Night Waves by Wendy Davy Read Free Book Online Page A

“Don’t worry. When I put Shelly in charge of watching over Anna, she decided to take her job a little too seriously.”
    Trey asked, “Is Shelly tattle-tailing again?”
    “Yep.” Chad looked at Cali, but a slow smile grew on his face. “Don’t worry; I’m not as strict as they’d have you believe. So, what’s going on?” He lifted an arm and leaned against Trey’s lifeguard stand.
    “Are you in charge out here? The leader…” Cali felt warmth crawl up her already heated skin. “I mean the head lifeguard?”
    Chad lifted his sunglasses and secured them on his head. “Something like that, yeah.” His bright, teasing grin returned, and his green eyes sparkled.
    No wonder Anna has a crush on him. He probably has all the teenaged girls drooling over him. “I’m looking for my friend.” She held out Serena’s picture. “Have you seen her?”
    Chad stepped closer, the same lime scent radiated around him. He started to take the picture, but stopped when Trey yelled again, this time with the help of a bullhorn.
    “Get out of the water now!” Trey glanced at Chad and added, “Sir.”
    The lanky fellow, who’d had a hard time following Trey’s orders, was now swimming out into the ocean.
    “I said no swimming!” Trey’s agitation showed through his voice.
    “I’ve got it,” Chad said, grabbing the red buoy and removing his sunglasses. He took off in a sprint to the water, drawing many curious gazes. A few minutes later, he came out, dragging the stubborn, sputtering man alongside him.
    They exchanged a few heated words before the man packed his belongings and left the beach. Chad ambled back, swiping the remaining water droplets from his face. He headed straight for Cali. “If there’s one thing I won’t tolerate, it’s people not doing what we tell them to do. Now, about this friend of yours.”
    “Oh, yes.” The smell of salty ocean water now mixed with his fruity lotion scent. Uncomfortable at how close he stood, she held the picture out and stepped back at the same time, hoping he wouldn’t notice her retreat.
    “I don’t recognize her, but I can show this picture around if you’d like.” Chad started to take the picture.
    She pulled it back and tucked it into her pocket. “I only have the one copy.” She felt renewed heat consume her cheeks. “I know I should’ve made extras to leave with people, but I came here in a hurry. I’m desperate to find her.”
    Chad appeared to consider her words. “I can give you a ride to each of my stands.” He walked to the ATV and sat on it. The water from his wet swimsuit pooled on the black vinyl seat. He patted the area behind him. “We can see if anyone in my team has seen her.”
    Hopping on an ATV and riding behind Chad may have appealed to someone like Anna, but Cali had no intentions of putting her arms around, and holding onto, a stranger’s muscular abs. “I appreciate it, but I’d rather walk.” She took a breath and added, “It’s good exercise.”
    Chad watched her carefully. Instead of insisting, he said, “Good luck to you then.” He started the ATV and nodded at her, then at Trey before continuing along the beach.
    She turned to Trey, who had positioned himself back onto his assigned post. “Thanks anyway. It was nice to meet you.”
    The young redhead nodded. “You too, Cali. I hope you find her.”
    “So do I,” she said, but her hopes had already begun to diminish, and her level of frustration multiplied.
    The day grew warmer with each passing minute, and Cali wondered how long she would be able to tolerate the high temperatures as she trudged along the beach. She slipped her flip-flops back on, trying to avoid the sting of the burning sand.
    Doubts flooded her mind, and Cali wondered if she had wasted her time. What are the chances a lifeguard who sees hundreds of people every day would
remember Serena anyway?
    She stopped, closed her eyes and took a moment to pray. Lord, lead me to the right place…please! I