Chapter 7
Mia
We climb into the tender boat, and soon we’re gliding over the waves toward a coral reef. The water is so clear it looks like glass, sunlight rippling through it in soft gold streaks. I can’t wait to dive in and explore the ocean up close.
The crew hands us fins and face masks, providing a quick rundown on snorkeling safety and reef etiquette.
My heart melts a little when Diego double-checks that my mask is securely in place. He gives me a thumbs-up, and I nod, returning the gesture.
He’s the first in the water, his dive sending up a big splash.
“Come on, Mia. The water’s perfect,” he shouts, bobbing in the turquoise waves.
I grin and close my eyes as I jump off the boat.
The instant the water hits my skin, goosebumps race across every inch of me.
For a split second, my mind flashes back to the river that runs by my family’s place—to the day I thought I was going to drown.
A shiver runs through me as I kick toward the surface.
“You liar!” I shout when I spot him floating nearby, that trademark mischievous grin firmly in place. Even though I’m panicking and the water’s cold as a witch’s tit, the way he looks at me—molten and dark—does something I can’t explain. The panic starts to melt away.
“I don’t lie, bonita,” he calls back. “I said the water was perfect—and it is.”
Before I can fire off a comeback, he swims closer, sliding a strong arm around my back and pulling me flush against him. “Besides,” he murmurs, “I’m here to protect you.”
He says it with such certainty that my pulse stumbles. How can he be so sure of everything? I wish I had even an ounce of his confidence.
“What are you most excited to see?" he asks, squinting against the sun, those blue eyes bright as the water around us.
It’s hard to focus when he’s this close—his breath warm, his lips right there. I can almost taste them. “I’m not sure there’s anything in particular,” I manage. “I’m just excited for the experience.”
As if reading my mind, he kisses me.
“Are you ready?” he murmurs. “I can’t wait to explore the ocean with you.”
Why does he always say the swooniest things—and right before we have to dive? I’m about to faint here.
He raises his hand, counting down from three with his fingers. We take a deep breath and dive together.
The water still feels cool against my skin, and once I adjust, it feels nice. Diego points toward a section of the reef, and I follow, the world transforming into a living kaleidoscope.
Schools of colorful fish dart around us, and a yellow and deep blue one catches my eye. I point it out, and Diego waves to it underwater, making me laugh behind my snorkel.
When we surface again, the rush of air fills my lungs, and I feel… renewed, recharged. It’s a strange sensation, but I like it.
“That was amazing, babe,” I blurt without thinking.
The word hangs between us, floating like one of the bubbles rising from the reef. My stomach flips—did I really just say that? But then Diego grins, and it’s not teasing or smug. Just soft. Warm.
“And there’s more—come on, let’s go,” he says, grinning wide enough to rival the sun.
We continue to explore the reef, swimming over vibrant coral gardens and schools of fish that shimmer like confetti.
After a while, my legs start to ache. I don’t think I’ve swam—or exercised, let’s be honest—this much in my life. But I don’t want to go; I feel like we’ve only just arrived.
“Babe, look,” I call out as a sea turtle drifts past us.
I want to reach out and touch it, but I know better. Wild animals deserve respect.
“That’s a leatherback turtle,” Diego says.
It moves slowly, gliding through the water like it’s known peace all its life. I envy that—moving through the world without fear. Diego’s fingers brush mine as we both watch it disappear into the blue, and something in my chest unclenches. Maybe this is what peace feels like.
“How do you know that? That’s so cool.” My voice comes out softer than I expect, still caught in the spell of the moment.
“I know things—and seal deals,” he deadpans.
I burst out laughing, water splashing between us. “Oh my God, you’re so cheesy,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.
His hands slide around my waist, and he kisses my neck. I can feel his smile against my skin.
“I also know turtles are a symbol of good fortune,” he murmurs, tone turning serious.
“Really?” I ask, mesmerized.
He nods, eyes locked on mine. “And to me good fortune means being here with you.”
He kisses me softly.
My mind reels at his words. Didn’t we agree to no falling? You don’t say things like that to someone who’s just a vacation fling.
“Are you ready for lunch?” he asks after a few more kisses, pulling me gently to him.
“I thought you’d never ask," I say, grinning as I swim toward the tender boat. I can hear his laugh behind me before he quickly catches up.
The ride back feels quieter, more calm. The waves slap against the hull, the sun drying the salt on my skin. Diego sits close, our knees touching, his thumb tracing lazy circles on my hand. It’s not loud or showy, but it feels like the kind of silence that says everything.
Once back on the catamaran, we’re handed towels and robes. Lunch waits for us on deck, a spread of sliders, sandwiches, and crisp salads.
“Everything looks so good,” I say, eyeing the table like I haven’t eaten in weeks.
As we pile food onto our plates, Diego leans close, his breath like a feather caressing my ear.
“What are your thoughts about being my plus-one for the rehearsal dinner tonight?”
My fork freezes mid-air. Plus-one for a rehearsal dinner. That’s… a couple’s thing, right?
I want to say yes immediately—but I can already hear Carly’s voice in my head, telling me to be careful. Then I glance at Diego—the wind tugging at his hair, sunlight catching on his smile—and yeah.
I know I’m already in trouble.