Page 34 of Meet Me in Tahiti

Kissing Tessa had been... perfect. Electric and quiet and full of meaning. He could still feel the curve of her hand against his cheek, the sound of her voice under the stars. Just thinking about it sent his heart into an inconvenient stutter.

He slipped into the galley where Jules was prepping ingredients, her knife moving expertly through a mound of mango.

“Well, hey, Sunshine,” she said pleasantly when she saw the smile on his face.

“Hey, there, Jules.” She stopped to study him as he put away a few clean knives and plates that sat on the drying rack. “You’re in a great mood today, aren’t you? Did you win the lottery last night, or what?”

Russ grinned. It felt like he had. “Nah, just having a good day. Is that against the rules?”

Jules raised an eyebrow but didn’t press for more information.

The less she knew, the better off she was. “Need a hand?” he asked.

She motioned toward a pile of limes. “Squeeze those for the dressing if you’ve got five minutes.”

He got to work, the tangy citrus bursting in his hands, sticky and fragrant.

He shouldn’t be this distracted. His mind should be on crew logistics, tide shifts, guest safety. But what was wrong with a little happiness in paradise?

The boat was anchored. The skies were clear. The guests were smiling. He’d already checked the tide, the catamaran’s controls, and everything else on his list for a Thursday on charter. Everything was on schedule and in place. The forecast wasn’t even supposed to change for the next seven days. More clear skies.

The only change was in him. Because he felt like something inside of him had finally woken up after a very, very long slumber.

“What’s on the menu for lunch?” he asked casually.

Jules didn’t look up. “Grilled Mahi with mango and papaya salsa. Keeping it light since you’re taking them snorkeling again, right?”

“Yep,” he said. “ And this is one of my favorite stops.”

He paused, drying his hands, then remembered something else he’d meant to mention. “Hey, speaking of that—Tessa’s birthday is Saturday. You think you could whip up something sweet for her that night before we go ashore for the beach thing?”

Jules beamed. “You got it, boss. Say no more.”

Russ grinned and stepped back out onto the deck, squinting up at the bright sky.

By midday,theLatitudehad reached another lagoon, which stretched in every direction, like liquid turquoise, broken only by patches of shallow reef and scattered coral heads. Everyone was excited, including Tessa, although she was also harboring her usual doubts.

Russ had explained that the plan was for Malik to ferry the group out to the reef in two trips—four people at a time, including Russ, who’d be guiding them this time. Tessa waited on deck with Avery, Marin, and Kyle, while the others were already out there.

Russ seemed to have been in his element today, relaxed but focused, going over safety reminders with them all before the first group headed out. She’d tried not to stare at the perfectly formed muscles of his bare shoulders and chest as he’d explained what they’d be doing.

She’d had him all to herself last night. She could still hardly believe it. He was just so… well, everything. Patient, kind, protective. So much more than she’d ever had.

Would she get another chance to be alone with him tonight? She didn’t want to get him in trouble, but her heart—and her arms, and her mouth—longed for more. She sighed.

When the dinghy reached the reef, Malik turned to her and grinned. “You got this today, Tessa. Don’t overthink it. The captain will be out there with you, and I’m right here with the boat if you need me.”

Malik had been paying attention all week, apparently. It was nice to hear he was on her side, too.

He tossed the anchor, and it hit the water with a satisfying splash.

Tessa looked at Marin, who gave her a reassuring smile before she hopped into the water. Tessa tightened her fins and nodded, checking the cut on her leg, which had completely dried and closed up. She wouldn’t be attracting sharks or any other predators today, and she’d keep an eye out for sharp coral before she swam over it. “Okay. Yes. I’ve got this.”

Malik gave her a thumbs-up. “Thanks,” she said, smiling warmly. His lips parted, curling up on one side, and she hopped in.

The water was cooler than she’d expected, and for a second, her breath caught.

She would’ve never dared this a week ago, but with Russ out there guiding them, everything felt safer. Possible.

---