He nodded. “The Banzai Pipeline is where the water and the coral bend the water to form what looks like a tubular wave. The swells can reach over twenty feet.”
She arched a brow. “And you surf those.”
“They’re some of the best. But also the most dangerous because of the reef.”
She shook her head. “You men and your extreme sports.”
“Women surf them, too. And you represent athletes. You know how it goes. We have to do what drives us.”
“Or you’re simply driven by these insane competitive urges and nothing stops you.”
He grabbed a few of her grapes and popped them into his mouth. “Maybe.”
“Maybe I’ll come watch you.”
“I’d like that. And maybe you’ll have dinner with me tonight.”
She liked his confidence. “Maybe I will. Where are you staying?”
“Here, actually.”
She arched a brow. “Really?”
“Yeah.”
“This hotel is pricey.”
He laughed. “Do I look poor?”
She laid her hand on his. “No. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean . . .”
“Relax, Victoria. It takes a lot to insult me. Turns out I’m kind of an international superstud on the surfing circuit, so I’ve got enough coin to afford to stay in a nice shack like this.”
She really had to learn to stop judging people on appearances. Just because he was more than a few years younger than her—and a surfer—didn’t mean he wasn’t successful and a moneymaker.
She obviously needed to do a little research into Alex McConnell. “I appreciate you giving me a break. I’m not usually such an uppity bitch.”
“I think you’re beautiful. And honest in your opinions. I like honest women. You’re refreshing after some of the ones I’ve been with.”
“It sounds like you have some stories to share.”
“Honey, I’ve been with some beach bunnies that would make your eyes pop out of your head. Yeah, I’ve got a few stories.”
“You’ll have to share them with me.”
He looked at his watch. “That’s a conversation we’ll have after dinner. I need to run.” He stood and signaled for the waiter.
“I can take care of that.”
He winked at her. “So can I.” He signed for the bill, then leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. His breath was warm, and she had to admit she liked the feel of his lips against her skin. “Come find me later, Tori. I’ll be in the water.”
“I will.”
As he wandered off, Victoria smiled.
This was going to be interesting.
Chapter Two
The waves were rolling high, with tight tubes just perfect for competition. Alex hoped it would stay this way for the week. He paddled out and waited, then got on top of a small wave for a practice run.
Not bad. He paddled out and waited for another, hopefully bigger one.
He wasn’t alone out here. A lot of competitors came out early to ride the Pipeline, get a feel for how the waves were rolling.
He was always at peace on the water, had been since he was a kid. This was where he needed to be. Despite the dangers, when he rode the top of a wave, he felt a calm like nowhere else. When he dropped down on a particularly high wave, it was like he could see everything so clearly in his mind.
He smiled as he sat on his board and waited for the next wave to break.
Maybe it was a Zen thing, something nobody but other surfers understood. To outsiders, it looked like a dangerous sport. To be honest, it was. People got hurt or killed doing it. But Alex had always felt safe. He’d had a board in his hands since he was five years old, going on almost thirty years now. It was like another appendage. Going a day without surfing was like going a day without breathing. He didn’t feel complete.
“This is going to be a good competition.”
He turned to his left to see Zane Lee, one of his fiercest competitors. It figured Lee would be out here early testing the waters.
“Yeah. Waves are already coming in high.”
“I’m going to kick your ass this year.”
Alex grinned. “You can try.”
“Catch you for a brew later?”
Alex nodded. “Definitely.”
Lee paddled off. That was the one thing about his sport—they were all competitors, but they were also friends. Unless you were a total asshole. It was rough water out there, and they all knew they could wipe out, get hurt bad enough to end your career or even worse. You made friends with your competition, because you just never knew . . .
He hopped on a low-riding wave, dropped down into the tube and rode it out. It was weak, but still good practice.
Before he turned to paddle back out, he caught a glimpse of Tori sitting on the shore watching him.
Now there was a sleek-looking woman. She had a certain spark, and he enjoyed an intelligent woman.
He wanted to spend more time with her, though he knew he should focus on the upcoming competition.
Then again, he always had time for some fun.
He grinned and paddled out onto the waves.
*
Tori had caught sight of Alex. She was mesmerized as he rode the waves like a pro.