Page 36 of Finding His Fox

My initial hesitation quickly turned to anticipation and eagerness. Cal’s presence was calming, soothing any fears I had earlier.

Cal showed me how to set up my lure, and we dropped our line into the water.

I was sure part of the appeal of fishing was the excitement one had when reeling in their catch. For me, though, this was it—simply sitting in a boat with Cal.

Relaxing and enjoying the quiet moments while we waited for the fish to bite.

Although on our next fishing trip, maybe we could do it when the sun wasn’t beating down on us. I was sweating buckets and I couldn’t take it anymore.

I removed my life jacket and immediately felt a wave of cool relief wash over me. Cal was right beside me, anyway. I couldn’t have felt any safer.

After a few moments, I felt something tug at my fishing rod.

“I think I got something!” I said excitedly.

I stood up on the boat, and it wobbled a little. Cal quickly stood up and went behind me, holding me steady.

He leaned in even closer, his body pressed flush against my back.

My breath caught in my throat as Cal wrapped his arms around me and he lightly guided my hands.

“Slowly, slowly,” he murmured.

My mind was racing. Do I abandon this fish and kiss Cal again, or do I catch my first fish?

I was proud of myself for choosing the latter. Self-control wins again!

I did as Cal said, and the fish finally broke the surface of the water. Cal brought it in using a net and handed it to me.

“My first fish!” I exclaimed, holding the fish up.

The fish was bigger than I expected. I tried to wrestle it, holding it in place, but it was wriggling too much.

The damn thing jumped out of my hands and back into the water.

The boat rocked violently in the commotion. Panic coursed through me, and I lost my balance. I felt Cal’s hand trying to grab my elbow, but it was too late.

The next thing I knew, I was plunging face-first into the cold water.

Chapter 11

Cal

One moment, Nate and I were having fun and having the time of our lives. The sun was out, and the lake was crystal clear.

I would never forget the unguarded expression on his face when he caught his first fish.

Then everything went south after that. Fear clawed at my throat as Nate fell overboard. Nate screamed, struggling to stay afloat.

Without hesitation, I dove in after Nate. The cold water hit me like a ton of bricks, but I pushed through.

Panic surged through me as I saw Nate’s head go under.

My mind returned to a memory years ago when a boy fell into the raging river after saving me from a monster.

I managed to save Nate back then, and I swore I wouldn’t fail him this time, either. I had to act fast.

I swam towards Nate, grabbing him by the arm. Nate hacked and gurgled, fear evident in his eyes.