“Me too,” he agreed, trying to hide his reluctance. “I still have to make it to the gym tonight.”
They rose from their spot and he watched as she brushed off the sand before slipping her sandals back on. They started back toward the dunes bordering the commercial strip, the music growing louder with every step. By the time they left the sand and were back on solid ground, the sidewalks were thronged, the crowds already enjoying their Saturday night.
He stayed at her side, weaving between pedestrians until they reached the street, where things were quieter. Surprising him, she stayed close, their shoulders occasionally brushing. The sensation of her touch continued to linger. “What are your plans for tomorrow?” he finally asked.
“On Sundays, I always have brunch with my parents. After that, I’ll probably go paddleboarding.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s fun. Have you ever done it?”
“No,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to try, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.”
“Too busy doing real workouts?”
“Too lazy,” he admitted.
She smiled. “How about you? Are you working?”
“No,” he said. “I’ll run, do some yard work, change the alternator on my car. It’s still not starting right.”
“Maybe it’s the battery.”
“Don’t you think I would have checked that first?”
“I don’t know. Would you?” He heard the teasing in her tone. “So after the manly yard and car work, what’s on the rest of your agenda?”
“I’ll hit the gym. There’s a class that meets on Sunday mornings, and I’ll probably do some sparring and ground work, hit the bags, things like that. A guy named Todd Daly runs the gym, and he tends to work us pretty hard. He’s a retired UFC fighter, coaches like a drill sergeant.”
“But if you had to, you could probably take him, right?”
“Daly? Not a chance.”
She liked the fact that he admitted it. “And after that?”
“Nothing, really. I’ll probably do some studying.”
By then, they’d turned onto another street, around the corner from Crabby Pete’s. He recognized her car up ahead from the night he’d changed her tire, and when they finally reached it, neither seemed to know what to say. Instead, he felt her eyes zeroing in on him, almost like she was really seeing him for the first time.
“Thanks for walking me to my car.”
“Thanks for the walk on the beach.”
She lifted her chin slightly. “I have another question.”
“Okay.”
“Were you serious about wanting to try paddleboarding?”
“Yes.”
She lowered her lashes, slipping him a sidelong glance. “Would you like to join me tomorrow?”
“Yes,” he said, feeling a dart of unexpected pleasure. “I’d like that. What time?”
“How about two o’clock? And we’ll check out Masonboro Island? It’s kind of hard to get to, but it’s worth it.”
“Sounds great. Where should we meet?”
“The parking isn’t ideal. The only way to get there is to head down Wrightsville Beach, right to the very end of the island. Just park on the street. Bring some quarters because you’ll have to feed the meter, but I’ll meet you there.”
“Can I rent a board somewhere?”
“You don’t have to. I have two of them. You can use my beginner board.”
“Great.”
“It’s hot pink, though. With stickers of bunnies and flowers on it.”
“Really?”
She giggled. “I was kidding.” Then: “I had a strangely good time tonight.”
“Me too,” he said, meaning it. “And I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
After she unlocked the car, he opened the door, watching as she slid in. A moment later, she was backing out and then pulling away as Colin stood in place. It might have ended there, but she suddenly stopped the car and rolled down the window, leaning out.
“Hey, Colin?” she called out.
“Yeah?”