“Never. I’m going to hang back, so I don’t do or say something stupid.”
Pen’s eyes creased at the corners. “Do you want me to hang back with you?”
“I’ll be okay. I think I need this time to myself, you know.”
“If you want any company, you know where to find me.” Pen swam their way, leaving me to myself. I watched as she talked to them for a moment before all eyes were back on me, and then the guys helped them adjust their masks on their faces so they could go underwater.
Putting my mask on, I placed the mouthpiece in and immediately felt like I could barely breathe. My breath picked up until it sounded like I was about to hyperventilate or Darth Vader, but at least I was breathing. Not about to let Reagan ruin my vacation, I dipped underwater and tried to make sure I kept the tip of my snorkel above water. I didn’t need to be saved a second time this week.
The moment I saw all the tiny fish swimming along the rocks, all my troubles drifted away. There was a sense of peace floating along in the warm water. When I spotted a tiny octopus hiding in the swaying grass, I popped up to find I was alone. Where the hell did everyone go? Looking around, I found the boat with Owen on it, so I wasn’t lost. As far as I could see, there was only the cove we were in and the beautiful blue water.
Unsure of how long we’d be here, I went back to exploring my surroundings. I swam up to the beach, noticing there looked to be a natural walkway that went up to overlook the area. Taking my mask off, I walked along the beach and up the stairs, letting my toes dig into the sand as I went. The sun warmed my slightly chilled skin from the breeze. At the top, I found there was another cove on the other side. The white crests on the waves indicated it was rougher over on that side, so I decided to stay on the side where it was nice and chill.
After a few minutes, I headed back down. I wanted to spend my time in the water and see if I could find any more octopi or maybe a colorful fish. I didn’t think we were in the right location for anything colorful, especially since I hadn’t seen any yet, but it didn’t hurt to keep my eyes peeled.
Once in the water, I moved a little further away from the boat. I loved the way water always made me feel so weightless. Floating along, I noticed a dark shape moving my way. Lifting my head above the water, I saw it was Remy. The tattoos on his left arm stood out in the clear water, with the sun making them shine.
Treading water, I watched his body glide along the surface with grace. The way the muscles in his back rippled with each movement of his sculpted arms. Damn, he was fine. Too bad I’d be gone in a couple of days, and I’d never see him again.
“Hey, are you okay?” Remy asked once he made his way over to me.
“I’m pissed, but I’m fine. I’ve lived with the stereotypes all my life, so it’s nothing new.”
Cocking his head to the side, he gave me a tight smile. “I’m sensing there’s more.”
There was always more. Taking in a much-needed breath, I decided to open up to this gorgeous stranger. “I’ve never belonged. With my dad’s side of the family, I’m too light-skinned to be a proud black woman. Do you know what it’s like to have your family treat you like an outcast?”
I hadn’t spoken to my dad or his side of my family since I graduated high school. When they didn’t bother to show up to my graduation but had gone to every single one of my cousins and half-siblings, I was done letting them make me feel like shit about the way I looked. Something I had no control over.
“Not that way, no.” His hand found mine underneath the water and linked our fingers together. His dark brown eyes looked me over.
“I know I don’t look like I’m half black. Not unless I spend a decent amount of time in the sun. Most would probably think I’m Italian or something,” I laughed humorlessly. “I’m the product of a one-night stand that never should have happened.”
Moving closer, Remy took the hand he’d linked his finger with and placed it on his shoulder. “I, for one, am glad it happened. There’s no one I’d rather be here with.”
“Do you say that to all your guests?” I moved closer until our lips were only an inch apart. I could feel his minty breath skate across my face. His hands moved to my hips and held firm.
Remy shook his head as one hand skated up my ribs until his thumb rested underneath one breast. My breath caught at the move. I craved the soft touch more than I knew. It had been too long since someone had touched me like this.
“Believe it or not, I don’t interact with guests all that much. Especially not to this level. You’re the exception, Stella.” Dipping his head down, the long hair on top fell into his eyes. “I want to kiss you.”
“What’s stopping you?” I asked breathlessly, moving a fraction of an inch closer.
The hand on my hip moved to cup the side of my face. “The fact that anyone could come around the corner at any second and catch us. I don’t want to lose my job.”
I didn’t want that either.
“Maybe we should go back to the boat and wait for the others,” I suggested.
“Owen’s on the boat. We won’t be alone.”
“Exactly. It will keep us from doing anything that will get you fired.” I tilted my head back to look into his dark eyes.
“I like being alone with you,” he said on a
