Page 25 of One Night in Hawaii

“I think I’ll hang out right here and work on my tan,” Penelope announced after we arrived.

“I thought you wanted to get in the water,” Archer said.

“I might, but you guys snorkel. I want to enjoy the scenery.”

“I’ll hang with her,” Ryder offered.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” Penelope shot back. “Go play.”

“Sorry, Miss Thang, but I want to sit next to the pretty lady. And it’s crowded. I was hoping it wouldn’t be so packed.”

It was crowded and I would have preferred to be somewhere with fewer people, but it was easy snorkeling and I was sure Archer would enjoy it. There was a lot to see just under the surface and the waters were very calm. It was perfect for a beginner. He pulled off his shirt and kicked off his shoes. I took a moment to appreciate his fine body. I was certain there wasn’t an inch to pinch. He was a little pale, but it didn’t matter. He was chiseled and strong and it was very easy to fantasize about getting naked with him.

“I guess it’s just me and you,” I said to Archer.

“Works for me.”

We put on our snorkeling gear, excitement bubbling within me. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bay. The gentle waves lapped against the shore as we waded into the water. “Have you snorkeled before?” I asked him.

“I’ve been a few times when we went to Mexico for vacation a long time ago.”

“You know the basics about how to breathe and not breathe?” I asked. I didn’t want to give him a tutorial if he didn’t need it. I had a feeling that would tread upon his manhood.

“I do.”

Together, we swam further out, the water becoming clearer as we ventured away from the shore. As we put our faces into the water, a breathtaking world unfolded before our eyes. Colorful fish darted between the coral, and I couldn’t help but gasp in wonder at the sheer beauty of it all. I loved being underwater. I loved the freedom I felt. The water hid a secret world that only some people got to see. I loved that I was one of those people.

We floated on the surface, our masks allowing us to observe the underwater wonders without the need to come up for air constantly. It felt like we were in our own little world, a world filled with enchanting creatures and shared moments of awe. Archer was a different man. Whenever we came up, he was smiling. He looked years younger than he did when we first met.

“Ready to head in?” I asked him.

“Hell no.”

I laughed. “Want to venture a little further out? Think you can handle it?”

“Are you challenging me?”

“Maybe,” I teased.

“Lead the way.”

I led him out to the outer reef with much fewer people. I was hoping it would give him a chance to really enjoy the scene below the surface. I pointed at a group of fish that swam by, and Archer smiled, giving me a thumbs-up in response. It was hard to look sexy with a snorkel in your mouth, but he pulled it off.

As we continued exploring, we spotted a sea turtle gliding gracefully through the water. It was a mesmerizing sight, and we followed it for a while, maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the majestic creature.

After a while, we decided to take a break and swim back to the shore along the rim of the cove. As we emerged from the water, our faces were flushed with excitement and happiness. Archer’s eyes sparkled as he turned to me.

“That was amazing,” he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

I beamed at him, feeling a surge of affection. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It’s one of the things I love most about Hawaii.”

Archer reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending a delightful shiver down my spine. “I loved it, but I loved doing it with you even more.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I found myself blushing despite the warm sun on my cheeks. Being around Archer always made me feel special, like I was the only person in his world. “Me too.”

I glanced down the beach and saw Penelope and Ryder sitting next to each other. Their body language said she wasn’t interested, but Ryder wasn’t a quitter.

“Penelope is engaged,” Archer said. “Ryder is barking up the wrong tree.”

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