“All right. Let’s head back.”
We pack up and start the ascent. The water brightens fast as we rise, and a faint pull of the current guides us upward. Breaking the surface, I pull off my mask and take a deep breath of salt-laden air. The hum ofAdeline’sengine greets me.
Margaret leans over the side of the boat, extending a hand.
“We made a lot of progress today, despite Harrington’s shit.” I strip off my fins and set them aside. “We’ll go deeper next time.”
After we dock, I lean against the boat railing and dial Garrett. The line connects, his abrasive voice cutting through. “What do you have for me?”
“Two promising tunnels. We’ll begin exploring them next time.”
“Good. As you map them, make sure the work is thorough and clean. I don’t want any amateur shoddiness.”
Margaret grimaces, and Liam arches a brow.
“Okay, understood.” I hang up and shake my head. What a bastard.
I turn toward the team. They don’t deserve Garrett’s disrespect. “How about we hit the Blue Fin tonight?”
Jamie tosses his towel onto a bench. “Now you’re talking. You buying the first round?”
“Yeah. Drinks are on me.”
I can’t think of a better way to let the day’s tension ebb away. Tomorrow we’ll deal with more shit and do it well, but tonight, a few drinks for this crew are well-earned.
The Blue Fin Tavern thrums with energy as we claim our usual corner spot at the back of the outdoor beach bar. The combined scents of saltwater, coconuts, and seafood drift through the warm evening air. A live band plays island tunes, their melody blending with the waves. It’s the kind of night Maverick Key does best, laid-back and brimming with life.
I sit back, nursing my beer as Liam and Jamie launch into their latest debate about dive spots, arguing over the hidden gems versus well-trodden tourist traps. Margaret’s flipping through a laminated dive chart, getting ready for the next dive, no doubt. I need to convince her to leave her work at home. I’m worried she has no life away from the water. The rise and fall of voices, clinking glasses, and the crunch of sand underfoot surround us as servers weave in and out between tables.
My gaze drifts toward the shoreline, into the darkening horizon. The cool breeze ruffles my hair as I take another sip. The stress of the day easing away—until I spot them.
Hannah’s bright hair shines like a beacon as she approaches the tavern. Beside her, Maddie’s blue dress flutters in the breeze, her simple grace catching my attention. Her loose honey-brown hair frames her face, and her smile is even softer than I remember, real and unguarded. My heart rate picks up and I sit up straight. I’m glad I put in a little more effort into cleaning up for tonight than I typically bother with.
Trailing behind them is Wes Harrington, his casual stride unmistakable. Of course, he’s here. His charm is as phony as his personality. He gestures animatedly, bringing more attention to himself. I see girls all over the bar whip out their phones and aim. But what’s getting under my skin is that he’s here with Maddie. The asshole works fast. My grip tightens around my beer bottle.
“Fucking Wes Harrington.”
Jamie tracks my gaze and lifts a brow. “Here comes trouble.”
“Always making a grand entrance.” The girls who were filming him have now gathered into a massive swarm, staying at a somewhat discreet distance.
“Stealing the spotlight—and the ladies,” Liam says, a grin tugging at his lips as he casts me a knowing glance.
I don’t reply, and my focus locks on the hand Wes rests on Maddie’s back as they make their way toward the bar where they get their drinks. Hannah spots us first and waves enthusiastically as she drags the others along.
“Hey, guys,” she calls, her excitement infectious.
I stand out of habit, my southern roots kicking in. “Hannah. Maddie.” My gaze lingers on Maddie a beat too long before shifting to Wes. “Harrington.”
“Rickter,” Wes replies, his expression challenging. “Small island, huh?”
“Very.” I motion to the table. Maddie hesitates, her fingers brushing the back of a chair.
“Let me get that for you.” Wes pulls out Maddie’s chair with a flourish.
Hannah nudges Maddie.
Maddie sits and glances at me before moving her attention back to her friends. The faint scent of her perfume drifts toward me—warm, gourmand, understated. So sweet. I wonder how she’d taste. Heat rushes up my spine. I shift my focus to my drink, forcing my thoughts elsewhere.
