Page 3 of Until Presley

I take her backpack, and we continue toward the marina. Most of the restaurants are closed, but tourists are milling around, heading to their charters. As we climb onto the boardwalk, she veers toward the private boat area, and I realize we’re heading to the same place. But then she stops and turns to face me.

“Thank you. Tell your mami you were a gentleman, but this is where I leave you. Only owners, guests, and staff are allowed beyond this point.” She points to a sign.

“Can I get your number?” I ask before letting her go.

“I have”—she looks out at the water before turning back to me—“to go. Can I have my bag?” She reaches for it, and I hand it over. She takes it, and I reach around her to unfasten the chain from the gate. She nods. “It was nice meeting you.”

She walks through, thinking she’s getting away from me.

CHAPTER

TWO

PRESLEY

Isense Ham still behind me and turn to see him inside the gate, latching the chain. I ignore him and continue down the path. I’m not security. I’m not going to stop him.

Ahead on the dock, near the slip where our research boat is moored, are two large men. Dr. Miller mentioned he’d be bringing in a couple of professional divers today to help with the exploration. These must be them. They’re supposed to be the best in the business. We recently found a large concentration of bull sharks and want to tag a few to understand why they’re here now, where they’re coming from, and where they’re headed.

As I get closer, I’m struck by the size of the two men. They are just as big as Ham.

I glance back and see Ham is still following me. I pull the side of my lip between my teeth and turn forward again, careful not to walk off the edge. The men nod their heads at me, and I nod back. One of them smiles wide and starts to move toward me.

“Otto, don’t even think about it,” Ham says from behind me.

I pause and look between them all. I feel so small next to the other two. One of them is even taller than Ham. All of them are seriously hot, but only Ham does things to my body.

“I’m sorry. He followed me out here. He’s a friend.” I add the last part, hoping he doesn’t get into trouble.

Ham pulls me into his side. “Not a friend. Otto, back off,” Ham addresses the smiling guy, and I’m startled.

“Do you all know each other?”

“Presley, these are my buddies, Walker and Otto.” He turns me to look at him. “This is my stop. Where are you heading to, sprite?”

“Presley,” Dr. Miller calls. “Do you know these gentlemen?” He’s been a friend of my father’s for many years, so I know he’s pulling the protective uncle card on me.

“Kind of,” I tell him.

“You on this boat, sprite?” Ham asks me, and I look up at him.

I tip my head as far back as I can, and he looks down at me. His hand at my waist tightens, and then his other hand goes to my cheek.

“Yeah,” I stutter, breathless, lost in Ham just like before.

“Then let’s get you on board.” He lifts me up in his arms and steps onto the back of the boat.

“Put me down, Ham, now,” I order, but he just chuckles.

The other researchers are watching us. I turn to see Margo taking in Ham’s muscles, and I’m struck by a jolt of jealousy. What the hell? I just met him. How the heck am I jealous already? But Margo usually gets any guy she sets her sights on. My chest constricts in pain at the thought of him falling for her. She’s one of Clara’s friends. I couldn’t be with him if he goes for her. I just won’t do that.

He sets me down, and I hear Otto laughing. I turn to see Walker’s lips tipped up in a grin. “Told you, man.” Walker chuckles, and Otto laughs even harder.

I don’t get it and think they are making fun of me.

“I’ll have you know I’m qualified to be here. I’m not a child. I’ve worked hard. I’ve probably dived in more locations than you have and been on more research trips, so don’t make fun of me.” I poke Otto in the chest with each word. Ham pulls me back against him.

“Sprite, he’s laughing at me. But I have to say, I doubt you’ve dived as much as we have, or in some of the locations.”

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