Page 55 of Meet Me in Tahiti

Either way, he couldn’t risk being seen frolicking with a female guest, but he could’ve kept it casual. Enjoyed himself, his heart a little lighter—despite having to say goodbye to her tomorrow.

But all of that was over now. The job rejection had clarified a lot of things. One, that he’d have to come up with a new plan regarding his next step in life. And two, that he had about twenty-four more hours that Tessa could be in his life. Then it would be over.

With a heavy heart, he helped Malik ferry the group to shore. Everyone else was in high spirits—chatting about dinner, snapping selfies on the dinghy with the sunset in the background, teasing each other about their hiking blisters.

When Tessa climbed out of the dinghy, her hand taking his briefly for balance, he pretended not to feel the way it made his chest tighten.

She gave him a hopeful smile, her gorgeous frame enhanced by the short white skirt, strappy green tank, and black flip-flops she wore tonight. “Another land activity,” she said, trying to sound playful. “This really is the best birthday ever.”

He smiled, but it didn’t feel like it reached his eyes. “Yeah, you’re on a roll,” he said, trying not to notice the ache in his chest.

“I’ll see you out there,” she said, climbing from the dinghy.

He held back a sigh as he watched her go. They couldn’t spend any meaningful sort of time at the party, but she didn’t know that yet. She’d figure it out quickly, though, if he didn’t get a minute to tell her without watchful gazes on them. But right now was not the time, either.

“I’ll see you. Have fun.”

She fluttered off with the others, and he tied up the dinghy.

The music was already starting up—steel drums and guitar riffs blending with the low hum of voices and the clinking of bottles. The open-air beach bar was alive with color and energy and people as Russ followed Malik across the sand. Long wooden benches and tables lined the edge of the dance floor, and couples and groups were already spinning under the twinkle lights.

Russ watched as his group gravitated toward the bar, the guys ordering drinks for the women first and then sliding onto benches, joking and talking. He sighed. He might as well try to relax, at least. The atmosphere was light and full of energy. A good scene.

He took a seat on the perimeter with Malik where the other crews had congregated, as usual. Jules quickly found a group of young women she often hung out with at these parties. He gave a friendly wave. It was always nice to meet up with whoever might be out each time his charter made this stop.

Malik turned and made his way to the bar counter,returning with two bottles of lager. He handed one to Russ. “Take this, dude. You look like you need it.”

“I do,” said Russ. “Thanks.”

A few minutes passed as they drank and watched until Russell turned at the sound of his name. “Hey, Callen, Malik.” It was a couple of older captains a few seats down.

“Hey, Walker,” said Russ, raising his beer to them like a toast. “Nice to see you, Brooks. How’s the week going?”

Walker raised his glass. “Not bad. Fine weather we’ve had lately, eh?”

Malik gave a friendly nod.

“Sure is,” said Russ.

They were good guys. Mid-fifties, skilled seafarers, men who’d been with the charter company for a long time, and they waved them over. Russell always enjoyed their company, so he and Malik made their way to their table and sat down with the men.

An hour or more passed over a few more beers as Walker told stories and Brooks offered tips on the latest popular snorkeling spots around the island chain. Russ and Malik told a few stories of their own and listened as Walker offered the latest gossip from the guys at the local resorts.

But every so often, Russell had to force a casual posture as every part of him strained toward the woman in the short white skirt, now laughing with her friends on the dance floor. He watched Tessa talking with the others; her steps light, her laughter drifting above the music. She looked radiant under the glow ofthe string lights, like a dream he couldn’t hold on to. Every now and then, she glanced back, as if searching for him in the crowd.

He had to be strong, though. Not only did he need to stay back because he’d decided to end things with her, but because there would be too many eyes on them here. Guys who worked for his own charter company. Guys with solid reputations who’d never break the rule Russ had broken—present company included.

Another few minutes passed as the steel drum music on the speakers was replaced by a D.J. playing classic dance tunes with party vibes. He and Malik chatted with some of the other crews sitting next to them when he caught sight of her again on the dance floor. Her eyes scanned for him. Their gazes locked. She gave him a soft smile, warm and inviting, and then—subtly, hopefully—she motioned for him to come join her.

His heart clenched.

But he didn’t move. He just smiled faintly and shook his head, hoping she’d understand without feeling rejected. He raised his beer as if to toast the night, then brought it to his lips and sipped.

Because as much as he needed to stay strong and stay back, if he let himself walk toward her now, he might never be able to walk away.

Her smile was gentle and understanding.

He sighed heavily, his eyes still glued to her face.

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