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Jumping up on my board, I hit the wave perfectly and ride it into the shore.

These little two-foot breaks are nothing like the ones back home but they will do until I can get back.

Searching the sand, I spot my group a ways down the beach. It looks like everyone is ready to pack it in. As I get closer, I can see that a few girls have joined them. Rolling my eyes, I stick my board in the sand to undo my ankle leash.

"You caught more waves than any of us combined," one of the guys laughs. I only know one person from this group. We ride down to the beach together but otherwise, the rest of us aren't close.

"You looked like a professional out there."

I look to see one of the women who joined while I was out. She's smiling and twirling her hair between her fingers.

"I'm Lena," she holds her hand out.

"Did I tell you?" Preston pats the shoulder of a guy looking at me with an angry scowl. "I told you to seal the deal before Abbi got here!"

"Aw, fuck off, mate," I shake my head as I take her hand. "I'm Abbi, nice to meet you."

"Abbi?" She smiles, that kind of sexy, lopsided grin that a woman will get when she wants you to fuck the soul right out of her body.

"Connor Abbott."

"You're Australian?" She practically melts into a puddle.

"I am."

"Are you going to Boston University too?" Her friend steps forward biting into her lower lip.

I nod. "Yeah, you?"

"We go to Northeastern," she gestures between herself and the two other women with her.

"Ask him what he's majoring in," Preston encourages her.

"What are you majoring in?" Her voice is flirty and playful. Fuck... how long do I have until I need to be in that meeting with Allen?

"I'm a Ph.D. candidate. Climatology."

"Ph.D.?" She takes a step forward, bringing her body, wrapped in a sexy blue sundress, closer to me. "Like...a doctor?"

"In Climatology. I'm studying oceanography specifically."

"So, no free check-ups then?"

This one is forward, I like her.

"Any check-ups would be strictly off the record." I wink and her cheeks flush pink.

"That is...really cool," she giggles and the guys groan. "I'm taking Earth Science 101 when the semester starts. Maybe you could tutor me?"

"It's imperative that you get a solid foundation of understanding in the introductory courses. I'd be glad to help you lay the groundwork."

"This mother fucker," Preston laughs while the others sulk.

"Here's my number. Text me anytime." She hands me a slip of paper from her bag.

"I will," I slide my wetsuit down my arms as she watches with her soft lower lip between her teeth.

They walk away slowly, looking over their shoulders several times before they make it to the small parking lot.

"It's that fucking accent. She was into me before you showed up." The scowling one whines.

"Sure, man. Whatever you've got to say to make yourself feel better." Preston teases.

"We're heading to a bar to start pre-gaming for the party tonight. You coming?" Justin asks me. I'm surprised by the invitation. I know these guys hang with Preston regularly but we've never partied together.

"I'll be at the party but I've got to skip the pre-party. I've got a meeting with Professor Allen. I'm his teacher's assistant this year."

"Good stuff," he nods, "this party is about to be wicked. Delta girls don't play around when it comes to the first party of the year."

Riding back to campus in an open air Jeep with our boards hanging out the back, I let the warm sun shine down on my face.

The semester starts in a week and I'm living free and easy until then. I've got three years left of my Ph.D. program and I'm on track to breeze right through it. That's not to say it won't be challenging, but it's the kind of hard work that feels fulfilling.

Everything is working exactly to plan.

I'm twenty-four, I've got my board, a cold six-pack in the fridge, and an ocean to explore. Life is good.

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