The fire burns low as the group begins to scatter, their voices fading into the night. Maddie and I stay behind, gazing at the ocean as we lay on the blanket. The night is quiet now.
“Thanks for inviting me tonight.”
I turn my head to her, my voice low. “I’m glad you’re here.”
We lie there for a while, the ocean stretching before us. We listen to the waves, the birds, and our hearts. When she sits up and gazes at the water toward the Drop, her expression is unreadable. What is she thinking about?
She stands to go and takes my hand, pulling me up. She gives me a shy smile that makes my chest tighten. Then, standing onher toes, she presses a sweet kiss to my lips. I don’t want to say goodbye. She does it for me.
She walks up the path, her figure disappearing into the night.
I can’t wait for Saturday.
Chapter 10
Maddie
My bare feet brush against the smooth deck of theAdeline. The lightweight sweater I threw over my sundress flutters in the wind. Scott stands at the helm, steady and confident, his hand resting on the throttle. His sunglasses mask his expression, but the ease in his posture says it all. This is his world—he fits into it effortlessly. The sea and the boat are extensions of him.
“This spot should work,” he calls out, stopping the engine. The low rumble fades.
I squint against the sunlight, turning to him. “Do you keep all the good fishing spots to yourself? Or do you share them with others?”
The corner of his mouth tilts up. “Well, I don’t like to share, but with you, I’ll make an exception. Been here in the Key a long time. Stick with me, and there’s a lot I can teach you.”
He pulls out the tackle box and sits down next to me on the bench. Tying a lure—his strong hands move with practiced ease, deft and efficient. He motions for me to try, and when I mimic him, my fingers fumble over the line.
“Here, let me help you.” He slides closer. His hands brush against mine, rough and steady, as he guides me through the knot. “Like this.”
His warm breath tickles the back of my ear. A nervous giggle escapes me and I can’t hide my shiver. Pleasant heat flows from my neck to my core.
I glance up, catching his gaze before refocusing on my task. “Thanks. Not sure why I’m a mess. It’s not like I haven’t fished before.” My voice comes out thick.
“You’re doing fine.”
Once we cast our lines, we sit in silence for a while, enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of the day. Tension I didn’t know I was holding dissolves with the gentle rocking of the boat and the warmth of the afternoon sun. I take off my sweater, relishing the rays on my shoulders. Scott catches and releases a snook, and I almost catch a grouper. A couple of hours go by before the bites slow down, and we unpack our lunch.
“This is nice.” We’ve finished eating and are just enjoying the sky and the water now.
Scott leans back against the bench, sliding his sunglasses up to rest on his head. “It is. There’s so much out here to see. It’s nice to just sit and breathe.”
We watch the lush cropping of the mangroves on the distant shore and the terns diving into the water to catch their lunch. We lay out on the boat deck for a little while, then Scott stands and pulls me up.
“Let’s get in.” He nods toward the ladder.
I hesitate, but the water sparkles like an invitation, and the afternoon sun has me longing for a cool plunge. “Okay. But I didn’t bring a swimsuit, so… undies?”
“I don’t mind…”
Smiling, I turn away, peeling off my sundress, the sun warming my bare back. Thankfully, I’m wearing modest whiteunderwear, which provides a whole lot more coverage than my blue bikini did, anyway. Well, at least they will while they’re dry. Oh well.
When I turn around, Scott’s already stripped down to his black boxers, descending the ladder. I follow him in. Soon we’re neck deep in the water.
“Want to fool—” he grins, “I mean, swim around?”
I laugh and splash at him playfully.
We swim, tease, and drift like we’re the only two people in the world. It feels like a secret—just us, the water, and the sun. We’re both excellent swimmers. The deeper we go, the more competitive we get, sprinting underwater, racing to imaginary finish lines.
