IT FEELS GOOD to be in the ocean.

My fingertips brushing against the water as it laps at my waist, my body moving with the waves as they ripple beneath me. The feel of the surfboard in my hands. The sun shining down on me, heating the ocean to a nice temperature. It feels right. I feel whole once again—well, almost.

Dragging my gaze away from the surfboard, I look up, my eyes landing on Atlas as he stands a few meters away from me in the ocean, a board in his hands also, and as if feeling my gaze on him he looks up and shoots me a panty dropping smile and a wink. Still as charming as ever.

I roll my eyes at him and he wiggles his eyebrows, getting me to laugh and shake my head. But never stop smiling.

An entire year has passed since I left the circuit and came back to Sandy Cove, and everything in my life has changed. Sandy Cove has become my home. I permanently moved down here after that day, and I have never regretted a single moment of it. I guess I fell under that spell of once you step foot in Sandy Cove, you never want to leave.

I bought June's place off her not long after moving down here, knowing that it was unfair for her to let me stay there completely for free and she was happy to know it would be in excellent hands.

And now it is my home.

Giving a pointed look to Atlas as if telling him to behave while there are other people around, he drops his suggestive smile and I can see him laugh from here, shaking his head, allowing his hair to fall in front of his face. He still never got a haircut, but I know he'd argue I love running my hands through it too much and he wouldn't be wrong.

"Alright everybody, that's it for today's lesson. Let's make our way out of the ocean carefully and make sure you get all your things before you meet your parents," Atlas shouts to the group of kids in today's surf class. "See you next week!"

Doing as he says, the kids make their way out of the ocean, followed by Atlas and me. We wave goodbye to them as they leave with their parents, and we gather up the surfboards heading across the beach back to the surf shack.

A lot has changed over the year and after I left the surfing tour. I found a new purpose in life. To help guide the next generation of surfers and not just by teaching classes along with Atlas. Surfers have been coming to Sandy Cove to have one-on-one sessions with me, from neighboring towns to even farther out. I've made it a priority to help the kids who want to make it on the circuit but don't know how to look for agents, get to competitions and much more.

I've also grown a lot over the year when it comes to my thoughts about surfing and the ocean. The year has been a hard one. I kept with my therapist, tried exposure therapy and surely and slowly I got back into the water. At first it was just standing in the water and swimming in the ocean. Eventually, I managed to get back onto the board, but recreationally.

Baby steps.

There are good days and bad days still, sometimes a random nightmare will still appear, some days I won't feel like going into the water or surfing. I am nowhere near ready to even think about competing yet, not when a lot of the breaks have monster waves I am not ready to conquer.

I've come a long way, but what this year made me realize is that I shouldn't be ashamed and not to push myself when I'm not ready.

"Penny for your thoughts," Atlas says, breaking me out of my thoughts as we get back to the surf shack and place the boards up against the outside, meanwhile Eric watches over the inside of the store.

After hiring Eric over a year ago, now he's really come into his own here, not much longer and he'll be out of the foster system and I know Atlas is ready to give his apartment to Eric when he turns eighteen as a gift. To help someone how June helped him and get him off the start in life he deserves.

"I'm just thinking how coming back here was the best decision I've ever made," I tell him, and he smiles softly before he takes my hand and pulls me close.

His arms wrap around my waist as our chests touch and I wrap my arms around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair.

"We've come through a lot, haven't we?" he asks, and I nod my head before I lean up and kiss him softly.

Our lips move together in sync for a few moments and as we pull back and open our eyes, Atlas leans in to press a kiss to my forehead.

"And you got an annoying boyfriend out of it all," he tells me and I laugh before turning around to head inside the shack, giving a small gasp as he slaps my ass.

"You're right, you are annoying." I smirk before walking away from him, but he's following behind me.

Heading inside, Eric stands behind the counter on his phone, with no customers in sight. He looks up as he hears people come in and he puts his phone away.

"How was the class?" he asks, standing back up and leaning against the counter.

"I love kids, but sometimes you just want to drown, Joey," Atlas says, and I can't help but laugh, knowing he is joking. "How can one kid be so annoying?"

"Hmm, no idea," I say, looking at him and he shoots me a look before I turn to Eric. "Hey you can head out early if you want. To get ready for your date tonight."

A small blush comes onto Eric's cheeks at the mention of his date with a local girl he met while working here.

"If that's okay?" Eric asks, looking between Atlas and me, and Atlas fishes his apartment keys from behind the counter and tosses them to him.

"You can get ready at my place. I'll stay at Thalia's tonight," Atlas begins. Even though Atlas has his apartment, it's fair to say we spend most nights together at the house. "But I swear to god Eric if anything else happens in my apartment aside from you changing," Atlas starts and Eric snorts.

"You're giving real big brother energy right now," Eric tells Atlas. "Relax, I wouldn't disrespect your place like that after you've offered me the keys. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"I want a full report," I tell Eric as he leaves and I hear him groan. "Think we embarrass him?"

Atlas scoffs and nods. "Hell yes, but it's great entertainment."

Atlas rounds the counter as I pull off my wetsuit and dry myself off before pulling my shorts back on, leaving me in them and bikini top. Atlas checks his phone, tapping away on it.

"June, still okay for visitors later?" I ask him, and his eyebrows furrow as he types away. Obviously worried about June since she took a small fall last week and is currently in hospital with a broken leg. With her age, they wanted to keep her for tests to make sure nothing else was injured and she had no head injury.

To say Atlas had been petrified was an understatement. He has been hovering over June since, much to her annoyance. Easton hasn't been much better, micro-managing her over the phone since it happened while he was in Tahiti and hasn't been able to make it here yet since he had back-to-back weekends.

"She says it's fine. She also says she has company, so no rush. Maybe Earl is with her," Atlas mumbles, and I walk over to him to rub his back. Earl and June started spending more time together after the dance class and he's been so good to her.

"Atlas, she's fine," I remind him and he sighs before nodding and he turns to me, wrapping his arms around me to bring me in for a hug with my head resting on his chest and his head resting on top of mine.

"I know," he says, but I don't think he believes it.

"Come on, let's bring the boards in and start inventory," I tell him, taking his hand to lead him out of the shack. Spending my days with Atlas at the shack was my new normal, even coming along to drive the boat when he did snorkeling and diving lessons.

"If it isn't the lovebirds," I hear as soon as we walk out of the shack and I see Gabi walking across the beach to us with some coffee in her hands.

"You're just jealous," Atlas jokes, and she rolls her eyes.

"Take your coffee and shut it," she says, handing us our coffee as we thank her.

"How's everything coming along with the house and the Beach Hut?" I ask her, smiling sadly and she sighs.

Not too long ago Gabi's mom came home and made a big announcement that she would be putting the house and coffee shop up for sale so that she and Gabi's stepdad could move after loving their travels and wanting to move.

That left Gabi without a house and a source of income while she finishes her degree. Gabi asked her mom for some time to come up with the money to buy them off her and she's given her six months.

"Well, my latest options on how to get the money I need are either selling a kidney or becoming a stripper," Gabi says. "But then I realized the first is illegal and we have no strip clubs around here."

"Yes, because that is the only reason you shouldn't sell a kidney," Atlas says sarcastically. "You know if you need some help."

"No," Gabi immediately says, holding her hand up to stop him before sternly pointing her finger at him. "I will not take money off you, Thalia, or June."

"Well, we'll help you figure it out and if worse comes to worst, you can always move into the house with me for a bit," I tell her and she smiles gratefully at me.

"I don't know how I feel about that," Atlas says, and I roll my eyes before playfully slapping his chest. But I know he would never let Gabi be without a home. "Are you coming with us to see June?"

Gabi nods. "Yep, I've got goodies for her, hopefully cheer her up. Hospital food sucks."

Tuning out their conversation as my eyes lands on a cab as it drives into town and parks just at the top of the beach near the houses, more specifically mine, I watch as a figure gets out of the cab with a bag and looks up at the house.

My eyes widen as the figure turns around and I see who stepped out of the cab. Nudging Atlas, he looks to me before following my gaze, as does Gabi, as she turns around and sees who has shown up.

"Easton?"

Gabi remains shell shocked, as do Atlas and I, as we see Easton step back foot in Sandy Cove for the first time in a long time. He hauls his bag further up his shoulder before he makes his way down the beach stairs.

He stops in his tracks for a moment as he sees up before a smile lights up his face and he heads over to us. Soon enough, Atlas is no longer by my side and walking over to him, embracing him in a tight hug as I smile.

They pat each other on the back and speak to each other in hushed tones. They pull back, and Atlas holds his shoulders as he shakes his head in disbelief.

"You're an asshole, you know that? Why didn't you say anything?" Atlas asks Easton.

"I wasn't sure I was going to make it down, so I didn't want to say anything and it did not happen," Easton explains.

I head over and give Easton a hug of my own before stepping back and standing next to Atlas. "Have you been to see June?"

He nods. "First place I went after stepping off the plane, I haven't seen that woman cry in well—" Easton furrows his eyebrows. "—ever really."

"Hope you know I'm her favorite grandson now." Atlas smirks, and I roll my eyes at these two.

"That will change while I'm here, just you watch," Easton says, and Atlas chuckles.

"How long are you here for?" Atlas asks.

Easton sighs. "Not long. You know how it is Thalia. The competition never stops. But I think I'm going to come back in off season."

"June will be happy to hear that and at least it's only five months away," Atlas says. "I'm sure she'll give you another lecture about calming yourself on the tour."

Easton smirks. "No idea what you're talking about."

Oh, but he does. Easton is a notorious party boy. He reaps in the benefits of being an attractive pro athlete who travels the world. Women, booze, parties and more women. He's made headlines more than anyone else in the industry.

A scoff comes from where Gabi stands and Easton looks over at her, his gaze subtly traveling down her frame for a moment, as if taking her in after not seeing her for a long time. The tension is palpable between them.

"Hey Gabs," Easton softly says, as if he doesn't want to scare her off.

Gabi remains silent as she looks at him, her gaze unwavering and a blank look in her eyes, although I know the hurt that passes through her from what went down between them.

"Easton," Gabi says in a clipped tone. "Welcome home."

With that, she takes her leave. She passes me a look before she brushes past Easton without so much as a backward glance. Meanwhile, his gaze is fixed on her. He clears his throat before looking back at us.

"Well, it's not just June who has something to say about my after-hours activities. My management isn't too happy themselves right now with me. They say it's negatively affecting my image and while I make headlines, it's no longer what sponsors want, they want role models."

"What are you going to do?" Atlas asks him, concerned.

"Haven't figured that out yet," Easton admits before his gaze flickers over to Gabi as her figure disappears up the beach. "But maybe being back isn't such a bad thing."

Atlas's brows furrow as he looks between Easton and Gabi's retreating figure. "Am I missing something between you two?" Atlas asks Easton regarding him and Gabi and I look over at Easton, who looks at me, clearly knowing I know.

Well, let's just say their story is a story for another day.

✺✺✺

Climbing up the small path that leads to the cliff, this place has held a special place in my heart ever since we first came up here with the group for cliff jumping. Atlas was so patient with me that day and never pushed me to jump with them. Ever since then, we've made our way back up here, having picnics, sleeping under the stars, amongst other activities.

It became a regular thing. Atlas would always ask me if today was the day and my answer was always not yet. But today is that day.

Atlas walks in front of me carrying our beach towels, while I hold a beach bag over my shoulder as we make our way to the top.

I've made a lot of progress in a year, but cliff jumping was a new challenge I had yet to face. Diving into the water, being submerged and having to pull yourself back to the surface.

But I'm ready, and Atlas is here with me.

Once we make it to the top, Atlas puts our things down as I stand and look out at the ocean. He comes to stand behind me, wrapping his arms around me as I lean back into his chest.

"You ready for this?" he asks me, placing a kiss on my head and I place my hand over his, squeezing.

"Never been more sure in my life," I tell him.

Removing my shorts and top, leaving me in my bikini, Atlas pulls his shirt over his head. He takes my hand before leaning down to place a soft kiss on my lips.

"I've got you. You know that, right?" Atlas asks me, and I nod my head.

"Always."

We face the ocean and Atlas stands there, waiting for me to be the one to make the first move.

Take a deep breath.

Inhale. Exhale.

Remember your therapist's words.

My eyes meet Atlas's once more, love and understanding flickering through them. I know so long as we are together; I have nothing to fear.

Giving his hand one more squeeze, I pull him with me. We run towards the edge of the cliff, jumping off as I squeal. We fly through the air, dropping towards the ocean, and my body hits hard as we're taken underwater.

The ocean surrounds me, the water pressing into me as it holds me down. My instincts kick in as I remember my exercises. I push myself up to the surface and I can breathe as soon as I am out of the water. Wiping the water from my eyes, I laugh as Atlas picks me up and spins us around.

"You did it!" he tells me as I slide back down his body and take his face in my hands, kissing him deeply.

"I did it," I repeat before I laugh, throwing my head back and kiss him some more, wrapping my arms around his neck and pushing my body into his.

"I'm so proud of you," he tells me and the emotion gets caught in my throat. "My little ray of sunshine."

Placing one last kiss on his lips, I pull back. "Now let's get out before we get caught in a riptide."

"You know I'd never let a riptide take you away from me."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

A U T H O R  N O T E

Where do I even start? There are so many things I want to get in to regarding my thought process and some changes to the story you guys never knew about.

First of all, June. Giving June a broken leg was of course to get Easton back to Sandy Cove. The original idea was to unfortunately have June pass away in the story...I kind of wanted to be evil. But then I thought about it and my friend Kennedee (outofmylimit17) sent me voice notes saying how I couldn't do that.

Thalia's PTSD. I have had lots of questions/theories or suggestions that Thalia by the end of the book should be back surfing and on tour but I knew this was not realistic in any way. I had talked before I started the book to some people regarding the ending and to portray this book as much of an accurate representation as I could. While this book is fictional so anything can happen, it shouldn't be discounted that this is how real life can be for people. I also really wanted Thalia to go on her own journey through this book, she was in denial for a long time regarding her ptsd and as we saw a few chapters ago and in this one she came to realize a lot.

I don't think you all knew, but this book has changed at least six times. There have been different avenues that were never explored and avenues that randomly came to be such a big part of this story.

As for bonus chapters for Riptide, they will be randomly uploaded here and there while the second book of this series in ongoing. Including some spicy bonus chapters I'm going to throw in there. The bonus chapters are more than likely going to focus on this time frame in the book and not so much regarding the future as of course I don't want to spoil anything or confuse anyone since this series has two books.

Speaking of the second book, Gabi and Easton's story is next! There will be a few months gap between this story and the next one starting, allowing me some time to write offline.

Thank you all so much for reading, from those of you who have followed on since the start, the readers who may binge the book now completed and any future readers. Riptide will always hold such a special place in my heart.

See you back in Sandy Cove in a few months!