Page 61 of Chasing Sunsets

“I know so.”

I glance at the waves, measuring the distance. The water’s warm, the current mild—just enough to make it interesting. My competitive side stirs to life again at the thought of redemption.

“All right,” I say, “race you to the buoy.”

Before I even stand, she’s on her feet and taking off with a delighted squeal, kicking up water as she splashes in ahead of me.

“Cheater!” I yell, launching in after her.

The ocean closes around me like a second skin. I push forward, slicing through the waves, the sound of our laughtermixing with the rhythmic crash of the surf. Tabby’s ahead by a few strokes, but I’m stronger, faster, and this water has been my playground my entire life. I gain on her, watching the smooth movement of her arms, the way the moonlight catches in the droplets on her back.

She glances over her shoulder just as I reach her, her face lighting up. “Oh no, you don’t!”

She kicks out, splashing me directly in the face.

I cough, sputtering. “That’s how we’re playing?”

She just giggles, pushing forward, her body sleek and fast through the water. But now, it’s on. I surge ahead, closing the distance, reaching for her ankle. She lets out a surprised yelp as I grab hold, tugging her backward.

“Anson!”

She twists, trying to shake me off, but I’m holding on, enjoying the way she wriggles, the way her laugh bubbles up, even as she fights me to keep swimming.

“You wanted a race,” I remind her, my grip playful but firm.

She kicks again, slipping free, and we both break into a full sprint toward the buoy. It’s close, but I reach it a second before she does, slapping my palm against the cool surface.

“Winner!” I announce, as I tread water.

She scowls. “You cheated.”

“You cheated first.”

She huffs, crossing her arms, but it only makes her bob lower in the water, and she has to flail a little to stay afloat. “I demand a rematch.”

I chuckle. “Don’t be a sore loser.”

Her eyes narrow. And then, before I can react, she surges forward and shoves both hands against my shoulders, dunking me under.

Saltwater floods my senses for a split second before I break the surface with a gasp. “Oh, you’re in trouble now.”

She’s already swimming away, laughing so hard that she can barely stay above water. I chase after her, catching her waist and pulling her back against me when we reach a depth where I can stand.

She squeals.

We’re close now. Her back is to my chest, her body slick and warm against mine. The laughter fades into something quieter, something charged. I can hear the shallow hitch of her breath, feel the way her heartbeat flutters against my arm.

“Let me go,” she whispers, but she doesn’t mean it.

I tighten my grip slightly, my lips near her ear. “Not a chance.”

She turns in my hold slowly. Her hands find my shoulders, fingers pressing lightly against my damp skin. I meet her gaze, and for a moment, everything else disappears—the waves, the sky, the world beyond this stretch of ocean.

“You like winning, don’t you?” she murmurs.

“Love it.”

She smirks, tilting her head. “And what do I owe you?”

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