Page 69 of Ride the Wave

‘…of course, identifying potential risk factors has been at the forefront of what I’ve done here,’ José tells me, tapping his finger against the tablecloth to emphasise his point. ‘Not just in terms of the surrounding area, but also when it comes to budget…’

It means so much that Leo felt ready to talk to me today.

That took a lot of courage, too, to be open and honest about his past mistakes and what he’s learnt from them. It feels like a privilege that he could be that vulnerable with me, when he talked about letting down friends and family. It was moving, how wistful and proud he looked when he explained that surfing helps your soul connect with the ocean. How it can humble you and remind you of what’s important.

It was profound. And inspiring.

‘…it’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it because of the passion that goes into these projects. Not just from me either, but from the stakeholders and the locals themselves…’

Leo is so hot too. Have I mentioned that? I don’t care. He is.

His eyes are achingly pretty, framed by those full eyelashes, and I love how his thick, dark hair is so unruly, constantly dishevelled like he’s always just stepped out of the sea.

His sharp jawline, those broad, strong shoulders…

I mean, he’s intimidatingly gorgeous, isn’t he.

Just thinking about the way he looks at me intently sometimes – like he’s trying to work me out, like hewantsto work me out – is making my stomach flutter.

‘…so in answer to your question, yes, I think it’s going to be a great success,’ José states with a winning smile, picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip.

I’m jolted from my Leo-themed daydream at the conclusion of José’s monologue and realise that, despite that closing statement, I never asked him a question in the first place.

He’s somehow convinced himself that I was the one who wanted him to tell me all about his fresh achievement. A humourless laugh bubbles in my throat. I cough it back, reaching for my glass and taking a gulp.

‘That’s great,’ I say, fixing a smile.

‘Thank you. It’s the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much untapped potential in this region – Burgau is a prime example. If I have my way, it will really come to life.’

I’m slightly taken aback by the implication. ‘It’s already… alive, I think. As in, I don’t think much needs to change about it. If anything. It’s wonderful there. I’ve really fallen for it, I think. I’m going to be… sad to leave.’

Devastated, actually. But that sounds too dramatic.

‘Ah, but think of what it could be,’ he insists, leaning forward on the table enthusiastically. ‘It isn’t prepared for the influx of tourists that will be coming its way. It needs dreamers like me to ready it. No one there has the right vision.’

I suppress a smirk at his referring to himself as a ‘dreamer’.

Then I realise that’s not fair. Maybe he is. Who am I to declare he’s not? And although it’s become glaringly obvious to me over the course of tonight that I am currently too infatuated by someone else to have any feelings for José, that’s not his fault.

In fact, I really shouldn’t be letting my crush on Leo overshadow all of José’s qualities. I categorically cannot have sex with the athlete I’m interviewing, no matter how much I want to. That would be a very unprofessional move, especially when I’m vying for an incredible new job at a company owned by his mother. I can, however, have fun with absolutely anyone else.

Literally, anyone else. But him.

And here is someone right in front of me who is just as gorgeous. Maybe not quite so fun, perhaps a little more self-involved… but someone who has made it abundantly clear that he’s attracted to me by taking me out to this exquisite restaurant. A lot of thought has been put into this impressive date, and he’s an impressive guy. He drove me here in his flashy car and, knowing about my foot, has shown himself to be extremely thoughtful, holding my hand and walking slowly into the restaurant with me so I didn’t have to hobble in by myself. There. He’s ticking many boxes, especially as a temporary fling in a foreign country.

So.

The smart thing to do is to forget about Leo, and focus on José.

‘Let’s get the bill and then shall we have a drink at one of the bars in Burgau?’ José suggests, signalling to the waiter for the bill.

‘Yes,’ I say, smiling sweetly at him. ‘Let’s.’

Because I am a smart person and I will do the smart thing.

*

Okay, I admit defeat. I can’t do it. This was not a smart decision at all.

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