Jeremy (Broken Angel #4) by L. G. Castillo Page B

flirt a little. Was he always going to compare them to Naomi?
    He gazed out to the ocean. There were about a dozen surfers riding the frothy waves. He thought about taking up surfing. It didn’t look too difficult.
    “Hey, Jeremy!” Sammy called to him, waving from the center of an impressively large sand castle. Next to him was an empty beach chair.
    Jeremy looked for Leilani. Was he alone? The taco shack had to be at least a couple of miles from this part of the beach.
    “Is Leilani with you?”
    “Yeah, she’s out there.” Sammy pointed to the water.
    Jeremy stared out into the ocean. His jaw dropped when he spotted a small figure in a turquoise rash guard paddling far out. A large wave rolled to her. He tensed.
    What the . . .?
    The crazy girl was heading straight to it. He was about to call out to her, when she jumped up on the surfboard. She looked so small as the wall of water came for her. Crouching with arms lifted slightly, she rode the wave.
    She’s flying.
    He watched Leilani, spellbound. It was like a fire was lit up inside of her as she danced on the water. Her hips swayed gracefully as her legs guided the surfboard. As she soared over the wave, water spraying her pretty face, she let out a squeal of victory. She was amazing.
    “Do you surf?” Sammy asked.
    “No. Do you?” He gazed down at him.
    He frowned. “Leilani says I’m too little. But you’re not little. She can teach you if you want.”
    Leilani’s happy squeals turned to cursing and he snapped his head back in her direction.
    A boy with long, sandy hair came too close to her. Leilani cursed and swerved out of the way. She lost her balance and fell off her board. Wipeout.
    He waited, staring at the spot where she’d fallen, counting the seconds, waiting for her head to bob out of the water.
    Where is she? Come on, Leilani. She was taking too long, wasn’t she? How long could a human hold their breath under water? He looked around the beach. No one seemed to be concerned that she hadn’t come up yet.
    “Stay here,” he said to Sammy as he dashed to the edge of the beach. Pulling off his shoes and tossing his shirt aside, he dove into the warm water.
    He jetted through the water. Looking for any sign of her. The current pushed against him. It was strong. There was no way Leilani could swim in this. Even with his angelic strength, he was having a difficult time.
    Then he saw her struggling as she fought against the current. Using all his strength, he propelled himself forward, his legs moving so fast they were a blur. When he grabbed hold of her arm, she slapped his hand away. Ignoring her continuous slaps and underwater cursing, he managed to pull her to the surface. When they reached the top, he held her for a moment while she gasped for breath.
    “You’re okay. I’ve got you,” he said, holding her tight against him.
    “Let go of me.” She coughed, slapping his muscled chest. “I’m not Candy Hu, and I don’t have your imaginary watch.”
    “Knock it off, Leilani. I’m trying to help you,” he growled impatiently.
    She stopped. Her breathing came out in short spurts as she kept her head bowed. Her heart pounded wildly against his. Ever so slowly, she lifted her head. Spiky hair brushed against the bottom of his chin. Through wet lashes, doe eyes gazed at him with a dreamy expression. She was so close he could smell the sweet bubblegum scent on her breath.
    “You shouldn’t be out here,” he said.
    She jerked back, blinking. The dreamy look disappeared and was replaced with a scowl.
    “I shouldn’t be here? I shouldn’t be here? Let go, Golden Boy.” She slapped his chest. He let go, relieved the awkward moment passed.
    She cursed under her breath as she tugged on a leash attached her ankle, bringing the bobbing surfboard to her. When she climbed on it, he tried to help her. She cursed again, swatting his hand. He couldn’t help chuckling. She looked cute pissed off, trying to throw him crude hand gestures while