Page 55 of Beyond The Break

“Exactly,” I say, patting Koa on the back. “I’m focused on getting better than this beast right here.”

Koa smiles but it doesn’t meet his eyes as he returns to focusing on Mal who is still refusing to look at him. I make a mental note to speak to her about their relationship issue after Qualifiers, the animosity isn’t helping anyone, and it’s gone on for too long now.

“Okay, back to planning this party. The Cove is perfect but how do we get all the alcohol there?” Zale asks.

“We can take my boat,” I offer.

Four pairs of round eyes turn towards me for the second time tonight.

“You have a boat?” Kairi squeals.

“I didn’t tell you?” I sheepishly rub the back of my neck, “I bought it after my accident so that I could still be close to the ocean. I had it moved to the boat dock here before I came back.”

“I can’t believe you have a boat, and we haven’t seen it yet,” Mal exclaims, frowning at me as she throws her hands in the air.

“Well, that settles that. Now all we need to do is spread the word so that others show up.” Zale says.

“Leave that to me,” Mal flips her blond hair over her shoulder and standing up to leave, brushing the sand from her legs and shorts.

“Thanks, Mal,” we say in unison as we make our way back to the house.

I knockon Eliana’s door, patiently waiting in the hallway but when she doesn’t answer I knock once more. Three minutes pass and she still hasn’t opened the door.

Did she leave?

“Eliana? Are you in here?” I ask, waiting for a reply.

Still nothing, so I pop my head inside and see her sitting at her desk with headphones on. The faint sound of music coming from them. I smile to myself as I close the door behind me and watch her bob her head to the beat as she works. She’s so naturally cute, it’s a wonder how she’s managed to stay single her wholelife.

I look over her shoulder, seeing that she’s editing photos she took of me. She jumps when I lift one of her headphones from her ear, twisting in her seat to look up at me with a surprised expression.

“Sorry,” I grin, “I knocked but you couldn’t hear me.”

She pulls off her headphones and glances at the night sky from her window. “Have I been in here all day?”

I nod and watch as her expression morphs into disappointment.

“What’s wrong?”

“I missed the evening surf and my surf lesson,” she pouts, sadly.

“That’s okay, there’s always tomorrow. How about we go do something fun tonight?” I suggest, wanting to cheer her up.

“Like what?” Eliana’s stomach grumbles loudly and I can’t hold back my grin as I watch her turn a bright red.

“How about another lookout point?” I ask, holding my hand out for her to take.

“As long as you promise not to walk away again.” She tries to keep her face impassive as she studies me, but I see the hurt behind her eyes.

“I promise.”

She nods and slides her small hand into mine. A warmth travels up my arm and I close my hand around hers, basking in how right this feels.

I steermy jeep along the winding coastal road, the salty breeze from my open windows tousling my hair. Excitement builds in my chest as we near the lighthouse that overlooks the beautiful expanse of the ocean. I know she’ll love it.

I sneak a glance at Eliana in the passenger’s seat and admire how her hair gently blows in the wind. The moonlight dances across her features as she stares straight ahead, highlighting the smooth curve of her lips and the freckles along her face. A smile starts to pull at my mouth as she nibbles on the fries from the fast food we just finished eating, but when she catches me staring, I quickly clear my throat and return my eyes to the road ahead of us.

The towering silhouette of the lighthouse comes into view as the sound of crashing waves grows louder. I pull up to the base of the lighthouse and park my car before jumping out, gravel crunching beneath my shoes.

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