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“Any questions?”
Abby jerked her gaze to the guide who’d been talking the whole time about safety in the water and what to expect.
“None from me,” she said a bit guiltily, since she’d not heard a word. “Cade?”
Without taking his eyes off her, he shook his head. “We’re good.”
Once they were suited up, the guide showed them to the end of the catamaran where Cade promptly jumped off.
He bobbed in the water and motioned for Abby to join him. Even if he were swimming in shark-infested waters, Abby would still have jumped in without a second thought.
Twelve
She hit the warm water and secured her mask like Cade showed her. After he ducked under the water, she did the same and was positively amazed at the secret world below she’d never known about.
Abby could easily see why Cade enjoyed this. The colors were so vibrant, so alive. She couldn’t take in all the beauty at once. She tugged at Cade’s hand over and over to point out various plants and fish and other sea creatures.
Every now and again Cade would tap her on her shoulder or leg, depending on how they were swimming, so he could show her something, as well.
After what seemed like only minutes, Cade motioned for her to turn around and head back to the boat.
They surfaced next to the ladder and Cade helped her up first, then hoisted himself up and onto the boat.
“That was amazing,” Abby squealed the second she’d taken the mask off.
Cade smiled as he took off his gear. “I thought you’d enjoy that.”
“I can’t believe I’ve gone my whole life without doing this.” She sat on a small bench, slid the flippers off her feet and reached for the towel in her bag. “I want to go again as soon as I can.”
Cade laughed, drying off with a towel the guide handed to him. Leave it to Cade to expect things like towels to be provided.
“Just say the word,” he told her, drying the droplets off his chest. “I have a yacht docked in the Keys. I can take you out anytime you want to go. The jet can be there in no time.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, his face turned grim and his smile faltered. Abby turned away as she squeezed the water from her hair.
They both knew he’d never be able to take her out on his yacht. Not once he was married to another woman.
The return trip to shore was quiet, as was the ride in the car back to the resort.
Cade thanked the driver and assisted Abby from the car. He shouldered her bag and Abby imagined when they walked through the open-air lobby that they looked like a traditional, honeymooning couple.
Man, could looks be deceiving.
Side by side they walked down the hall, stopping in front of his room. He lifted the bag from his shoulder, pulled out his keycard and handed the tote to her.
“I’m really glad you let me experience your first snorkel experience with you.”
Abby took her bag, and a sudden feeling of dizziness overcame her. “I’m glad, too.”
Had she eaten breakfast?
“You okay?” he asked. “You’re looking a little pale.”
She held out a hand and grabbed the edge of the door frame. “I’m okay. Just give me a—”
Everything went to black.
Panic flooded through Cade as Abby’s body went limp. Thankfully he had quick reflexes and caught her before she could hit her head or go down on the floor.
Keeping her tight against him, he swiped his card through the lock and opened the door.
He scooped Abby into his arms. Her tote slipped from her shoulder, landing just inside the door, as he carried her through the room and onto the bed. “Abby! Abby!”
He tapped the side of her face, smoothed her damp hair from her forehead and prayed she was okay.
Just as he grabbed the phone by the bed, she stirred, her lids fluttered and she let out a slight moan.
He sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in his. “Abby,” he said, still shaken by her lifeless form. “Can you hear me?”
After several rapid blinks, she turned her attention on him. “What happened?”
Relief like he’d never known seared through him. “You passed out.”
When she struggled to sit up, Cade took her shoulders and eased her back down.
“I’ve never passed out in my life,” she informed him. “I felt funny a minute ago, though.”
“Maybe it was all the sun,” he suggested, thankful to see color creeping back into her cheeks.
She eyed him with a tilt of one brow. “You had the same amount of sun.”
“True. Did you eat before we left?”
Abby thought back. “No, I was busy going over some plans for the wedding.”
Fury bubbled inside him, but now was not the time to unleash it. After all, who was he truly angry with, her for ignoring her body’s basic demands or himself for putting so much strain on her lately?
