Read Online The Complete Memories Series by Emma Hart - Free Book Online Page B

Apparently, he’s already taken the boards onto the beach. He must have done that while I was wrestling with the damn wetsuit.
    Alec smiles at my obvious reluctance to move towards the surfboard.
    ‘‘Come on.’’ He tugs my hand gently and I step up to it.
    ‘‘Lie it down on the sand,’’ he orders.
    ‘‘Didn’t know you could surf on sand,’’ I quip dryly and release his hand, moving towards the board.
    ‘‘Ha, ha.’’ He makes a face at me. ‘‘I’m teaching you the moves before you head out into the water. It’s safe this way.’’
    ‘‘Great, now he tells me it’s dangerous,’’ I grumble and lay the board down next to his.
    ‘‘It’s not dangerous, just a little risky. Lie down on the board on your tummy, directly down the middle. See that line?’’ He points to it. ‘‘You need to be straight on that.’’
    ‘‘Right.’’ I lie down. ‘‘Now what?’’
    ‘‘Put your arms out and pretend you’re paddling.’’
    ‘‘On the sand?’’
    ‘‘No, Princess.’’ He rolls his eyes. ‘‘Amongst the clouds.’’
    ‘‘Alright, alright.’’ I put my arms out and exaggerate the paddle, much to his amusement.
    ‘‘Let’s try standing. Put your hands on the board level with your chest, and put yourself up quickly. Your legs need to be where your waist was, like this.’’
    I turn my head and he demonstrates.
    ‘‘Your turn.’’ He nods to me and I take a deep breath.
    I’m on the sand. I can do this.
    I copy his movements and before I know it, I’m on my feet.
    ‘‘Nice,’’ Alec approves. ‘‘And you’re a regular.’’
    ‘‘A regular?’’ I frown at him.
    ‘‘Right foot first. Carl’s a goofy foot, meaning his left foot goes in front of his right,’’ he explains.
    ‘‘Oh, okay.’’
    We practise the movements a few more times until Alec is sure I’m ready to hit the waves. I hook the board under my arm the same way he does and he takes my free hand in his, linking our fingers.
    ‘‘Relax.’’ He smiles over at me as we head towards the water. ‘‘I’ll be close, you’ll be fine.’’
    ‘‘Mm,’’ I say and eye the waves. I’m definitely more at home in the surf shop opposed to the actual surf.
    We walk out until we’re waist deep in the water. Alec holds my board steady as I climb on then moves sideways.
    ‘‘I’ll keep an eye on the waves and shout when one’s coming. You focus on your movements, okay?’’
    I nod in response, my eyes fixed forward.
    A few seconds later I hear him shout to paddle, so I paddle. It’s harder than I thought.
    ‘‘Crouch!’’
    I start moving into the crouch position when I hear him shout to me again.
    ‘‘And don’t forget to watch out for the jellyfish!’’
    ‘‘ What?! ’’ I shriek. My head snaps around to him so fast I lose my balance and fall backwards into the water seconds before the wave breaks. I hold my breath and ride it out, breaking the surface with a splutter.
    Alec is sat on his board, holding his sides as he laughs.
    ‘‘You’re an asshole!’’ I shriek at him and grab hold of the board. I’m bobbing along in the water. I dunk my head back under, tilting it backwards to get the hair from my face.
    ‘‘Your face was priceless!’’ He laughs even harder.
    ‘‘You really are a dick!’’ I shout.
    ‘‘I’m sorry, Princess, really, I am!’’ He tries for sincere but the escaping chuckle gives him away.
    ‘‘You’re not sorry at all!’’
    ‘‘Here, I’ll help you get back on.’’ He paddles his board over to me.
    ‘‘Get lost.’’ I splash water at him and he splashes me back in return.
    I hold my breath and drop under the water. I swim to his board and tip it over, sending him splashing into the sea next to me.
    I swim back up and grab my board again. This time, it’s me laughing and holding my sides. He pops his head above the water.
    ‘‘Payback is a bitch!’’ I laugh at him.
    ‘‘Oh yeah, it is!’’ He grins