Page 99 of Teach Me Your Ways

“I know,” Felix interrupted, holding up a hand to stop me. “But she didn’t die. You got her out. And now we need to figure out how to handle this without blowing up the entire project.”

I glanced toward the field station where Cece was helping Lina inside. My chest tightened at the sight of the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about. She was strong, capable, and so damn beautiful it hurt. She’d been incredible today, keeping her cool when everything went sideways. If it hadn’t been for her…

“She saved us,” I said quietly, more to myself than to Felix.

“Cece?” he asked, following my gaze.

I nodded. “Yeah. She’s something else. I’ve seen divers with twenty years’ experience fall apart in lighter situations.”

Felix gave me a knowing look but didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he sighed again and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Just be careful, Grady. You know how this looks. She’s pretty, but she’s young. And she’s your TA. You’ve got the Dean on your ass already. I don’t think it’s smart to push this.”

I didn’t argue because he was right. Again. I hated it.

Inside the field station, Cece had Lina sitting on one of the folding chairs with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Lina was still pale but looked more alert now that she was out of the water and breathing normally.

“How are you feeling?” I asked as I stepped inside.

Lina looked up at me with wide eyes filled with guilt and fear. She usually radiated entitlement and confidence but seemed to be rethinking every choice she’d ever made. That was probably a good thing.

“Let’s get you to your room so you can change,” Cece said.