Page 52 of Meet Me in Tahiti

Almost every hand went up except for Avery and Nate, who proudly flashed their own stash like seasoned pros.

Russ tossed the bottle in his pack. “We’ll spray up once we’re onshore.”

Malik had taken the first group in the dinghy—Tessa included. She’d been ready early, and Russ had gently suggested she go with the first wave, offering a too-casual shrug as explanation. “I’ll wait back for the second group,” he’d said.

She’d hesitated, clearly surprised, then gave him a look—a searching one—and stepped into the boat.

He hated how his chest tightened as she sat down. He lifted his hand when she waved. Forced a smile. Watched the dinghy drift farther from the dock.

If she was disappointed, she didn’t let it show. But his heart was aching already.

Once everyone was ashore, they sprayed up and started the hike. The trailhead opened under a canopyof hibiscus and wild ginger, the scent thick in the air. Russ inhaled it deeply. He loved this trail. He’d taken dozens of groups here. It was wild and beautiful and full of secrets. Russ loved this hike.

Would he miss it if he ever left the islands? Of course. But there were amazing hikes all over the world. He’d done this one dozens of times. He wouldn’t mind seeing something new, somewhere else, if he ever found himself with another fleet.

But nothing felt like theusualabout this hike because today Tessa was here.

And something about her on this trail—curious, steady-footed, wide-eyed—had completely thrown him off balance.

She wasn’t like the other guests, taking photos just to post them or asking questions they’d forget by dinner. Tessa took it all in like she felt the land. Like it mattered to her. And maybe it was stupid, but that made him want to protect her even more.

But he had to keep his distance—emotionally, today, at least. It was for the best.

Malik led the group, pointing out snake vines and wild ginger and the scarlet blossoms that fed the bees. Russ kept to the back, chatting with Kyle about the Miami Marlins, but his eyes kept drifting to the ponytail swinging in front of him. The sound of her voice as she laughed with Marin. The way she slowed to take a picture of a heart-shaped leaf.

At a scenic overlook, Malik offered to take a photo. Everyone clustered together with the jagged volcanicpeaks rising in the distance. Russ stayed back. He usually did.

But then Tessa glanced at him—just briefly. Like she wished he’d join.

Before he could decide, Marin turned. “Let’s get one with the whole crew!” she said. And then she winked at Tessa.

Russ’s heart stumbled. Why had she winked? Did Marin know about them?

He stepped into the frame, careful to take the far edge of the group. He smiled like nothing was bothering him, but inside, panic crept in. Because if Marin had figured it out, how long before someone else did?

As the hike continued, the trail narrowed, and the group spread out. The pairs naturally fell into step again, and eventually Tessa ended up just ahead of him.

She looked over her shoulder. “You okay back there, Captain? You’ve been awfully quiet today.”

“Have I?” He smiled and cleared his throat. “Nah, I’m all good. You?”

She seemed so grounded. Peaceful. “I think I’m going to remember this birthday forever,” she said. “This is exactly what I pictured when I imagined these islands.”

She looked happy.

And he was ruined.

She slowed until they were walking side by side. Up ahead, the others’ laughter echoed faintly.

“I’m going to miss this place,” she said. Then, quieter, “I’m going to miss you.”

She reached for his hand.

And heaven help him, he let her take it.

Warm. Steady. Trusting.

He held it like it was the most natural thing in the world. But it wasn’t. It was everything he couldn’t have.

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