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‘Not nearly enough. To be honest, Ican’tjustify her really. She deserves more than the few days every now and then I can give her.’
‘But you’re here today.’
‘We’re here today. So let’s make the most of it. Hop in.’
Clem stepped gracefully into the small inflatable tender and sat herself at the bow as Akil untied the rope and started the engine, steering the dinghy out towards where his boat was moored. She knew what she was doing, taking the rudder as he pulled alongside and secured the dinghy to the dock at the back and climbed aboard, extending a hand to help her up the ladder. She then helped him winch the dinghy up and secure it before turning around to survey his prized possession.
‘Nice,’ she said. ‘Very nice.’
Akil wasn’t being modest, the boat was compact with just one cabin although it had a comfortable double bed and plenty of storage. But the boat was perfect for him, combining swift, comfortable handling, with plenty of space on deck including seating, a built-in grill and bar and swimming platform while its size meant he could moor up in any port or cove he wished. With the sea literally within a second’s access he had no need for the hot tubs or fancy fittings many of his peers enjoyed on their larger, more ostentatious vessels.
It didn’t take long to give Clem the tour, and she was suitably appreciative, helping him stow away the provisions as she admired all the gadgets and clever use of space.
‘Some of my friends’ families have boats, small fishing boats or glorified dinghies, but nothing like this. She’s in a class of her own. But I do know my way around a rope so set me to work.’
‘In that case...’ Akil motioned her towards the tiller. ‘Do you want to take her out?’
‘Really?’ Her smile was all the reward he needed.
‘Absolutely. Here, you turn this to get her started and the gears are here. Let me know if you need any help. I’ll get the anchor.’
Akil’s faith in Clem was justified as she expertly steered them towards the open sea. He leaned against the side and watched her as she confidently found a path through the buoys marking the way out. Her hair blew in the slight breeze, her eyes crinkling as she concentrated on the horizon, her poise strong and true.
She looked utterly beautiful, a sea naiad in her natural world. Akil’s mouth dried. He’d never dared dream of being fully in sync with someone. Had never imagined it could be so easy spending time with another human, being himself. The irony of knowing it was temporary was not lost on him. But he pushed the thought aside. Akil knew how to make the best of things. How to snatch at moments of happiness while steadfastly doing his duty. This time wasn’t any different.
‘Which way shall I go?’ Clem roused him from his thoughts and he straightened, joining her at the tiller.
‘Up to you. Left will take us to the glitzy resorts just along the coast so head that way if you want cocktails and sophistication. It’s quite a sight.’
‘I’ll bet. And what happens if I turn right?’
‘Then you’ll see tiny coves that can only be accessed by boat, isolation, stunning views, some of the best swimming you’ll ever experience and an idyllic picnic spot.’
‘Hmm, difficult decision.’ She angled the boat towards the right. ‘How will I choose? The only thing...’
‘Is?’
‘I didn’t come dressed for sailing, as you can see.’ She flashed him a smile. ‘Silk and lace are not really picnic attire but I can manage. But more crucially, I should have realised earlier when we were shopping, I don’t have a bathing suit.’
Akil dropped a kiss onto her neck, his hand resting on the curve of her hip. ‘Who said anything about costumes?’
Clem stilled. He could see her chest rise and fall as her breathing quickened, her cheeks and neck turned pink, her pupils dilated. He was so attuned to her every response, his own breathing sped up along with hers, heat rising throughout his body. When she finally spoke her voice was husky.
‘I bet you say that to all the girls. Is this your routine? Invite a girl out for a sail and then suggest a dip but, oops, no costumes?’
‘Not so far.’ He paused, then said deliberately, ‘You’re the only woman I’ve ever invited abroad.’
She didn’t respond, not at first, but he could see her work through the implications of that statement, before she turned and twined her arms around his neck, reaching up to press her mouth against his.
‘What are we doing, Akil?’ she half whispered, and he smoothed her hair back from her face.
‘I don’t know,’ he said honestly. ‘But we don’t have to do anything, be anything. We can just sail or I can take us back. Just say the word.’
She shook her head emphatically. ‘I don’t want to go back,’ she said, and he knew instinctively that she was talking about more than this trip.
‘Then let’s see where the wind takes us.’
She stared up at him, her eyes solemn and almost fearful until she seemed to shake her thoughts away, managing a smile as she turned back to the tiller. Akil leaned against her as she steered, his arm around her waist, holding her steady, wishing that she were someone less complicated, that he were someone without a predetermined path, that this could be the start of a longer voyage, the start of something real.
