AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wish I had that problem. I might look into construction jobs or another dive operation soon.”
Robert tapped the side of his bottle, staring into space for a long moment. Then he turned to face Jack. “I might have an answer for both of us. You like Half Moon Bay, right?”
“Yeah. It’s my number one choice.”
“I’d like to concentrate more on my photography and do less divin’. What if you and I change positions? You take the primary job, and I’ll be on call?”
Jack could hardly believe his ears. “You sure you want to do that?”
“I am. I’ve been tryin’ to figure out how to tell Alex I want to cut back. This would be perfect. I’ve never been full-time there, but the membrane system is almost done. Business will pick up after that—mark my words. I’ll bet in a couple of months you’ll have more work at Half Moon Bay than you know what to do with. This could work out great for both of us.”
Jack clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks. This is a huge load off my shoulders. I really didn’t want to go back to construction.”
Robert grinned. “Don’t thank me yet. I should probably warn you about two divers you’ll have tomorrow. Two women. One’s very experienced, but her friend is brand new. And nervous. The experienced one doesn’t pay any attention to her.”
“Typical. I don’t understand that. People want someone to dive with, then ignore them the whole time.”
“Just be prepared to babysit and encourage. She clung to me both dives today.”
Jack finished his beer. “That’s no problem. I like working with new divers. It’s fun to see them gain confidence—one of the best parts of the job.” He brightened. “And Sara’s joining me tomorrow. Maybe she can buddy up with the nervous nellie and give some reassurance as a fellow new diver.”
Robert laughed. “As long as there aren’t any coral trees in sight.”
“She felt awful about that. I finally got her back to the nursery last week and it went great. She’s a good diver. I think she’ll enjoy tomorrow.”
As he walked toward his apartment, Jack was a strange mix of elation and trepidation. He glanced at Sara’s lights but went to his own home, needing to think and wanting to be alone for that.
Everything could be falling into place for me.
But becoming financially dependent upon Half Moon Bay had one unavoidable complication—Sara. And he was falling hard for her.
If things don’t work out between us, who do you think Alex and Hope are going to side with? Sara is family. And why would I even want to be with someone who isn’t as committed to the relationship as me?
CHAPTER 24
The following morning, sunshine warmed Sara’s back as she strolled down the pier, excited to dive on her day off. Jack, Alex, and April were readying Surface Interval. Hope couldn’t join her for the dive, so she was hoping to buddy up with Jack. He saw her coming and headed her way, a smile lighting his face. “It’s a beautiful morning. You looking forward to it?”
“Very much. Especially being with you.”
A frown line appeared between his brows, and he pulled her toward the side of the pier. “About that—I need to talk to you. There’s another new diver on board. Her buddy is very experienced, but she needs a little reassurance. Since you need to pair up anyway, would you mind diving with them? It might help Ashley feel more comfortable to be with someone else who’s also new.”
Sara’s heart sank, but his idea was logical. “Sure. We can flail together.” She laughed when he narrowed his eyes. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out that arm flailing was highly discouraged by dive professionals.
Jack led her toward the boat. “They’re already here. I’ll introduce you.”
She climbed aboard as Alex walked around the spacious main deck, pointing a pencil at people as he did a head count. He brightened when he saw her. “And you’re twelve. That’s everyone.”
“Hello to you too, Alex.”
“How’s my favorite sister-in-law?”
“Fabulous, as usual.”
Alex got the attention of the divers who had never been on board before and gave the boat briefing, describing emergency procedures. Jack introduced her to the two women. Ashley was mid-twenties, with a button nose and her brown hair cut in a pixie. She was adorable. Feeling like an ogre by comparison, Sara sat on the side bench next to her, and nodded to Ashley’s friend Liz, who was older. She had a somewhat vampirish look, with pale skin and long black hair, which she was circling into a bun. Sara smiled at Ashley. “This is your first dive trip?”
“Yes. Liz has been diving for years and bugging me to join her. So here I am, on day two.”
“I’m new too. We’ll figure it out together.”
