worried. Chase came in looking for Violet, and I haven’t heard from her since the party. It’s just not like her.”
My dad’s smile faded, the concern on his face visible. “Are you sure she’s not just sleeping it off? From the way you described it, it sounded like last night was a doozy.”
Leave it to my dad to say the word doozy.
“Yeah,” I said, lacking any enthusiasm. “I’m sure you’re right. Chase went to look for her.”
“Well, then let’s try not to worry about it too much until you hear from Chase? How does catching a quick wave sound to distract you until he calls?”
I stared longingly at my board. “I’d love to, Dad, but I would feel better knowing where Violet is. Would you mind taking over at the shop so I can go look for her? I bet she’s passed out at Kai’s, but I want to make sure.”
Dad frowned. “I don’t like you spending time with Kai, Breeze. He’s trouble.” I rolled my eyes. My father has had an issue with Kai ever since Violet invited him to a cookout. I couldn’t blame him. Kai had danger practically seeping from his pores.
“I’m not going to spend time with him, I’m just going to look for Violet. Please?”
“Fine,” Dad grumbled before pressing his lips into a fine line and crossing his arms over his chest.
“Thank you! Can I take the Jeep?” Kai lived a few miles outside of the main city, and I didn’t want to ride my bike on the winding uphill road.
“Sure. Bring it back in an hour, though.”
I circled the counter and kissed my dad on the cheek with a grin. He fished the keys out of his pocket and handed them to me. “Thanks, Dad. Be right back.” I then jogged out the door and slid into the front seat of the car, hoping Violet was just up to her usual antics and cashing in on some waves and orgasms.
Kai lived in a converted school bus on the beach. He bought it after graduation last year and refurbished it into a tiny house he could park wherever he wanted. I remember Violet going on and on about how good he was with his hands, winking while discussing the flooring she helped him pick out or the leather couch they found at a thrift store that fit just right. Kai parked wherever the surf was and drove his truck to his job as a cook at one of the local tourist trap restaurants. He lived a simple life. I think it was why Violet loved him so much. She came from dinner parties and designer clothes. Her parents permanently moved to the island because every day was paradise when you didn’t have to work.
As I drove up to where I knew he was parked, I looked around for Violet’s Mercedes and frowned when I didn’t see it. Kai’s bus was painted a teal blue and almost blended into the crystal clear water. He parked it on an elevated piece of grass overlooking the horizon. I hopped out of the Jeep and strolled over to the door, knocking. I tapped my foot while waiting for an answer, then frowned when no one did.
I peered into the windows, looking for any signs that Kai and Violet were inside. There were no lights or sounds coming from the bus. I turned to face the ocean and scanned the beach. That’s when I saw Kai riding a perfect wave. I checked the time on my phone; it would cut it close, but I could make it.
I stripped off my T-shirt and shorts, thankful that I always wore my bikini under my clothes when I worked. I grabbed the shortboard I kept stashed in the Jeep and jogged out to the shore. I tried waving to get Kai’s attention but wasn’t surprised when he didn’t notice me. I couldn’t even blame him. It was a perfect day for surfing. The sun was blazing over us, and the water seemed to have a mind of its own, gracing surfers with waves to drool over. I could have lost myself in a day of riding the barrel waves, but I was still worried about Violet, plus I needed to get back to the shop. So instead, I ran into the water and paddled out into the ocean. I absolutely loved the feeling of being on my board like this, my arms working to move me through the water, and the sound of