Adelineglides through the waves as we head toward Carter’s Drop. I grip the railing. No one knows about my crippling aquaphobia. After Nathan’s death, in my nightmares, I was always drowning—alone in the dark, in the cold merciless waters of the blue hole. I’d wake up breathless. Covered in sweat. Simple things like brushing my teeth or showering would trigger panic attacks. It’s taken years, but I’ve fought my way back. Today, I’m going to take my biggest step yet.
Into the ocean.
The crew is busy preparing for the dive. Scott’s steady gaze fixes on the horizon. It’s too soon to have these strong feelings, but I want to get closer to him. I’m enjoying the thrill of our encounters and the attraction. Maybe it’s just physical for him, but I believe it could be more.
I put on my wetsuit, adjusting my arms and pulling up the zipper with trembling fingers. Today, everyone is diving in wetsuits.
“You ready for this?” Hannah asks. She’s wearing a pink sundress, she doesn’t swim. “By the way, you look great in the suit.”
“Thanks. I think I’m ready. It’s been a while.”
“Don’t worry.” Jamie walks by us. “Like Scott said, diving’s like riding a bike. Except it’s underwater, with tanks and no wheels.”
“Smartass,” Hannah quips.
“That’s… not as reassuring as you think, Jamie.”
Liam adjusts his mask. “Relax, Maddie. If you forget anything, we’ll just point at you and laugh. Then we’ll rescue you. You’re safe with us.”
Margaret rolls her eyes. “Just ignore them. You’ve got this.”
Scott walks over. He hands me my mask and places the tanks by my feet. Resting his hands on my shoulders, he rubs them before letting his hands glide down my back, lingering a moment before pulling away. I hold my breath.
He takes my hand and gazes into my eyes. A question flashes across his face.
“Were you thinking of your first dive or the last one?”
We both sit down on the boat bench.
“My first, how’d you know?”
He watches me for a moment. “Your face… I know that look.” He glances out at the ocean. The waters are calm, broken only by the wake of small waves and the froth trailing behind theAdeline.
“You always remember your first dive and your last. I was fourteen when my dad took me out for my first time. Hard to believe from looking at me, but he was a Wall Street banker.” He laughs, shaking his head. “He loved the sport. How old were you?”
“I was ten,” I tell him proudly.
Scott’s brows lift and he opens his mouth in surprise. “Really?” The word slips out on a breath, and a faint flush climbs his neck. His eyes are gleaming.
“Nathan was already a pro by the time he was fifteen. Already diving solo. Mom and Dad let him take me out for my first swim.” His lips curl, and I shoot him adon’t lecture mestare. “I know it wasn’t legal, but they trusted him. It was a special day—just for us. They were on the boat.”
His grin widens.
“My parents were so young back then. They were both marine biologists, and they raised us to be fearless.”
“You’re full of surprises.”
His face is relaxed. His pupils push aside the hazel in his eyes. My breath catches. I lean in.
“Returning to this place, to Maverick Key…” My chest is lighter as the words leave me, saying them out loud—it’s intimate. I want to share this with him. “I’m returning to myself. The person I was before… life got hard.”
He’s quiet. A steady, thoughtful gaze. Then he stands and reaches out for my hand. I take it.
“This is a shallow dive. It’s going to get you back in the water. There’s no pressure today—just an easy swim. Let’s enjoy the reef.” The tone of his voice is steadfast. I exhale.
“Thanks… I need to get in there and remember why I used to love this.”
He cups my face with his strong hands, sharing all his confidence with me.
