Page 27 of Cheyenne

“I get what you mean,” Cheyenne said. “It’s like fire and ice. Soulmate stuff, but for real.”

He glanced at her, surprised. “You’ve seen that with your brothers?”

“Oh yeah. All except Nash—he’s the only one not married yet, and we tease him mercilessly about it.”

“They don’t tease you?”

She laughed lightly. “Not really. I’m focused on going to law school, and I’ve never given them anyone to tease me about.”

“Not Eli?”

“Nope.”

The answer was too quick to be honest. Micah let it drop. “But you’ve witnessed that soulmate magic?”

She grinned, launching into stories about her brothers and their second-chance romances.

The boat pulled away from shore, and the captain began narrating their trip, describing landmarks and the marine life they’d encounter.

Cheyenne pointed out to sea, her face lighting up. “Is that a dolphin?”

Micah followed her gaze and smiled. “Looks like a whole pod.”

As more dolphins appeared, kids and families crowded around, their excitement contagious. Cheyenne’s childlike wonder was the most infectious of all.

When the dolphins disappeared, she giggled, leaning closer to him. “I know we have stuff to figure out today, but I’m glad we’re doing this.”

He laughed. “Me too. It’s weird, but it’s good. Really good.”

CHAPTER 14

Cheyenne

Cheyenne didn’t know how this was happening. She was starting to have feelings about Micah. Sure, they teased back and forth, but he was a good listener. It didn’t hurt that his curly blond hair—just a little longer on top—kept falling into his eyes. He pushed it back, looking effortlessly like a model.

It only got worse when they went snorkeling. Micah took his shirt off and the sight of his bare chest made it hard for her to think straight. Like a trained expert, he helped her fit her fins, adjust her snorkel goggles, and fasten her life jacket. As they moved toward the edge of the boat, the waves had everyone bobbing up and down, and she did her best not to stumble. He held her hand, guiding her carefully.

He was so patient as he explained, “I’ll jump in first and wait for you. But I’d recommend you ease in slowly to avoid the shock. The goggles might fill with water, but don’t worry—we’ll readjust them if needed. Just remember to breathe through your mouth, not your nose.”

Micah jumped into the water, swam a few strokes, then popped up, pulling the snorkel out of his mouth to call out, “Let’s go!”

Not only was he tan, muscular, and beautiful, but he was also patient and kind. None of this was helping her focus on finding gold—her new main reason for being in South Port.

She jumped in, the water shocking her for a moment with its coldness, but she quickly adjusted. She tried to tread water but wasn’t successful.

Micah laughed. “You’ve got a life jacket—use it! Let it keep you floating. All you need to do is gently kick your fins.”

Cheyenne followed his instructions and slowly got the hang of it. Breathing through her mouth felt strange, but she adapted.

Micah stayed close, helping her get comfortable in the water and tightening her goggles to prevent any leaks.

“Thanks,” she said, smiling. “Where should we look?”

The captain’s voice boomed over the water. “Make sure you stay with the group! We’ll be lifeguarding, but don’t go near Bird Island. We’re staying in the reef area. And please don’t step on anything—it harms the wildlife.”

Micah pointed ahead and extended his hand. “This way.”

They stopped a few times to adjust her gear again, but eventually she felt more comfortable. She kept her hand in Micah’s as they moved toward the reef. It was surreal to keep her head underwater and still be able to breathe.

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