Page 87 of Edging Coach
“Well, you add thirty-two?—”
I tossed his scarf at his head. “Right, but then at some point your thermometer goes lower than ours at the same temperature?—”
“Minus forty degrees.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s way too cold. That’s like…prairies in the winter. The Yukon, way too often. Alaska in the summer.”
“I’ll have you know that Alaska’s median temperature in the summer…oof.”
I’d tossed his hat at his head. “I’m not going to ask how you know that. Super cool, mind you, but totally not helpful. Although the lowest temperature ever recorded in Canada?—”
He threw his hat back at me. “I can walk without this.”
“Brisk winds off the Pacific.”
He pursed his lips. “I like the wind in my hair.”
“Yes, the windswept look is attractive. Jack, I have longer hair than you.”
“Are you wearing a hat?”
Slowly, I shook my head. “Good Canadian boy who loves the winter.”
He put on his coat. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Oh, I can.” I donned my ski jacket. “I have a parka—I didn’t bring it because it’s not going to be below zero. Although it usually has to be much colder?—”
“I’m getting cold just standing here talking about the cold.” He wrapped his scarf around his neck. “The sooner we go, the sooner we can come back.”
“You’re being very bossy this morning. Is it that paddling I gave you that has made you saucy, not compliant?”
His face fell with the edges of his mouth turning down. “Sorry, Sir?—”
I moved swiftly, yanked him into my arms, and placed a firm kiss against his lips. “I like smart-mouthed Jack—just gives me an excuse to whip you this afternoon.”
“More welts?” He offered a shy smile.
I bopped his nose. “Of course. Now, let’s go.”
And go we did.
We also donned gloves, so holding hands was impractical. I wouldn’t have worried about being seen, though. We skirted the onlookers and headed away from the small gathered crowd.
And yeah, there were people surfing. Not just men, but women as well. Like Jack, I wasn’t convinced a wetsuit would keep them warm. Unlike Jack, I wasn’t going to express my doubts—especially since I’d just gone through the fun of riling him up.
His cheeks reddened in the blustery wind, and he really did look adorable.
The words were on the tip of my tongue.
I don’t want to lose you.
Can we stay here forever?
Why can’t we be together?
And, the biggest one of all.
I think I’m falling in love with you.
