Making Waves: A Perfect Kisses Novella by Ophelia London Read Free Book Online Page B

feel safe again. I didn’t want to quit competing, she didn’t want me to give it up, either—she knew how much I loved it, but there was definitely a problem. My solution was to lay low. That’s why I’ve stayed away from photographers and interviews. Since then, we’ve managed to live relatively quiet lives on Oahu, but if fans or the press found out where she lives and works…” He blew out a long exhale while squinting into the sun. “Obviously, I can’t be here year-round to look out for her.”
    Justine felt like a queen jackass and she made a mental note to delete the hell out of that second version of her article, no matter what happened.
    “On the flip side,” Will continued, “you might not realize it but back in L.A., Chase Ryder is a pretty big deal. I’m not comparing myself to a movie star being hounded by the paparazzi, but at the beach, a famous surfer never gets a moment’s peace.”
    “I get that. Thank you for telling me,” she said, sympathizing, completely understanding his situation now, and what had motivated him to seem a bit standoffish when they’d first been getting to know each other.
    Damn. What if Will wasn’t a bastard? What if he was just what he seemed…a good guy, a compassionate, protective son, and an amazing kisser? This was getting complicated.
    They made a pit stop for tacos at a silver van at one of the beaches along the way. Will bought the food and they sat on a rock a few yards from the water, enjoying their meal and the warmth of the late afternoon sun. Will wore sunglasses and a ball cap that he’d brought with him from the Jeep. Apparently, that was disguise enough, because no one bothered them while they ate.
    “I need to find a wifi hot spot,” she said a few miles later.
    He eyed her computer. “You’re already done?”
    She noticed the hesitant tone in his voice, accompanied by the way he gripped the steering wheel white knuckled.
    “Almost,” she said. “I’ll do a final proof before sending it.” For a second, she actually did think about showing it to him, like she needed his blessing, or wanted to put him at ease. But she’d never given any other subject the option to read a story before it went to print. Why should she make special courtesies for Will?
    “Did you keep your promise?” he asked. The uncertain tone was in his voice now.
    “You mean the one to make you look badass?”
    He chuckled and turned on the blinker, pulling off the road and toward a residential neighborhood. “Sure, Juss. That’s what I’m worried about.”
    “I took an oath to only report the truth. And I hate to tell you, Will, but you are very badass.”
    He laughed. “My mother will be so proud. Speaking of…” His voice trailed off as he pointed toward a white house they were approaching. “Shoot, she’s not home.”
    “Who?” Justine asked.
    “My mom.”
    She kept her gaze on him for a moment, then looked at the house. It was two stories with wraparound porches on each floor and the most amazing, colorful trees and vegetation in the front and both sides.
    “Your mother lives here?” she asked, reaching for the door handle before the car had even stopped.
    “After we had to move, it’s where I spent four months a year when I was growing up.”
    She pushed open the door and was standing on grass so green and soft and spongy, it felt fake. And the view of the ocean… It was more spectacular than his five-star hotel. “Will, it’s gorgeous,” she exclaimed, walking along the side of the house where the lawn literally led right to the beach.
    “She likes to garden,” he said, coming down to stand with her. “I wish she was here. I know she’d love to meet—”
    “Chase!”
    They both turned toward the voice. A middle-aged, very suntanned man was walking across the street toward them. He wore a white golf shirt over his ample stomach pooch and khaki shorts.
    “Karl, hey,” Will said. Justine made a mental note that she was to refer to her