She squeezed his hand and nodded, slipping hers reluctantly from his warm grasp. She wasn’t as hungry now, but the fish tacos were still delicious.
They ate in silence as if each was examining their feelings.
Sailor had also ordered sweet flan for dessert. Maileah enjoyed hers, and when she glanced at Sailor, she smiled.
“Hold it right there,” she said, dabbing a smidgeon of thin caramel sauce from the corner of his mouth.
“Thanks,” he said, turning slightly into her finger.
She rested her fingertips on his lips for a moment. “I wouldn’t mind if you kissed me,” she murmured.
A smile played on his mouth. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Oh,” she replied, drawing her hand back.
He caught it and kissed her hand. “Maybe with less of an audience.” He nodded toward a group of children who were watching them.
Maileah laughed softly. “I didn’t see them.”
“They’re curious about who you are. They’ve never seen me with anyone before. A woman, I mean.”
“I figured that.” Her face burned, and she knew she was blushing. She pressed a chilled water glass to her cheek, smiling as the children giggled among themselves.
Younger people were now playing lively Mexican pop music, and couples began dancing on the hard-packed sand.
He brushed her hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “Since we’re finished, would you like to dance?”
“I’d love that.” She broke into a smile and pressed a hand to her chest as if she could control the pull of her heartstrings.
When they reached the others, Sailor put his arms around her, leaving a little space between them. “Do you know this Latin beat?”
Maileah swayed her hips to the music. “It’s been some time,” she admitted, trying to keep up with him. Stumbling a little, she added, “Well, maybe never.”
He laughed. “Trying new things is worth it, right?”
“It can be scary but exciting.” They weren’t talking about dancing. “I finally feel like I’m writing my own story, you know?”
Sailor nodded, his expression radiating happiness. “Sometimes you have to leave the shore to find your joy.”
“Are you getting all philosophical on me again?” Maileah teased, finally falling into rhythm with him.
“Take it how you want.” Laughing, he whirled her around.
She loved it.
As the night deepened and the moon cast a glow, they danced, talked, and laughed. They shared stories and dreams.
Suspended in the moment, Maileah felt like she’d finally found a place in the world with Sailor where everything was right.
A slow song began, and Sailor reached out to take her hands. “One more dance?”
Maileah hesitated for only a moment before nodding.
As Sailor pulled her close, swaying to the rhythm of the waves and the melody, she let herself lean into him and this magical moment. She wanted to remember everything about this incredible evening.
Whatever tomorrow might bring, tonight was perfect. And for now, that was enough.
She was torn between staying here and listening to the music or being alone with him on the boat. What had transpired between them changed everything for her.
