Page 25 of Meet Me in Tahiti

Russ cheered her on, and she glanced back at him, their eyes locking. She could enjoy being out on the water like this—really enjoy it—and moreover, hegother in a way that Ethan never had. Without even trying very hard, Russ Callen understood what she was about. And he liked it.

Chapter

Eight

Russ satbehind Tessa in the dinghy as she slowed the small vessel and guided them back toward the catamaran, her posture straightening with every yard they covered.

The urge to protect her was growing inside of him. He’d seen the discomfort in her eyes. And he got it. The ocean could be overwhelming—especially to someone who wasn’t raised with their toes in the surf.

He just wanted her to love it out here—as much as he did, and in whatever capacity she chose. Was there anything wrong with that?

When they reached the side of the catamaran, the waves splashing against the boat, he tied off the rope and climbed out first, then turned and reached for her hand.

“Easy now,” he said.

She took it, and he helped her up with a gentleness that surprised even him, welcoming thefeel of her hand in his. Was he just being a good captain, taking care of his guests?

Yes. And no.

This guest was special. Anyone else he probably would’ve taken straight back to the catamaran without a detour or an impromptu lesson about a water toy.

But she wasn’t just anyone. She was quickly becoming someone important to him. And that was frightening. Because all other worries aside, he had to face it—she was only here for a few more days, and then she’d be gone. Nearly six-thousand-miles gone.

But—she lived in Miami, where he was trying to get his next job. So, there was a chance… The thought of it was a little crazy, wasn’t it? He was fixating on something that had such a tiny chance of actually happening that it was almost ridiculous.

But therewasa very small chance that they could see each other again when all of this was over. So why couldn’t he just explore this friendship and see if there was anything here? See if there could be anything between them down the line?

He sighed. Was he an idiot to even think this way? Because by the time he secured a job and made it back to Florida—if he even managed to—she’d already, without a doubt, be snagged up by some other guy. Because—look at her. She was the perfect woman. Beautiful. Fun. Sweet. Real.

There was no way she’d be single for long. He shook off the thoughts as he grabbed her a towel.

Once on deck, she took it from him, then pushed a damp strand of hair behind her ear, turning to face him.

“Thank you,” she said, her face glowing. “That was incredible. I think I’ll pull out my book and go lay in the sun while the brave ones finish their swim.”

“You should go up to the top deck,” he suggested. “There’s a good spot with cushions and some shade if you want. Near the bridge.” He wanted to pamper her. Give her everything the boat had to offer.

“Perfect. I’ll do that,” she said, her smile softening. “Thanks.”

But before Tessa went upstairs, Jules came out of the galley, interrupting the moment. “Where’s everyone else?”

“At the reef. I’m heading back there now. Tess’ didn’t want to go in, after all.”

“Russ let me drive the dinghy.”

Jules nodded at Tessa, then shot him a look when Tessa turned. One that said this was highly unusual—for him to be spending time alone in this way with a female passenger.

Which was fair. Jules knew the rules as well as he did and knew they all stood to be reprimanded if rules were broken. She could lose her job just as much as he could if things weren’t kept professional on board. But he shook his head to assure her it was nothing. She nodded.If you say so, boss…

He’d done nothing more than show a guest a good time.

“I’ll see you later.” Tessa smiled, then climbed the stairs to the top deck as he hopped back into the dinghy, ignoring the burn in his throat.

Tessa was still riding highafter a quick lunch and a change of clothes. The group was setting out again, this time toward the nearby island of Taha'a to see a famous black pearl farm Russ had told them about.

The morning’s snorkeling adventure had left everyone sun-kissed and buoyant with excitement. They piled into the dinghy in shifts—Malik had ferried the first group across to the dock while Tessa, Russ, and a few others had waited for the second run. And now it was their turn.

Russ lounged in the back, sunglasses pushed up on his head, casual but attentive, monitoring the dock ahead as Malik steered. Tessa caught his eye and smiled. “You’re all going to love this place,” said Russ.

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