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“That’s how I feel when I’m out on my board. It’s like the whole world finally slows down and I can think clearly.”

Taylor made herself a salami-and-cheese sandwich between two crackers, adding a pickle on top for good measure.

“Exactly.” Sam’s finger traced the rim of her wine glass. “Like being in the middle of the forest, it’s one of the few places you can truly feel alone. At peace. Or just have some space from the hustle and bustle of life.”

“It definitely feels like a little oasis in this spot.” Taylor let out a slow sigh. “We’re so lucky where we live. The sun hasn’t even set yet, and it’s already gorgeous over the horizon.”

“Agreed. Did you grow up by the beach? I feel like we haven’t really done any of those ‘get to know you’ questions. We’ve been too busy talking about everything else.”

“Ooooh, it’s getting serious now.” Taylor smirked, pretending to sit up straighter. “I actually grew up in the country, moved out of home at eighteen and lived near the beach from then on. I like living outside the city, the calmer pace, especially by the water.” She took a swig of her beer. “Maybe that’s why I kept to the coast while travelling in the van. Inever wanted to venture too far from the water. Always had my paddleboard strapped to the top too, of course.”

“Of course.” Sam smiled back as Taylor reminisced.

“I get that. Being by the water…”—she paused as she looked back out at the ocean—“it has this pull. Like my heart sings when I’m near it. Out here, I feel more in tune with myself than I do on land.”

“Maybe it’s the wildness of the ocean? That uncontrolled unknown that is so vast, and makes you feel so small, it reminds you that you’re this tiny human at its complete and utter grace.”

Sam tried to smother a smile, her fingers flying to her lips.

Taylor looked at her, perplexed. “What?” She started wiping the corners of her mouth and looking around. “Do I have something on me?”

“No,” Sam reached out, touching her arm. “I’m sorry, we just got super deep, and then…” Her eyes started watering at the thought. “I started picturing a tiny, ant-sized Taylor on a paddleboard, floating around.”

Taylor laughed along with her as Sam wiped at the edges of her eyes.

“So much for easy starter questions like ‘What’s your favourite colour?’” Sam stated, finally calming down.

“Right!”

“It’s blue by the way.”

“Huh. Me too.” Taylor stared then, to the point of making Sam start to squirm.

“I should go grab the next course before we lose the light,” Sam said, breaking the moment and rushing back down into the cabin. She leaned on the kitchen counter once she was down below and took a deep breath.

Why did this feel like a date? More importantly, did she want it to be a date? She closed her eyes, flashes of her dream swirling with new images. Her kissing Taylor on the boat. Touching her.A pull that started to travel down from her belly button told her everything she needed to know.

“And here’s our main. It’s roasted cherry tomato pesto pasta.” She handed Taylor her bowl, her hand brushing Taylor’s as she let go. The hairs stood up on her arm.

It’s not a date,she reminded herself.

“Oooh, sounds fancy.” Taylor eyed the dish as Sam sat back down next to her, their knees bumping. That, she did on purpose. Taylor made no effort to move either.

“It’s the absolute opposite, which is why I love making it on the boat. I just air-fry the tomatoes, then mix them through with some cooked pasta and a dollop of pesto, and voila.”

“My mouth is literally watering at just the description. I feel like I need you to cook for me more often,” Taylor joked, stabbing a pile of pasta and tomatoes onto her fork and stuffing the whole lot into her mouth.

“Ohmrrghh,” she said around the food.

Sam grinned. The thought of cooking for Taylor again didn’t sound too bad at all.

“You like it?”

Taylor threw her head back in bliss, eyes closed as she chewed, an obnoxious hum escaping her lips.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” She laughed, scooping up a bite for herself.

Taylor swallowed and took a quick sip of her beer. “Seriously. Jess brings food home straight from therestaurant, and it has nothing on this.”