“It sounds like Nathan left you an important legacy, Maddie,” Garrett says smoothly. “If you’re willing, working with Scott’s dive team might help you make sense of it and your access to Nathan’s research could fast-track this project.”
My heartbeat picks up. Excitement rushes through my veins. Being a part of this exploration wasn’t even on my radar. Am I qualified for this? And what about the animal clinic?
“Oh… I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’m not a scientist or a technical diver.”
“Yet.”
Dr. Fischer jumps in, agreeing with Garrett. “Fresh perspectives are invaluable. You’ll bring that to the team.”
I glance at Hannah, seeking reassurance. She gives me a thumbs-up and mouths, “You’ve got this.”
“No pressure,” Garrett coaxes. “But by the look in your eyes, I’d say you’ve already decided.”
He’s smug. I don’t like Garrett Harlow.
Despite my misgivings, I agree to act as a consultant on the dives. We move to a more casual discussion as the dinner guests begin to excuse themselves.
Hannah leans closer to Wes, her voice teasing. “Tell me, Wes, what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?”
Wes looks at her innocently.
“Let me clarify, the craziest thing you’ve done—on the job? Don’t hold back. I’ve seen all your videos.”
Wes launches into a story about escaping an unstable abandoned warehouse in Spain. His voice rises and falls with the cadence of a natural storyteller, and his hands—beautiful artist’shands, with their long, elegant fingers—move animatedly as he describes the danger and his survival. Hannah hangs on his every word as he mimes his dodge of a falling ceiling.
“You’re insane.” Her cheeks and neck flush to a red that matches her hair. “And brilliant. How do you stay so calm in those moments?”
“Years of experience.” He casts a sexy smile my way.
“You need to tell that story again at the Blue Fin tonight,” Hannah says, her eyes sparkling. “The whole island’s going to eat it up.”
My stomach flips. “You’re going out tonight?” I glance at my watch. It’s already ten-thirty. “It’s pretty late.”
“Oh, the night’s still young. We’re all going out. Right, Wes?”
Wes leans forward into the candlelight, focusing his vivid eyes on me. “I’ll go if Maddie goes. What do you say? Are you ready to come out of your shell a little? I’ll show both of you ladies a real good time.”
Ms. Connor calls out from the kitchen. “Y’all girls, go and have some fun. This place will be waiting for you when you get back.”
I hesitate, my pulse quickening. “I’m not much of a bar person…”
“That’s fine. Come with us, and I’ll make sure no one bothers you—unless you count me.” He flashes another megawatt grin. “Can’t make any promises there.”
“Okay, I’ll go.”
My heart races with excitement. There’s no denying the pull of Wes Harrington’s charisma, even though it’s another’s face on my mind as I walk to my cottage to freshen up.
Chapter 5
Scott
I descend toward Carter’s Drop. As I sink deeper, the surface world disappears, leaving only the occasional whoosh of the regulator and release of carbon dioxide. In every direction, the endless expanse of the ocean stretches before me.
I glance at my depth gauge—it’s dropping. Ahead, the dark maw of the cavern looms, jagged and uninviting, like the mouth of an ancient and hungry beast. No matter how many times I enter the Drop, my pulse always kicks up.
“Visibility’s good.” Jamie’s voice crackles through our comms.
“Margaret, how’s the weather looking topside? Over.” I scan the area, my focus sharpening. The cold water hones my senses.
