Page 50 of Broken Secrets
“The hermit crab real estate market was definitely a highlight.”
I laugh, remembering our earlier conversation. “Wait until we see what’s available in the kelp forest. Probably some real luxury accommodations down there.”
“Premium locations with ocean views.”
“Great schools for the little crabs.”
We’re both grinning now, caught up in the silly conversation and the lingering excitement of the day’s discoveries. As we reach the split in the path where Derek heads toward the boys’ cabins, he catches my hand.
“Thanks for being a good research partner today.”
“Thanks for helping with my mask. And for making me laugh about hermit crab apartments.”
He leans down and kisses me quickly, tasting like salt air and sunscreen. It’s brief but warm, a perfect end to a day spent discovering new worlds together.
“See you at dinner,” he says, heading toward his cabin.
Back at the cabin, Maya is already changing into clean clothes and brushing sand out of her hair. “How were the tide pools with Derek?”
“Educational. We learned a lot about marine ecosystems.”
“I’m sure you did.” Her knowing smile suggests she saw our goodbye kiss. “And how are you feeling about being completely cut off from the outside world?”
I consider the question while changing out of my sandy clothes. “Actually? Pretty good. It’s nice to have a break from constantly checking my phone.”
“No regrets about missing messages?”
I realize that I hadn’t thought about Emma’s continued silence once during our time at the tide pools. For a few hours, I’d been completely present, completely engaged with the world around me instead of the world in my pocket.
“Not yet,” I say, and mean it. “Ask me again tomorrow.”
As we head to dinner, the last light of sunset reflects off the research station’s windows, and the first stars begin to appear in the darkening sky above the island.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Derek standsbeside me at the edge of the dock, both of us looking like we’ve been shrink-wrapped in black neoprene. The wetsuit clings uncomfortably in places I’d rather not think about, and the booties make me feel like I’m wearing rubber socks.
“You look like a marine science ninja,” He says, adjusting his mask strap. “Very official.”
“Thanks. You look like a seal that learned to walk upright.”
“I’ll take it.” He grins and checks my gear one more time, the gesture both practical and protective. “Mask tight enough? Not too tight?”
“Perfect.” I test the seal by inhaling through my nose, watching Derek’s eyes through the clear plastic of his mask. “Ready to become temporary fish?”
“Born ready.”
The Pacific stretches out before us, impossibly blue and clear in the morning sun. Below the surface, I can see the dark shadows of the kelp forest swaying in the gentle current like an underwater dance. From up here, it looks mysterious and slightly intimidating. From down there, it’s about to become our world.
“Remember,” Dr. Cole calls from where he’s already waist-deep in the water, “stay with your buddy, communicate clearly, and don’t touch anything unless I give you the okay. The kelp forest is a living cathedral, and we’re just visitors.”
Derek and I exchange a look, part excitement, part nerves. Then he reaches for my hand.
“Together?” he asks.
“Together.”
We jump.
