Page 32 of Here & Now

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” he said.

She gazed into his eyes and thought, Yes, you are. “Mm-hmm.”

“It never gets old.”

“I agree.”

They stood there a few more minutes, lost in their own thoughts, until the pod moved off. Then he went back to the helm and restarted the engine.

He expertly maneuvered the boat to a place where the passengers could watch the sunset over the water. Voices murmured in hushed reverence, fingers pointed, and cameras snapped.

He came up beside her again. “You haven’t asked me any questions.”

She’d been so caught up in the experience that she’d forgotten she was supposed to be working. “It’s too difficult with all the distractions.” Him being one of them.

“I guess we’ll have to do it another time, then.”

Another time? There shouldn’t be another time, but she said, “When?”

Smiling, he said, “Whenever you want to.”

Were they still talking about the interview? She shifted nervously, acutely aware again of his nearness. “I know you’re busy…”

“I’ll make time.”

She was out of excuses. “Okay.”

“Good.”

He turned and picked up the microphone again. “Hold on, everybody. We’re turning around and heading back to shore.”

Sounds of disappointment rose from the crowd, and she knew just how they felt. It had been a magical night out on the water, enjoying nature and the company. And to think she’d almost said no to this.

Shannon had told her to take care of herself, and that was exactly what she’d done tonight. As Zane guided the boat back to shore, she inhaled the warm, salty air. For the first time since returning to the island, she felt at peace.

If only that feeling could last.