Oceans Apart (Ocean Dreams Book 1) Read Free Page B

for rips off this beach. I mean it’s a safe beach to swim at most of the time, but when there are rips out there and if you don’t know how to handle them, they can prove deadly.”
    Annie took what he said in and thought for a moment. “Well, thank goodness you were around then. I’m very lucky.”
    “I happen to think I’m the lucky one,” he said cheekily.
    “Pardon me?” Annie wasn’t sure she heard him clearly.
    “Sorry,” he said quickly, “I’m Cameron Hart, but call me Cam. Pleased to be your rescuer today. And you are?”
    She looked him up and down. “Annie…Scott.”
    “Your accent is American, but I can’t quite place it?”
    “Why would you place it?” she asked him
    “I’ve travelled a lot. I do travel a lot. All over the world including the States,” Cam told her.
    “Really? Well, I’m from Tennessee, Nashville to be exact,” Annie said.
    “So, are you feeling okay now?” Cam knelt down in front of Annie and looked at her.
    Annie was staring right into his eyes and briefly forgot everything else but him. “Ah… yeah. I’m okay. Thank you.” She looked down at her hands and started wringing them together.
    “You’re sure? You still seem a little shaken to me,” a concerned Cam asked Annie.
    “I’ll be fine.” Annie sighed. “I should probably go. I need to find my things and see if I can work out where to catch the bus back to my hotel in the city. Thank you for everything, Mr. Hart.” Annie placed her hands at her sides to help herself up but a wave of nausea washed over her. Sitting still for another moment was probably a better idea. The hunky surfer crouched down next to her.
    “Let me walk with you, just to be sure that you’re okay? I’ll help you find your gear, too,” Cam offered.
    His closeness made her heart race almost as fast as when she was caught in the water. What was this guy doing to her sensibilities? “That’s very kind of you but I’m fine. Thank you,” a flustered Annie replied. She turned her head away from his so she could scan the beach for her things.
    “Yeah, you said that. Look. I live just up across the road from here. We can pick up your things, walk up to my place, and I can drive you back to the hotel. What do you say?” he asked her. Annie turned and looked at him. Her eyes found and locked on his. She could get lost in those blue pools so easily.
    Mentally shaking herself, Annie said, “I, I…I’m not sure.”
    “I’m not some serial killer. Promise,” laughed Cam as a huge grin spread across his face.
    “Well, of course you are going to say that. How the hell would I know if you were or not?” Annie exclaimed.
    “Okay. Listen. I’ve seen people become caught in rips before. They’re exhausted after. Let me just help you back to the hotel. I’ll even drop you right out front.” Cam was trying his hardest to be helpful to Annie.
    Annie took a minute to think about his offer. “I guess. Okay, fine. I mean you look pretty harmless.”
    Cam grinned at her. “I’m just like a puppy dog.”
    “You do know puppy dogs can get into all sorts of mischief,” remarked Annie.
    “I didn’t say I wasn’t mischievous.” Cam laughed and winked at her. A giggle escaped from Annie’s lips. He was cute and he rescued her. How much trouble could he be? They both stood up but her legs were still shaky and she swayed from side to side a little. Cam grabbed her by the elbow to steady her. They both looked up at each other, knowing that the touch between them was heated.
    “Careful there. Let me help you. Lean on me while we walk up to the road and hell…you can even wait there while I get my car. But I am driving you back to the hotel. No discussions.” With his firm tone, she knew he was serious.
    Taking a deep breath she said, “Fine. I can see you aren’t going to take no for an answer.”
    “I won’t. It’s not every day I’m able to save a gorgeous girl. I’m not letting this chance go to waste now.” His cheeky