Page 19 of Meet Me in Tahiti

“You really outdid yourself here, Jules,” Kyle said, helping himself to a generous portion as soft music played through the outdoor speakers.

“Well, thanks, Kyle,” said Jules, beaming.

Tessa smiled. The mood was light, everyone laughing about the adventures they’d had onshore today and the sleepy sea crossing earlier.

Jenna made a joke about their collective nap being the most peaceful group activity yet. Kyle pretended to snore at the table.

Drew made a toast to another great day in Tahiti, throwing back another pull of his beer. Tessa laughed and toasted, though. They were guys, and these guys could get a little rowdy at times. Ethan certainly had done his share of the same when he’d hung out with them.

Her eyes drifted toward the galley, eager for a glimpse of a few good men who weren’t throwing back drinks like water and talking loudly over one another.

Wherehadtheir captain gone? Russ hadn’t joined them for dinner tonight.

He’d greeted everyone when the food was brought out, said a few polite words, then taken his plate to the upper deck where he and Malik and Jules sometimes sat to eat. He’d barely even looked at her since they’d returned from the market.

The dissonance made her stomach flip.

“So,” Marin whispered, leaning close, “where exactly were you this afternoon while the rest of us were souvenir shopping and sweating through our sandals?”

Tessa hesitated. She kept her voice down. “With Russ. We walked through the village together. Got gelato. Talked.”

The brows on Marin’s face lifted with interest. “Just the two of you?”

Tessa sipped from her drink and gave a small nod.

“And now he’s up there playing it cool,” Marin added, glancing toward the upper deck. “Interesting.”

“Maybe I misread it,” Tessa whispered. “Maybe it was just... being nice to the lonely guest.” But Tessa had asked him about that, and she was sure that wasn’t it. She’d actually thought he might’ve enjoyed hanging out with her. Like he’d needed the company as much as she had.

Marin gave her a look. “You really think he took you to a gelato stand and strolled through a market with you just because he felt sorry for you?”

Tessa shrugged. “No. I don’t.” She glanced inconspicuously at the upper deck, where she could seeMalik, his back to them, laughing and talking, obviously with Russ.

“Okay, good, because I’m sure that wasn’t it. Doesn’t seem like the pity-favor type.” Marin straightened her shoulders. “But you said it yourself, girl, you’re not here for romance, are you? You’re here to enjoy yourself and remember who you are.”

Tessa nodded, thinking. Marin had a way of figuring out what Tessa needed to hear. “Exactly. You’re right. He’s just a really nice, outgoing person. And you’re right. I’m not here to date.”

Then a long gaze came from Marin. “Mmm hmm,” she said, not buying it.

Tessa smiled into her glass and shook her head. She wasn’t even buying it herself.

But one thing she did know for certain—her minus-one status on the trip was no longer bothering her.

Dinner ended,and the stars began to puncture the velvet sky. Tessa looked up from conversation with Avery as Russ stepped down to the mid-deck and flipped a switch near the helm, then turned down the music. She softened at the sight of him, glad to see he’d joined the group, at least for a bit. He greeted her and Avery pleasantly. What was he up to?

Russ cleared his throat. “Hey, everyone, I’ve got a special treat for you all tonight,” he said, his voice sounding amused. “You’ll all want to head to the stern.”

“What’s the stern?” Tessa whispered.

“The back,” said Avery, grinning.

The group began to gather as the underwater lights clicked on, casting an eerie green glow beneath the hull. Within seconds, a dozen sleek shadows circled in and out of view. Dorsal fins became evident only a couple of yards from the boat. Some closer than that.

Tessa gasped. She grabbed Avery’s hand and stood up for a better look. Avery rose to her feet.

The guys gathered, leaning over the rail, murmuring in awe.

“Dude,” breathed Kyle. “That is the coolest thing…”

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