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As I loosen my hands from Corbin’s neck and slide from his back, something beneath catches my eye. “Oh crap. What is that?” There’s a shadow from the trees distorting the watercolor and what’s beneath it. My legs splash against the water, trying to get away, but John snatches me into his arms.

“It’s one of the giant turtles the captain mentioned. Want to go under and try to see him up close?”

Instantly, I feel safe. John could be lying or tricking me, but he holds my hand. “On the count of three, we’ll dive down. Don’t let go.”

Never.

‘One. Two. Three.”

Together, we dive into the salty blue-green water, and the turtle’s shell shimmers in the sunlight’s reflection, looking almost red instead of the brown I expected. He glides effortlessly through the warm waters but makes the same path again and again. I squeeze John’s hand and point up.

We pop out of the water, and I gasp for breath and of course, John’s breathing fine. He’s fit.

“He’s beautiful and huge.” Energy and excitement dance in my tone.

John just peers into my eyes. “He is. Want to see?”

This time, I splash him. “Do you ever think about anything but sex and teasing me?”

“Getting you riled up is on my daily to-do list while we’re here.”

“Just my luck.” I chuckle.

John waves the group over to see the turtle. We take turns diving down, but each guy holds onto their spouse. And in my case, John doesn’t let go of me. None of us know whether the giant turtles are aggressive. Right now, the turtle seems to be oblivious to our large group’s eyes on him.

John and I follow the turtle into the cove’s shade, providing a brief respite from the heat. He flips onto his back for a few seconds, showing us his pinkish belly. When our heads peek above the calm water, John says, “This is incredible.”

“Swimming with turtles?”

“Yeah… and you.”

The captain sounds a horn, letting us know it’s time to come back. The catamaran is reserved for four hours, and my internal clock thinks we have a little over two hours left.

Once we’re back on the catamaran, Bryce shows us the pictures he’s taken of both the underwater sea turtle and some candid shots of our group. I can’t help but smile at the one of John and me talking. We’re happy.

The afternoon sun flickers off the water’s surface, and a salty breeze whips through my shoulder-length hair. The couples pair off into their own corners, holding hands or with arms over their partners’ shoulders. There’s a burst of activity consisting of inaudible whispers and salty kisses on the boat. And there is me. And John.

He surveys the boat and finds my hat. “You should put this back on, so you don’t overheat again.” He places it on my head, fixing the brim. “There,” he says as he walks away.

I lag behind all the couples, letting them take their pick of spots, enjoying the view, and thinking about the enormous turtle without a care in the world. Brooke pats the space beside her. Since I’m starving, and she has veggies and dip, I plop down beside her and Reed. He has his head leaning back, eyes shut, as Brooke and I talk about her ballet studio and how she needs to hire dancers. “I hate to miss the kids’ activities and the away games. Do you know any?”

“Not in Atlanta, but I’m sure if you have an audition, there will be plenty to choose from.”

“I know. I’m just picky about my teachers, which is why I take too much on myself. Do you miss cheer?”

My exhale is tinged with regret. “Yes. I thought dancing for the NBA team would fill that void, but it doesn’t. It’s fun, and I love the friends I’ve made, but I miss the thrill of competition.”

She nods, and Reed squeezes her knee, which is my cue to leave. Several of the couples are relaxing, maybe even napping when I find John sprawled out on the black trampoline like mesh. Even though his shades shield his eyes, he’s giving off a vibe somewhere between bored and concerned.

Neither option seems good to me.

CHAPTER TEN

John

“Looks like we’re the third and fourth wheel,” Becca says with a lazy smile.

“Maybe you should pretend to be into me.”