Chapter Seven
ELIAS
Sadness wound around Lena’s words and emotions. The swimming and the dolphins had lifted her mood, and her genuine happiness had brightened an already luminous day. But that persistent sadness had returned, tunneling through her contentment to steal her joy. I needed to bring her back.
“I mean, you could look at it like that.”
“I’m not sure how else to look at it.”
“Really?” My head jerked back in surprise. “Lena, you’re the reason the studio exists. You created that community. You’re the reason the business runs so smoothly. You did that. No one else.” I shrugged; her success seemed so obvious to me. “I don’t know. Sounds to me like you’re needed.”
She swallowed, and her eyes became wide and glassy, appreciation and something bordering on affection replacing the breakthrough sadness I’d sensed moments ago. Good.
“I did do that, didn’t I?” She sounded mystified by the realization.
“You sure did. And if they don’t need you looking over their shoulder every minute of every day? That’s a testament to the foundation you built.”
“Yo! E!”
My head snapped up to the source of the deep voice that severed our moment like a guillotine. Niko jogged toward us in trunks and wet hair. He stopped in front of us, hands on hips. “Hey, man. What’s doin’?”
“Hey, Niko. You remember Lena?”
“A pleasure, Lena. I’m Elias’s better-looking cousin, Niko.”
What an ass. I scowled at him, and he winked.
Lena bit her lip, suppressing a laugh. “Hi, Niko. Nice to meet you.”
“We were just drying off from a swim,” I said. “What’s up?”
“It’s gettin’ late, and I figured you’d need a reminder—you’ve got a fishing charter this afternoon.”
“Ah, shit, that’s right.” I grimaced. “Sorry, Lena. Duty calls.”
I hopped to my feet and held out a hand. She took it, and I pulled her up, not wanting to let go of her hand or our time together.
“No problem. I need to get back anyway.” She brushed the sand from her legs. “Paperwork.”
I made a face, and she laughed.
I needed an excuse to make her laugh like that again. I licked my lips, my mind working through the possibilities. “Listen. You seemed uncomfortable in the water today.”
She snorted, and it was the most adorable sound I’d ever heard. “Understatement.”
“Why don’t you let me teach you how to swim? The basics. You’ll feel more comfortable in the water, and I’ll feel more comfortable knowing you’re not going to inhale half the ocean next time you get startled.”
She rolled her eyes, but then nodded, a shy turn of her mouth blessing her pouty lips. “I’d like that. Thank you.”
“Great. Call the Ocean Explorers Club and leave your number with the front desk. I’ll text you when I get to work.”
“Sounds good.” She picked up her towel, sweaty yoga clothes, and sandals. “Thanks for the swim. It was… memorable.” The corner of her mouth turned up as if we shared a secret. “See you soon, Elias. Nice meeting you, Niko.”
“Bye,” I said and watched her head for the dunes.
Niko clapped me on the shoulder, and I jumped. “Well, well, well.” I didn’t need to see his face to know he sported his smug grin. “How the mighty have fallen.”
“Shut it, Niko.”
He doubled over laughing—so dramatic. I spun away from him and marched toward the house.
He jogged up next to me, but before he could add any more annoying commentary, I tried to make sure he understood the score.
“I’m serious, man. She just needs help with swimming.
She nearly drowned today, and I can’t have that on my conscience. ”
“Uh-huh.” His raised eyebrows and drawn-out, sarcastic tone told me he wasn’t buying it.
I didn’t blame him; I wasn’t entirely convinced myself.
Truth was, after today, I wanted to get to know Lena.
She intrigued me. Passionate about health and fitness, an entrepreneur, easy to talk to and not at all clingy—thank the gods—we connected on so many levels. Not to mention she was sexy as hell.
I wanted to know everything about her. Where had she traveled?
How had she come to own a yoga studio? What did she do for fun?
I had an overwhelming urge to comfort her, soothe her loneliness, and provide her with the friendship and connection she so desperately missed from her life. Help her feel like she belonged.
Panic tightened around my neck like a noose.
That string of thoughts sounded like Niko, not me.
I didn’t want to tether myself to a single person.
She may not be clingy now, but I knew from experience how women could get in a relationship.
I refused to let anyone put a box around my life, limit my freedom, and bind me with expectation.
No way. I needed my independence. The ocean was my home, as vast and wide as life’s possibilities, and no relationship could ever replace its wonders.
But the beast caged in my chest stirred again and demanded attention. I glanced over my shoulder. In the distance, Lena descended from the top of the dune into the tree-cover, and all I could think about was when I’d get to see her again.