I spot Nick on the wooden platform, fussing with the camera in his hands. His shoulders are broad and muscular. It’s obvious he’s an athlete, but there’s such a gentleness to him—the artist side. I love the dichotomy.
He hears my footsteps and turns, lips curving upward when he sees me.
“Hey,” he says, walking over to meet me. He greets me with a quick kiss. “What are you doing here?”
“Honestly, looking for Pete, but Bobby said you were down here, so I came by.” I nod at the camera. “Taking pictures?”
“I’m going out on the boat for a while. I’m hoping to catch the sunset down the waterway.” He slips an arm around my waist. “Want to come?”
“Sure.”
I’d just caught him, because the boat is ready and he’s already placed three different cameras in a box on the back seat. The boat isn’t big at all…just a small fishing boat with two seats. He holds my hand when I get in, making sure to keep the boat from rocking, and I settle into the seat next to him.
Nick is huge behind the small steering wheel, but his eyes are bright against the afternoon sky. He starts the engine and the quiet marina turns into a rumble that lessens as we get away from the dock and out in the waterway.
Maybe because I’d never been a big swimmer or beach-goer, I certainly never thought I’d be a boat person. Fishing all day or cruising up and down the waterway. It can be a little boring unless you’re with a big group, but being out here with Nick as the sun lowers in the horizon feels calming. He doesn’t go too fast, giving me a chance to look at the big houses that line the waterfront. I spot the dock and tree swing at Richard’s—now my mom’s—house. We reach a wide, open area, the passage from the ocean to the waterway, that also leads into the mouth of the river. Nick cuts the engine and gentle waves rock the boat.
“Is this our destination?” I ask. There aren’t many boats out and the whole place is serene.
“Yep, the sun will head right down the river. Hopefully I can get a few good shots.” He gets out his camera and takes a few testshots, checking his settings. I pretend not to get self-conscious when he takes a few of me.
I spent a lot of time with Nick while he worked with my mother on her book. He took photographs that were used in the actual book and for promotion. The truth was Nick was no longer a hobbyist…he’s a professional.
“When’s the sun setting?”
He looks in the distance. “Probably about an hour.” His eyes skim over me. “Want to go for a swim?”
I’m not the best swimmer but I’ve come a long way in the last year. I spent a lot of time with the guys, conquering my fears of things in the dark Atlantic water. The afternoon sun feels hot now that we’re sitting in one place and the thought of seeing Nick with his shirt off is enough motivation.
“If you promise not to leave me.” I still get nervous in the ocean.
He smiles. “Not a problem.”
I drop my shorts and pull my shirt over my head. When I look up, I’m greeted by Nick’s bare chest. His skin isn’t fully tanned and there’s a distinct difference between his neck and his shoulders—probably from working out for the team with his equipment on. I don’t move out of fear of rocking the boat, but damn, I want to touch him.
While I’m studying him, he’s studying me, and I feel warmer than I did a moment before. I’m still not used to showing this much skin—or even having such a heated gaze directed at me. I run my hand over my stomach self-consciously, but he grabs it, linking his fingers with mine. I smile up at him, the sun right behind his head. He counts to three, his voice deep and playful, before jumping over the edge, pulling me with him.
The water is freezing, making me yelp as it hits my warm skin. He never lets go of my hand and pulls me to the surface.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Holy crap, it’s cold.”
“Hasn’t warmed up for the summer yet.”
He reaches for me but I swim out of his arms, heading back to the boat. There’s a small aluminum ladder and I reach for it, hoisting myself up. I’m halfway out when I feel hands on my feet and I shout again, constantly spooked by the water. I glance back and see Nick’s adorable face. “Not funny, dude.”
“I couldn’t resist.”
I get out and he follows and we both stand in the middle of the boat, dripping wet. The water glides down his hard chest and sculpted abs toward the line of dark fuzzy hair below his belly button.
“Aren’t you cold?” I shiver and run my hands down my arms. He pulls a towel out of a compartment and closes the small distance between us.
“I’m warm-natured.” He opens the towel and wraps it over my shoulders while pressing his body against mine. “Especially when I’m around you.”
Slowly, he dries me off, taking time with every inch of my body. I’m definitely warmer when he finishes. He wraps a second towel around his waist and pulls me into his lap. I settle into him and let the sun warm my legs.
“Let me see your phone,” he says. I take it from my bag and pass it back.
