Page 7 of Meet Me in Tahiti

Russ nodded slowly. “Most people think the sea is peaceful. But it’s never completely still. That’s part of why I like it.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “Because it’s always moving?”

He met her gaze, steady and unreadable. “That, but also because it never lies.”

The words hung in the air a moment longer than she expected.

She swallowed. “Well, that’s… poetic.”

He smirked, almost like he regretted saying it. “Sorry. Long day.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m usually the one saying unusual things late at night.” She wrapped her arms around herself and leaned forward against the railing again.

He moved to stand beside her, just far enough away that she didn’t feel uncomfortable, just close enough she could feel the space between them.

“Have you ever been on a trip like this before?” he asked with interest.

“You can’t tell?” she said, grinning. “I mean—I almost freaked out about the no-shoes rule when we first boarded.”

“I thought so.” He grinned. “I was just being polite.”

She laughed. “Well, thank you, but no, I never have.”

“And do you mind the no-shoes rule now?” he asked. “I thought I saw you make a face earlier.”

She chuckled.

“Sorry to make you go shoeless, but it’s standard operating procedure on boats like this. The teak floors can scratch and get marked up easily with the sand and dirt that gets tracked in on everyone’s shoes.”

“Okay, well, I’m glad there’s a good reason for it.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “Honestly, it took me a few hours to get used to not wearing my sandals around, but I’m good with it now. I guess it’s kind of—I don’t know—freeing? And when in Rome…”

He nodded. “Now, that’s the spirit. And how about seasickness? Have you had any?”

“No, not yet, at least.”

“Good,” he said. “You’ll sleep better tomorrow, by the way,” he added, his voice lower now, more casual. “Most people find their sea legs by day two.”

“Is that right?” She smiled at him. “Well, thanks, Russ. I’m going to hold you to that.”

He glanced at her again, chuckling, and something about the look he gave her made her heart tick a little faster.

“Get some rest,” he said after a moment. “We’ve got a long day tomorrow. You’ll want energy for snorkeling, hiking, swimming with sea turtles and rays later this week.”

Tessa blanched slightly. “Rays? You say that like it’s nothing.”

He smiled. “Have you ever been snorkeling?”

She shook her head. “Never.” She’d been hiking, camping, swimming—in lakesandin rivers. She’d even skidded down natural rock water slides in the mountains. And of course, she’d been to the beach in Florida, many times, mostly to work on her tan—if you could call it a tan. But tropical rays weren’t exactly athingin Ohio.

“Well, these waters are amazing. You’re going to love it.”

“I’ll have to take you at your word on that, too, then.” She smiled nervously. To her, it sounded like a lineup of possible drowning scenarios. Then again, it was one of the reasons she’d signed up for this trip. She was turning thirty, after all, and bucket lists made were bucket lists to be fulfilled.

He smiled again, and she noticed how his eyes lit upwhen he did. “Don’t worry. I’m very good at pulling people out of the water.”

“I’ll try not to test that.” Something about his words—or maybe his demeanor—made her relax, though. He certainly looked capable of fishing someone out of the water. She only hoped it wouldn’t have to be her.

He gave a small nod, then turned toward the helm. “Night, Tessa.”

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