Ten Things

Ch.36-And Together They Lived

Cole

Waking up with Grace half on my chest and our legs tangled together in the sheets was a damn good way of doing so.

"Waky, waky, eggs and baky," I murmured playfully, running my hand through her soft silken strands. She shifted against my chest, peering up at me through her light lashes.

"I'm tired," she protested.

"Well, Grace, as much as I would love to stay with you in the bed all day, we have a full schedule. Between surfing lessons and making pizza, and-"

"Surfing lessons?"

I nodded. "Yep."

"Who will teach me?"

I scoffed. "Me, of course."

"You can surf?"

"I dabbled in the art for a bit. Something one of my friends dragged me into."

She kissed me, a move surprisingly brazen for her. "Thank you, Cole!" she shouted excitedly. Except it was like a soft shout. Everything about her was quiet and wonderful and soft. I watched her grab her bag and disappear into the bathroom, and I found my shirt and slipped it over my head. I didn't worry much over clothing. I had only worn the shirt once; it was clean enough, right?

Grace emerged with her hair still loose, wearing a full-length dress that hung down her body. She smiled at me, reaching for my hand which I eagerly wrapped around hers.

"What first?" she asked.

"Did you bring your bathing suit?"

She nodded, cheeks tinted pink. "My mom had to buy one. I haven't owned one I years."

I gaped at her. "It's been years since that last time you've gone swimming?"

She shrugged. "Yes?"

 I kissed the top of her head. "That's okay, Grace. It's like riding a bike; once you learn, you don't forget. Are you wearing it?"

"Yes."

"Excellent! We shall have our surfing lesson first."

I quickly exchanged my jeans for swim trunks, and we ran out onto the beach. Her feet sank into the sand, and her eyes were as wide as saucers. "This is amazing," she marveled. "I love the beach."

"Most everybody does," I winked at her. She gazed around the beach.

"Where are the surfboards?" she questioned.

I pointed down farther, where there was a rack. "Free of charge from the hotel," I explained to her. "As long as you don't do something stupid like saw it in half, you're golden."

She laughed. "Fortunately I didn't bring my chain saw."

"Woo. Close one there."

We grabbed our individual surf boards and I prayed like hell I could still remember the fundamentals of surfing on her part. It had been a few years since I last came down with Jayden.

I pulled my shirt over my head and dropped it next to my discarded shoes. Grace seemed shy, mouth quirked to the side, digging her toes into the sand. She wouldn't meet my gaze. "Everything alright, Angel Grace?"

She cupped her elbow with her hand. "It's just-I've never shown so much skin before," she mumbled, clearly embarrassed.

I spread my arms out wide, gesturing to the beach which was empty but for an older couple dozing peacefully. "It's just us, baby. Don't worry. Live a little, remember?"