Shades of Sydney (PUBLISHED ON AMAZON)

Chapter Three

"You girls ready to learn your next trick?" Jason asked.

The sea's foam licked the sand near his feet, leaving behind a small shell as it pulled back. His toned body was sweaty and bronze, like golden toast in the sunshine. I had the urge to touch him and make sure he was real.

Shaking my head to erase the thoughts, I found myself taking in his body. I glanced down at his blue trunks, following one of the white horizontal stripes from his waist to a couple inches lower.

He looks like a nice lover...

"Yes, we're ready," Amelia said.

Jason looked at me. I felt myself blush. I never blush.

"Are you?" he asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

What's wrong with me?

"O-kay, let's get in the water and on the surfboard."

"Sounds great," Amelia said, running into the ocean.

I stood back, surveying the area. I felt out of place, like something was wrong.

Jason had his back to me. Across his shoulder blades, a tattoo of an eagle's wings gave the illusion he could take off and fly away. I wanted to know the message behind it and trace the lines with my fingertips...with my tongue. No, what I needed was to clear my mind.

With my surfboard under my arm, I went out. The ocean was warm and took me in like a lost child. Jason was already sitting on his board, looking for some good waves to ride.

"I thought we lost you," Amelia whispered.

"Nah, you can't get rid of me that easily," I joked.

"Hey, Whitney," Jason said.

Something deep within me pinged. "My name is Sydney."

"Right, sorry. I remembered it ended with a –ney."

Amelia shrugged and pointed to a coming wave. "That one looks nice."

He nodded. "I agree, Amelia."

I bit my tongue to keep venomous words from escaping.

He remembers her name.

"I'll take it," I said, paddling out and doing a backside with ease.

When I came back, Amelia looked pissed, her lips pressed in a firm line and her eyes intense like a wild fire. It was cute when she was mad.

Jason laughed and hit the water, making a splash. "Whoa, are you sure you need my tips? You seem like a pro," Jason said, looking impressed.

"Well, actually—"

"She's a fast learner, right?" Amelia said, cutting in. If looks could kill, I would be dead in the water with the glare she gave me.

"S—sure," I said.

Jason's eyes flicked from Amelia to me. "Am I missing something?"

"No, go on with the lesson," Amelia said, giving him a smile.

"Okay. I'll show you how to ride the barrel of the wave. It's tricky to stay on the board when the water is rushing and trying to crush you like a giant hand. Watch me and ask me any questions when I come back." He paddled away to find a fitting wave.

Amelia took the opportunity to talk to me. "What is wrong with you? Do you want to ruin this for me...for us?"

"You were right the first time. This is for you and your guy isn't even here. Can't we call it a day and you go off with your guy later?"