Head Above Water

  Head Above Water

  Amber Garza

  Photographer: K Keeton Designs

  Cover Designer: Mae I Design and Photography

  Copyright: @2014 Amber Garza

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

  Other titles by Amber Garza

  Contemporary Romance

  Falling to Pieces

  Star Struck

  Love Struck

  Tripping Me Up

  Winning Me Over

  Finding Me Again (Novella)

  Single Title Suspense

  Engraved

  Delaney’s Gift Series

  Dazzle

  Shatter

  Betray

  YA Christian Thrillers

  The Prowl Trilogy

  Prowl

  Entice

  Unveil

  To connect with Amber Garza online:

  http://www.ambergarza.com

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Garza-author

  Or to sign up for my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/sp8Q9

  To Cambria Hebert and Cameo Renae. Our daily check-ins keep me on track and motivated. I treasure our friendship more than you know. I look forward to the day we can meet in person and share a cup of coffee and lots of laughs. With your words of encouragement and daily chats, I truly feel that “writer power.” Keep wearing your glittery capes and tiaras, ladies! We’ve got this!

  1

  HARPER

  I WOULDN’T BE here for anyone else. Kate is the only person on the planet who could talk me into stepping foot on this beach, and the only reason I said yes today is because it’s her birthday. If it had been any other occasion I would’ve said no. But Kate loves the beach and it is her day, so it’s the least I can do.

  “I can’t believe you made it.” Kate pulls me into a big hug. Her curly bright red hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail, she wears large black sunglasses, and her lips are painted blood red. The freckles sprinkling her face look even darker over her pale skin in the glaring sunlight. All of her other friends are sitting on beach towels chatting and drinking, or running around in the sand behind her. Ice chests and chip bags litter the area.

  “Of course. You’re my best friend. I wouldn’t miss your birthday party.”

  “I wasn’t sure. You know, because of the location.” She gives me a knowing glance.

  “It wouldn’t have been my first choice,” I admit, my gaze darting around. When it lands on the water, I involuntarily shiver.

  Kate peels off her bathing suit cover up, revealing a hot pink bikini that reminds me of bright bubble gum. Then she discards her cover up in the sand and looks at me through her enormous sunglasses. “Oh, come on. You don’t have to act so scared. It’s not like a shark is going to come out of the water and chase you down the beach. You’re perfectly safe.”

  She knows the real reason I’m scared of the beach, but she also knows I don’t like to talk about it, especially in front of strangers. And that’s exactly who this group of people are surrounding us. Sure, they’re not strangers to Kate. Most of them work with her at the restaurant, but I don’t know them. Kate’s pretty much my only friend, and I’m fine with that. I don’t have the energy or motivation to try to make any new ones.

  “Well, help yourself to a beer or something.” She indicates one of the ice chests. “And mingle. Maybe you’ll even meet someone.”

  I roll my eyes, knowing that’s not going to happen. Kate’s always trying to fix me up with one of her guy friends, but it never works out. I’m starting to wonder if I’m completely un-dateable.

  “Is it okay if I go in the water for a bit? Cool off?” Kate asks.

  “Of course. Go. I’ll be fine here.” I pat the large bag slung over my shoulder. “I brought a soda and a book.”

  “Wow. You’re such a party animal,” Kate says sarcastically.

  I giggle, shooing her with my hand. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

  “Okay. We’ll eat cupcakes when I come back.” Kate smiles and then whirls around. While she heads to the water, I find a folding chair to plop down into. Even though I’m sitting far from the water, I still feel a chill creep up my spine. I hug myself and stare at the soft sand near my feet. Then I pull a can of soda out of my bag and pop the top. A shadow casts over my shoulder, and I glance up to see a young man standing over me. He’s not bad looking if you like the whole surfer boy look. He runs a hand over his white blond hair, and his hazel eyes glisten in the sunlight.

  “Can I sit down?” He indicates the empty chair next to me.

  I nod before taking a swig of my coke. The sweet liquid coats my tongue and slides down my parched throat.

  “Are you a friend of Kate’s?” He asks as he sits down. The chair creaks under his weight. He’s wearing nothing but swim trunks, and his chest is tanned and muscular.

  I try to pretend like it doesn’t faze me at all. “Yeah. We’ve known each other since we were little kids. What about you? I’m guessing you work at Seaside?” I fidget with the tab on my soda can, flicking my nail across it.

  “Yeah. I’m a waiter there.”

  “You like it?” I ask, to make polite conversation, since I hate awkward silence.

  “It pays the bills.” He shrugs.

  But I know it does a lot more than pay the bills. Kate makes bank at the restaurant. She certainly makes a lot more than I do working as a receptionist at a law firm. Of course, I’m too chicken shit to be a waitress. I know I’d drop a tray or pour a margarita into some poor guy’s lap. Hiding behind a desk and a computer is much more my speed.

  “I’m Jacob.” He thrusts a hand out to me.

  “Harper.” I set down my Coke, take his hand in mine and shake it. His grip is firm, his hands calloused.

  He leans back in his chair, tilting his head to the sky. Some others from our group throw a Frisbee in front of us. I glance out at the water to see Kate bobbing in the waves with some guy I don’t recognize. However, I surmise he must be Chad, the guy she keeps talking about from work.

  “It’s hot out here today,” Jacob says.

  “Yeah.” I wipe sweat from my brow.

  “Why don’t you take off your outfit then?” Jacob smiles at me, and my skin crawls.

  “What?” I snap.

  His face colors. “I-I just meant that you could get into your swimsuit and cool off.”

  “Oh.” I feel like a jerk. The truth is that I do have a swim suit on underneath my shorts and t-shirt, but I hadn’t really planned on taking off my clothes. I mean, what’s the point? There’s no way I’m getting into the water. Sweat slides down my shoulder blades and spine. But Jacob’s right. It’s got to be at least a hundred degrees out here. It would feel better if I was only in my suit. “Of course.” I force a laugh. “I knew what you were saying. I was only teasing you.”

  No need to show this guy how crazy I am the first time we meet.

  With shaky fingers I peel off my shirt. Then I stand up and shimmy out of my shorts. If Jacob is disappointed, he doesn’t show it. But I still feel self-conscious in the little purple bikini Kate insisted I buy last time we shopped together. I’m not nearly as skinny as Kate, and not nearly as developed. Shielding my body with my arms, I sit back down in my chair.

  “So, what do you say we go for a little swim?” Jacob slaps my thigh with a large hand.

  It catches me off guard, and I flinch. “Um…no, that’s okay. You go ahead.”

  “C’mon.” He reaches for my hand. “It’s too hot to sit out here in the sun.”

  I yank my hand back, my heart starting
to pick up speed. “No. Really. I’m good right here.”

  His brows furrow in a look of confusion, but he shakes his head. “Suit yourself. If you change your mind you know where to find me.”

  Pressing my lips together, I watch him jog toward the water. Sand sprays from his feet, and I hold up my palms in an effort to stop it from hitting my face. He probably thinks I’m the biggest loser on the planet. Sighing, I stare out at Kate splashing in the water with that boy. Pretty soon Jacob joins them and the three of them flip around in the waves. It should look like fun, but it doesn’t. It looks awful and scary.

  It reminds me of death.

  Biting my lip I realize that it was a mistake to come here. Reaching for my shirt, I grab it in my fingertips, fully intending to get dressed and get the hell out of here. But a wet hand latches on to my other arm and tugs on me. I whip my head around to see Jacob drawing me toward him.

  What the hell?

  He’s wearing a goofy grin, and his grip is surprisingly strong. “You didn’t really think I’d let you off the hook that easy, did you?” He laughs.

  I wriggle out of his grip. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m taking you for a little swim.” Bending down, he grabs me around the waist and hoists me up. My face nears his, and it’s then that I smell the beer on his breath. He holds me over his shoulders and I can’t break free. Panic grips me. I know he thinks this is a funny party prank, but it’s not.

  “Seriously, Jacob,” I plead, kicking my legs. “Let me down. I don’t want to go in the water.”

  “Sure you don’t.” He laughs, running down the beach with me in his arms.

  As he nears the water, I find it difficult to draw breath. “Please. I’m begging you. Put me down.”

  “Oh, I’ll put you down alright.”

  My heart sinks at his words. The water is getting closer. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.

  “Jacob!” I yell his name this time, firmly, hoping he can hear the desperation in my voice.

  “Oh, my god,” I hear Kate cry out in the distance. “Jacob, she’s not joking around. Let her go.”

  But he seems undeterred, and keeps moving. He’s now knee deep in the water, and I can see it rushing beneath my body. Dread fills me to my very bones.

  “Put me down now,” I shriek. “I’m not kidding!”

  “If you insist.”

  “No!” I scream as loudly as I can as I feel my body falling.

  The cold water hits me and steals my breath. As the water covers me, so do the memories. Her blond hair swirling around her head, her pale arms reaching for the surface, her fingers slipping from mine. Terror snakes around my heart. It’s happening again. I scream, water filling my mouth. Thrusting my hands upward I start to flail with my hands, and kick with my legs.

  Strong hands grab me under my armpits and carry me upward. Warm air beats down on my face. I suck in a breath. My body is dragged to the shore. When I finally know that I’m safe, I allow my chest to expand. I open my eyes all the way and look straight into the most gorgeous face I’ve ever seen. He looks like a hero in one of those romantic comedies Kate likes so much, with his tanned, chiseled face, icy blue eyes, and tousled dirty blond hair.

  “You okay?” He bends over me, water dripping from his defined chest. That’s when I notice the red shorts, whistle hanging from his neck and the buoy by his feet.

  Oh, god. I had to be rescued by a lifeguard. How humiliating.

  “What happened?” He asks.

  “I don’t know.” I pry myself off the sand, mortified that everyone is staring in my direction.

  “Oh, Harper. Are you alright?” Kate rushes to me, kneeling in the wet sand.

  “Yeah. Fine.” I push a wet strand of hair from my face. The scent of salt water wafts under my nose making me queasy.

  “It was only like two feet of water. What the hell is wrong with you?” Jacob walks by, peering down at me with a look of disgust.

  I feel sick.

  “I think she asked you not to throw her in the water a few times,” the lifeguard snaps in Jacob’s direction, surprising me. “Maybe you should’ve listened.”

  Even Kate raises her eyebrows in appreciation.

  “Whatever. I was only trying to have some fun.” Jacob waves away his words and heads down the beach.

  “Have you been drinking?” the lifeguard asks me.

  “No.” I sit up straighter. “Not that it’s any of your business. I’m of age.”

  “I was wondering, you know, because of how you reacted in the water.”

  My cheeks flame. I glance over at Kate. She gives me a wary look. “I don’t swim.”

  “You don’t swim,” he repeats slowly.

  “I don’t know how to swim,” I clarify. Thankfully, most of the other beach goers have lost interest, so we don’t have an audience.

  “You’re old enough to drink but not swim?” He looks amused.

  Irritation bubbles inside of me, and I push myself up off the ground. “Just because you clearly enjoy swimming doesn’t mean that everyone else does.” I stand up, brushing the sand from my legs. But it’s a losing battle. Mud cakes my entire body. It’s disgusting.

  Kate stands up too, giving me a warning look. Obviously she doesn’t want me provoking the sexy lifeguard. But seriously, he asked for it.

  The lifeguard laughs, looking me in the eye. Frankly, it’s unnerving. “Hey, it’s fine. I’m surprised that’s all. It’s rare that you meet a young woman who doesn’t swim. Where are you from?”

  “Here. Born and raised.”

  The shock is evident on his face. “You’ve lived in San Diego your whole life and you don’t swim?”

  I narrow my eyes. “God didn’t create me with fins. He gave me legs, and I do enjoy using them. I jog, I go hiking, I ride bikes.”

  “Point taken. I’m sorry I questioned you.” He juts out a hand. “I’m Tag.”

  “Tag, as in ‘you’re it’?”

  He smiles. “Gee, I’ve never heard that one before.”

  “Sorry,” I mumble. My skin is sticky and itchy. I run my fingertips over it, and mud gathers under my fingernails. My hair drips down my back. This whole day has been a complete disaster. Nothing good can come from the beach.

  Although now that I’ve met Tag I’m starting to wonder if that’s really true. My gaze lingers a little too long on his tanned, well-defined chest with one lone tattoo written across it.

  Kate puts an arm around me, and I quickly avert my gaze, a little embarrassed at my staring. Then she nods to Tag. “Thanks for helping her. I’ve got it from here.”

  “Keep that asshole away from her.” Tag points in Jacob’s direction, and I’m once again stunned by his protective tone. “Did he know you couldn’t swim?” He asks, concern crinkling around his incredibly sexy eyes.

  “No, he didn’t. It was an innocent mistake.” I force a smile, trying to appear calmer than I feel. “Thanks again.”

  “Hey,” he stops me before I can walk away. “Will I see you around?”

  “I don’t plan to come back to the beach, so unless you’ve got some legal trouble and need to hire Carrow and Barnes I doubt we’ll run into each other.” I flash him a wry grin and then allow Kate to usher me back to my chair and towel.

  2

  TAG

  AS I WATCH Harper’s friend guide her back up the beach, amusement fills me. I meet girls every day on the job, but something is different about Harper. I mean, even besides the obvious. She’s sexy as hell with her pale skin, blond hair and green eyes. And that purple bathing suit sure showed off her curves. But it was more than that. She had something else. Some kind of spark.

  I turn back around and scan the water. Kids and adults body surf and splash around. My gaze catches on something shiny floating in the water. I lean over and snatch it out. It’s a silver bracelet with an H engraved on it. My heart picks up speed. I bet it’s Harper’s. I whirl back around, ready to head up the beach to give it to her. Only she’s no
where in sight. For a moment, I contemplate giving it to someone else in her group, but then think better of it. I’d rather give the bracelet to her myself. It’ll give me a reason to see her again.

  I close my fist around the bracelet, grab my buoy, and head back to the tower. When I get there, I set Harper’s bracelet down on my chair. What was the place she mentioned? Carrow and something. Damn, what was the second word? I rack my brain, but can’t remember. However, from what she said it’s obviously a law firm. If I google it I’m sure I can figure it out. Leaning against the tower, I stare out at the beach.

  “Hey, man.” Clint, one of the other lifeguards, approaches. He covers the zone next to mine. “What was that all about?” His head bobs in the direction of where I had rescued Harper.

  “A young woman freaked out in the water. She didn’t know how to swim.”

  “No kidding?” He chuckles, running a hand over his dark hair. “Was she drunk?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I am.” My jaw tightens.

  “Because the water was shallow. She could’ve stood up.”

  “Yeah, I know, but I don’t think she knew that.” At first I had thought the same thing as Clint. It seemed so weird that a grown woman would think they were drowning in four feet of water. But clearly she’s endured some type of trauma. I could see it in her eyes. There was a fear and sadness in there. I recognized it immediately. It was so familiar, because I see it every single day.

  The thought gives me pause. Is that the real reason I’m attracted to her? Because she seemed wounded? It makes me wonder if I’m destined to repeat the same cycle over and over again.

  “Watcha thinking about?” Clint slaps me on the back. “You’ve got this crazy faraway look on your face like a love sick puppy.”

  I grin. “Nothing. Just doing my job.”

  “Okay, well if you need help with anymore damsels in distress, let me know.”

  “I will.”

  “Cause that chick may have been crazy, but she was also pretty frickin’ hot.”

  Biting my lip, I swallow down the words I want to say. This girl definitely brings out this over-protective side of me. Finally I say, “Yeah, she was.”