, and hope for some snoopy teenager to take pictures of us?”

“No … But …”

“No buts,” he interrupts and takes my hand before I can protest. “We’re gonna surf, have fun, and relax. You look like you need it.”

Ethan tosses the sunscreen to the ground and leads me towards the shore with one hand on mine. My pulse skips a beat as I recall the last time I surfed.

I haven’t done anything this exciting in years, and the thrill gushing through me now reminds me of the old times with Ethan.

“You ready?” He lets go of my hand and starts gearing up for the surf. Ethan puts on his earplugs and goggles, then he reaches into his bag and hands me mine.

I can't help but chuckle, a spark of amusement bubbling up within me as he hands me a surfboard leash.

“When you suggested we spend time at the beach, is this what you had in mind?”

“Yes,” he flashes a cheery smile. “What better thing is there to do on the beach? You used to be more adventurous than this.” His eyes twinkle playfully.

“I agree.” I bend to put on my leash. “But unlike you, I’ve had a pretty rough couple of years since the last time we went surfing together.”

My statement brings back the same memories for him because a knowing smile plays out on his lips. “Italy,” we chorus, both recalling our amazing week in Italy with Tom. Tom met Robyn on that trip and his life changed since then.

“Forget everything else,” Ethan tells me as we head for the shore with our surfboards. “Just breathe, enjoy the air, and ride the waves as they come.”

“Ride the waves,” I murmur as we set ourselves on the water and move into position to start surfing.

I let the rhythm of the ocean fill my ears. The sound of the surf spikes my adrenaline, and I take a deep breath, finding the balance that allows me to ride the waves.

Time slows down as I get engrossed in surfing. The view of the large wave coming at me, threatening to crash and leave a spray of salt water over my face, is a thrill.

Ethan’s laughter roars alongside the roar of the waves and it eases the tension ebbing through me from earlier, letting me relax till we make it back to shore again.

I’m soaked when we get on dry land, and the throes of his laughter mingle with my chuckles till we move closer to each other and hold hands.

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