Page 61 of Visions of You

He traced his fingers up and down my arm. “Yeah. I love being in the water. It’s been so long, I kind of forgot that.”

“Does that mean I might get you to dive?”

“I’ve been thinking about it, even before today.”

My heart soared, and I turned around to grin at him. “I happen to know an excellent dive professional who could give you a refresher.”

Gabe frowned. “I was thinking about asking Corbin to do it. You’ve already seen me act idiotically too many times. I don’t want to give you any more ammunition. If Corbin helps me first, I can wow you with my diving prowess.”

I smiled and folded my hand over his. “I want whatever makes you comfortable, but I deal with nervous, out-of-practice divers just about every day. I’m pretty good at it.”

He pressed a kiss against my temple. “Do you promise not to laugh at me?”

“I absolutely donotpromise that.”

A grin burst across his face. “You never let me off the hook easily. I like that about you. Will you at least promise not to humiliate me?”

My smile faded. “I’d never do that. Promise.”

Our eyes held, and I had to admit I loved the idea of being theexpert. I had the feeling not many women had that experience with Gabe. “Well? Are you in or out?”

He leaned forward and brushed his lips over mine. “In. You can give me a quick refresher in the pool behind the Big House. Then we’ll take a boat out by ourselves for a dive. How’s that sound?”

“Like my idea of a perfect date.”

“Even more than outdoor movies and fine whisky?”

“Maybe we can bring the whisky with us.”

He laughed softly and I turned around again, snuggling my back up to his chest. I turned my gaze to Hailey, who looked angelic in sleep. “You two have a wonderful relationship. You should be really proud. Of both of you.”

“Thanks. I’m lucky—she’s an easy kid… Have you ever been interested in having children?”

I sighed and relaxed my head against his shoulder. “Yes, but life didn’t work out like that.” This wasn’t a fun subject, but Gabe had opened himself by inviting me today. He deserved the same. “I thought I was headed in that direction in my mid-twenties. I’d been with Mark for almost two years—we lived together. I figured marriage was the next step and would happen soon. Until the dive boat broke down as we were leaving the harbor and I got an unexpected day off. I went home and found him in bed with his other girlfriend.”

Gabe’s arms contracted as he winced behind me. “God, how awful. I’m sorry.”

I snorted. “Don’t worry. I got tested for everything in the book.”

“I wasn’t worried. I trust you.”

“At least the son of a bitch was careful when he cheated. Anyway, after that I moved to St. Croix and decided I needed a different kind of man—one with integrity. And I found him. Ex-military, honor was the center of his makeup. I fell pretty hard for him, but he wasn’t even slightly interested in me. Even after he got together with his girlfriend, I kept hoping it wouldn’t work out between them. Once he got engaged to her, I finally gave up. I don’t chase after married men, and I like hiswife a lot.”

I sighed, watching a pelican rocket into the ocean. “And I found someone new last year. We went away for a romantic weekend to St. John. Brian liked it so much he decided to stay there. Without me. So I’ve never even come close to getting married, let alone starting a family. I’m awful with men. That’s why my relationship with you is working—we both want the same thing. Or rather,don’twant the same thing.”

He had started stroking his fingers along my arm during my monologue. “Sounds like you’ve never met the right man.”

I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’m happy here. I know I’m an outsider, but… I feel at home here in a way I didn’t in St. Croix.”

Gabe kissed my hair. “You’re not an outsider. And I’m very glad you’re here.”

A rustling came from the bushes behind us, but I didn’t move. If someone was coming to investigate, they’d discover we were here soon enough and leave.

“I love the history your family has at Calypso Key,” I said. “That’s something I’ve never had—roots. I never asked for much from my relationships. I just wanted to be important to someone. I watched my friends find men who couldn’t live without them, but I guess that doesn’t happen for everyone. I’m sure there are a lot more people like you and me. Those who found nothing but heartbreak with love.”

“Kind of a depressing outlook but accurate.”

I caught his hand and squeezed. “Thanks for listening.”

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