As we set the anchor in this pretty little cove, the tension that’s been building between us all morning has turned what could have been a friendly sailing trip into something thrilling.
I had a feeling Hunter thought I was bluffing when I said I could sail. The look on his face when I reeled in the mainsheet and ducked under the boom when we tacked was priceless.
“Ready for a little adventure?” Hunter asks from the bow.
Curious, I join him at the small swim deck. He tugs off his t-shirt and toes off his shoes.
“Hunter, what are you doing?”
“Time for a little dip.”
I blink. While the water is tranquil and so clear I can see the pebbly bottom, it’s freezing. “Um, you’re not serious.”
“I promise it’ll feel awesome.”
I take a step back and cross my arms. “Go right ahead. I’ll be here to call 911 when you drown because your limbs freeze solid.”
He tosses his head back and laughs. It’s a great laugh—rich and genuine. My heart hums.
“It’s not that cold,” Hunter says, his eyes flashing playfully.
“Says the former navy SEAL,” I protest.
“After we’re done, I promise I can warm you right up,” he says.
Well, hell, when he puts it that way.
Our eyes lock. He has this presence about him, commanding but patient, and the way he watches me is intense. Like I’m his only focus in the world. I’m not used to attention like this, and while it scares me a little, I can’t deny the way it’s pulling on me like a tractor beam.
“It’s a shallow bay, so the water gets pretty warm on a day like this,” Hunter adds, offering his palm to me.
Was I just holding my breath? I stare at his big hand, wondering why I’m so afraid to touch him. Will it mean something if I do?
“C’mon, you’re going to love it,” he says.
I can’t help but smile back at him. He’s so excited to share this with me.
Even though it’s crazy.
“Fine. I’ll try it,” I say, and take his hand.
An expression passes over his face. It’s fierce and powerful and so intense. Like we’re on the brink of wildness, together.
It’s intoxicating.
“You promise to rescue me if I get hypothermia?” I add to ground myself.
His eyes turn serious. “I would never let any harm come to you, Petra.”
I peel off my t-shirt, revealing my simple flower-print bikini. “When you told me to wear this, I was thinking we’d be sunbathing or something.”
“This will be way more memorable.”
“Right,” I say, and tug off my shorts.
He’s pretending not to watch, but I catch the yearning look on his face. I’m not quite sure how to read this. Does he want me too? Where does that leave us?
I take his hand again and he leads me to the edge of the boat, where the ladder descends into serene, turquoise-blue water.
“You sure there aren’t any sharks?” I ask. Have I lost my mind?
“I’m not sure,” Hunter says, as if this is no big deal. “Just don’t thrash too much. They like that. It signals an animal in distress.”
“But I will be in distress if I see a freaking shark, Hunter!” I cry.
“Trust me,” Hunter says with that sly grin. “You’re gonna love this.”
Clearly, he is enjoying teasing me. I resolve once more to show him that I’m tough and not some scared kid.
I creep my toes over the edge. He’s right there next to me, the warmth from his body radiating into mine.
I wanted adventure, right? Here it is.
“Ready?” he asks.
I lock eyes with him, wishing I could read what I see. But he’s too good at guarding what’s inside to let it be that easy.
Which means I have to trust him.
Can I?
A shiver races down my spine. “Ready.”
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