Page 31 of Here & Now

“You okay?” Marco asked.

“Yes, just a little embarrassed.”

He smiled. “No worries.”

“Come with me,” Zane said, brooking no argument.

As Marco assisted the other passengers, she followed Zane up a short flight of stairs to the captain’s deck. When she reached the top, she scanned the magnificent view.

The dock was located on the bayside of Sanibel, with Pine Island to the north and Fort Meyers to the east. The water sparkled like diamonds in the sunshine, and a light breeze tickled her skin. Seagulls circled above them, and a pelican skimmed above the surface of the water without touching it. She never tired of scenes like this.

Zane cleared his throat, and she turned away from the railing. He held out a bright orange life vest.

“No thanks. I know how to swim.”

He shook his head. “Captain’s orders.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m not one of the kids.”

“Forgive me, but you almost fell getting into the boat. I would feel better if you wore this.”

She wanted to argue, but he had a point. Plus, he was smiling when he said it, and she believed he was just ensuring her safety.

“Fine.”

“Hold out your arms.”

“I can put it on myself.”

“Are you always this argumentative?”

“Are you always this bossy?”

They stared at each other for a few beats, and then she slowly lifted her arms.

“Thank you,” he said.

He took a step closer, and she slipped her left arm into the opening without meeting his eyes. Then he pulled the vest around her back, and she put her right arm in. His proximity was unnerving, but his sure, steady movements were comforting at the same time.

She finally lifted her gaze, but he was looking down as he pulled the straps tightly across her chest and fastened them.

“I see you wore my shirt,” he said.

“Technically, it’s my shirt now.”

He chuckled and stepped back. “There. Now you’ll be safe.”

She might be safe from drowning at sea, but she could drown in his gorgeous eyes. She hadn’t studied them that closely until now, and she discovered they were a beautiful shade of golden brown. With his wind-tousled dark hair and tanned skin, he resembled a Greek god. His bright yellow Sanibel Outfitters T-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and topsiders added to his casual, approachable vibe.

“Maybe I’d be safer sitting down below.”

“Too late,” he said and picked up a microphone. “Welcome aboard, everyone. Keep your eyes open as we head out and enjoy the ride.”

Enjoy the ride. That was exactly what she intended to do. For the next hour or so, she was simply a passenger on a boat on a beautiful Florida evening. When she spotted some dolphins, she pointed excitedly.

He idled the engine and picked up the microphone again. “Ladies and gentlemen, look off the starboard side. You’re about to see a show.”

The noise level rose as the playful dolphins arced out of the water and landed with a loud splash. She snapped numerous photos, hoping to capture that perfect shot for her article. She was so engrossed that she hadn’t realized Zane had come up to stand beside her until their elbows bumped.