Runaway

Chapter 15 (Part 2)

Daniel was standing there, holding a baking bag in one hand and his surfboard in another. He wore a white linen shirt and swim shorts. Nikki then remembered their Tuesday morning surfing agreement they had arranged before Saturday. However, given the circumstances, she thought the surfing is off. In fact, she was certain of it but Daniel was here anyway.

„Hey!" he greeted briefly, waiting for her reaction but the woman hadn't moved from the doorway. „I was waiting for you on the beach. I told myself I'll give you time until 9:00 a.m. and if you don't come, I'll look for you. Umm...I'm here to apologize...again. I'm so sorry for Saturday night. I shouldn't have attacked you like that. I know I have no right to do it and please, accept my apology. Second...I really need my surf partner. I picked up breakfast by the way."

First, Nikki looked at the bag of biscuits and then back in his eyes.

„It's okay...I guess," she replied. „Just don't do it again. Not if you're not serious."

Daniel sighed in relief and nodded, offering her a biscuit. The woman allowed him to get in. He was waiting for her while she was eating what he had brought and getting ready for the beach.

In half an hour they were both in knee-deep water, looking to the open sea to see the wave direction and the best access point. The waves were quite strong, stronger than Nikki had ever seen and it made her a little nervous.

„What do you think?" Daniel asked curiously, squinting his eyes in the direction of the waves.

„Hmm...I think we need to go there. It's for the best."

„Hey!" someone shouted suddenly, gaining their attention. Zack, Daniel's friend, and a lifeguard was running toward them. „I know you're getting ready to surf but please, be careful. The current is relentless today. We don't want any incidents."

Daniel thanked and convinced him he had no reasons to worry about. Zack shrugged, trusting in his friend. However, the tall man then lowered his gaze to Nikki.

„Listen, if it becomes too much for you, I want you to stop. Better safe than sorry. Waves like that can be a serious threat to newbies like you," he said but Nikki wasn't getting scared too easy. She was bravely paddling toward the waves. Daniel just smiled and followed her.

They both did well on the first few waves but Nikki could say she was feeling uncertainty and more instability of her feet, than before. She was trying to follow Daniel. However, after only a few waves it happened exactly what he was talking about. It became too much for her, so she settled on the board with her feet in the water, looking Daniel in his element. The restless surface was a big problem for her even sitting and forceful hitting of waves several times got her under the water. Daniel wasn't giving up. He was great. Nikki stared at him and smiled unconsciously as he tried to catch a really big wave. He was really handsome. Defined muscles on his stomach and legs were straining from the force of the waves and his desire to stay on the board.

Having successfully mastered the last wave, which also shook Nikki's board, Daniel started to slowly approach her. He floated to her so they could look at the creek together.

„This day is great. There weren't such big waves all the summer," he said, a broad smile breaking its way onto his face.

Nikki looked at him again.

„You're good. You didn't fall down for once," she replied.

„You too. Not bad for a beginner."

Nikki was suddenly feeling embarrassed, looking down at her board.