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He sat cross-legged on the sand and began sketching. She glanced at his progress and saw he focused his drawing on the ocean too. She added a wide swath of indigo to the horizon of her painting. “April told me she’s going to work more at one of her other jobs, so you might get more hours at Half Moon Bay.”
“That’s good news. I like the way Alex runs things, so I’ll take whatever I can get. Serenity is a little spendy, but I couldn’t resist living so close to the ocean.”
“I like it too. I’ve never lived on the sea like this before.” She watched his hand as he drew. His movements were confident and gentle, as if he was trying to coax the sunset onto his page, rather than force the image. Experience had taught her forcing art never worked.
“Is Hope your only sibling?”
“Yes. Our father left when we were kids and she practically raised me.”
He stopped drawing to look at her. “Wow. I’m sorry.”
She shrugged a little. “It’s fine. Water under the bridge at this point.”
“How do you like working for her?”
Sara paused, twirling her brush as she gazed at the horizon. “It’s been a good change for me. I’ve never been one to put down roots, so I didn’t need much convincing when Hope offered me a job here. We’ll see how it works out in the long run.”
He went back to his drawing, but Sara noticed his mouth had tightened a little. “Maybe it will grow on you—I love it here. Being a divemaster is great. Well, most of the time. Speaking of diving, you start your certification soon, don’t you?”
“In a few days. I’ve been swimming every morning. I’m kind of surprised how much I like it.”
“The swim tests for open water certification aren’t too bad. Remember, you can come to me if you have any problems with your class.”
She turned to find him staring straight at her. He had a full, generous mouth. Why had she never noticed that? A delicious flutter ran through her as their gazes held. The idea of dating him was definitely getting more attractive. “I’ll do that. Thanks.”
CHAPTER 12
Jack dragged a hand over his sweaty forehead before removing his BCD and regulator from the tank. Surface Interval was now quiet after the afternoon trip. It had been humid and still all day, as if the clouds above were holding their collective breaths, waiting to explode. But the threatened rain held off. Family man Tommy was hosing down the boat, eager to get home. He’d been attending a local boxing gym, and his rash guard was a little looser than it used to be.
“You want me to finish washing things down?” Jack asked.
Tommy smiled at him. “Nah. I’m almost done. Thanks for workin’ this afternoon.”
“Sure. I’m filling in so Alex can give Sara her first classroom session.” Jack shook his head, then laughed. “I’m still not sure whether being taught by a former SEAL is a really good thing or a really bad thing.”
“She’ll be fine. Alex knows what he’s doin’.”
“I don’t doubt that. I still find it hard to believe—that he was a SEAL. He’s so calm and easygoing, though that night up at the bar I sure saw a different side of him. Hope mentioned something about trouble with a former employee. Sounds like you guys had some excitement.”
Tommy’s smile faded as he regarded Jack. “And what did Alex say?”
“Not much. He doesn’t talk a whole lot about himself.”
“No, you’re right about that.” Tommy cocked his head. “Have you been up to the lobby since I hung their weddin’ photo?”
“No, why?”
“You might want to check it out. I’m not goin’ to say anythin’ if Alex didn’t, but there’s an article on the wall that might interest you.”
Man, this is a tight-knit bunch... Jack was impressed, and Alex had mentioned something about an article when he saw the wedding portrait. “It’s no big deal, but thanks.”
Thirty minutes later, Jack was carrying his equipment toward his truck. He worked the next day at Ocean Surf, so he had to carry his gear back and forth, which was a pain in the ass. As he tossed the duffel bag in the truck bed, his gaze was drawn toward the lobby.
Why not?
He climbed the stairs and entered the bright, welcoming building. Front-desk clerk Martine gave him a warm smile, her even white teeth contrasting with her light-brown skin.
“I’m here to check out the new addition to the staff wall.”
