Zee settled his surf board into the sand, then lay back on his board, pulling his arms up to relax his hands beneath his head. He smiled, thinking of his next kiss with Tori. His bare chest and legs compounded his euphoria through the absorption of happy vitamins from the sun’s rays.

No dry suit needed today. The tropical waters were a perfect relief from the hot and humid, coastal climate. Mornings were hot, afternoons were not. That was Zee’s motto for the Costa Rican green season. Every afternoon, during the green, rainy season, the skies would cloud over and release a torrential downpour.

Rain or shine, how could he get Tori alone for more lip time? She obviously felt uncomfortable with Ethan witnessing any affection she and Zee shared. Did that have to do with not wanting Ethan to be uncomfortable with another man in her life? But Ethan knew Zee liked his mom, he even encouraged it. And Ethan absolutely witnessed them kissing, but it didn’t seem to bother him in the least.

Was she ready to start a relationship? She kissed him back with an intensity that almost brought Zee to his knees, begging her to stay a few more days, but he didn’t want to come off as needy or obsessive.

“Is that our surf position?” Tori joked.

A bright red and yellow splashed sarong wound around her neck and tied at her waist. Eyes, Zee. Look at her eyes. Why was a ten-year-old kid’s voice in his head?

“You guys ready to do this?” Zee jumped up and gave Ethan bones. “Got your boards right here."

The other two boards were resting on the beach next to Zee’s.

“I’ve always seen surfboards sticking vertically out of the sand,” Tori exclaimed. “Why are these lying flat?”

“We’re going to practice before we get into the water.”

Ethan shook his head. “Can’t that hurt the board.”

“It can. The fins are somewhat fragile. I was careful placing them into the shells.”

Ethan leaned over and grabbed a handful of miniature shells. “Cool! Look, Mom, this whole beach is made of perfect little shells.”

“Playa Conchal.” Zee nodded. “Shell Beach. There are only a few of beaches like this in the world. At least that I’ve seen.”

“Where?” Ethan questioned.

“Australia, great surfing, and Washington state, straight up the coast from here.” Zee pointed up the beach. “About thirty-five hundred miles that way.”

“Definite first for me.” Tori clapped her hands. “Never been on a beach like this before.” She took Ethan’s shells in her hands and sifted through them.

Zee touched her shoulder. “Next stop, Australia.”

“Right?” she said with suspicion, “because that’s closer than Washington.”

“Warmer, and better surfing,” Zee replied. “But we could also do Washington, if you’d like.”

“No need to convince me. I’d love to see both.”

Tori was turning out to be the world traveler Zee was hoping she’d be, but would she be okay with building wells in rural Africa? She had the dress for it. He allowed himself to scan how her colorful cloth fit.

A bony elbow to the ribs brought Zee back inside his body.

Ethan looked up at him. “We gonna surf, or what?”

“Okay, folks. Lie down on your boards like so, with your stomach resting roughly in the middle of the board.” Zee took the familiar paddling position. “Keep your chest up and feet together, then paddle with your arms.”

“Do we dog paddle?” Tori did arm swings that resembled a toddler learning how to swim.

“No.” Zee coughed down a laugh. “You want your arms to do full extensions down the sides of the board. Paddling is a wicked exercise for your back, because you need to keep your feet out of the water to decrease resistance.”

Ethan sighed. “Got it. Can we get in now?”

“Almost. We’re going to jump up onto our boards, then talk safety.”

“Seriously,” Ethan rolled his eyes, “you sound like my mom.”

He winked at Tori. “I take that as a compliment.”

Tori gave her son the eye. “You either listen to Zee, or you don’t surf. I’m not taking any chances with my baby.”

“Mom,” he whined, “you gotta stop calling me that.”

“We’re about to ride a wave! Find where your shoulders are and grab the rails of your board.” Zee looked over to assure their hands were placed correctly on the sides of their boards. “Now push off, and, while jumping in one fluid movement, land on both feet in a sideways stance.” Zee landed his feet exactly where he wanted them.

“Is that how far apart my feet should be?” Tori questioned, looking down at her feet, which were almost touching each other.

“Ah?” Zee avoided being critical. “The great thing is, we just keep practicing until we land it.”

Tori’s eyes grew wide and her face deepened five shades to scarlet. He wasn’t sure what he’d said to create that reaction in her, but it seemed like the perfect moment. He moved in to see if she would accept a kiss from him.

She gave him a look of caution before bursting into bubbly giggles.

Ethan threw his hands in the air. “Mom, what is with you today?”

“Low altitude,” she laughed out. “I’m not used to the high oxygen saturation.”

Ethan scrunched up his nose. “Is there less oxygen in the mountains, Zee?”

“Definitely,” Zee affirmed. I was light-headed in Park City. Tell you the truth, I’ve been floating a little higher ever since I visited your mountains.” He brushed Tori’s hair off her bare shoulder.

Ethan put his hand on his hip, unknowingly mimicking his mother. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Nothing, baby.”

“Stop calling me that, and I know you’re talking about something. Is this about your crush on my mom, Zee?”

“No secrets?” Zee turned to Tori.

She shook her head, kicking the mound of shells at her feet. “No secrets.” She sighed her apparent resignation. “Baby, Zee and I are kind of dating.”

His incredulous face didn’t need words, but they were offered. “Well, yeah.”

Tori tilted her face to her son. “What do you mean by, well yeah?”

“I’m not a two-year-old.” Ethan rolled his eyes. “Everyone knows you like each other. Stop trying to hide your sappiness.”

“Yes!” Zee exclaimed. “Now we’re getting somewhere.” Tori and Ethan didn’t seem as exhilarated at the proclamation of mutual affection as Zee was. “And, by the looks on your faces, I’d say you’d like to get in the ocean. Let’s paddle out.”