“There’s coffee and coffee cake in the cabin,” Andy offered.
“Thanks. I might get some coffee in a bit. Aunt Mary brought an entire picnic basket of baked goodies, if you’re interested,” Samira responded.
Andy was quiet for a moment as he watched Samira. “You ready to head out?”
“Whenever you are."
The boat’s engine roared to life, and Samira couldn’t conceal her grin. She didn’t have a single bad memory associated with being out on the water. Andy smiled back at her as he grabbed hold of the controls at the side of the boat.
“You wanna drive?” Andy asked over his shoulder.
“You’re crazy,” Samira answered with a snort.
“So? Come here,” he said, reaching his hand out.
She looked around nervously before accepting his hand. Aunt Mary was wrapped up in her conversation with Andy’s mom. Samira remembered his first mate was supposed to be there, too, but she hadn’t seen him.
“Where’s Eddy? Wasn’t he supposed to be here?” Samira asked, hoping to distract Andy.
“He’s in the cabin. I’m sure he’ll come out at some point. He’ll help me if we need to pull a skipjack out.”
He gently tugged at her hand and directed her to stand by the controls. Samira stood in front of him and tried not to be affected by his nearness. He was close enough behind her that she could smell his earthy scent. She stiffened when he placed his hands over hers and steered the boat out into the open water. His hands were a warm contrast above the cold metal of the controls.
Andy effortlessly directed the boat where he wanted to go. Samira couldn’t help the shiver that rippled through her from the cool breeze and mist of ocean spray as they picked up speed. He stepped in close enough that the heat from his body warmed her back. His arms pulled her closer to him as the boat continued its course, and she shivered once more.
Samira took another look at where her aunt was sitting and caught her smiling in their direction. The last thing she wanted to do was give her aunt the wrong impression. She was slightly surprised to see the happiness in her aunt’s expression. As far as Samira knew, the main reason for their breakup all those yearsago was that neither of their families had approved. Samira once again made the conscious effort to push thoughts of the past away while watching the sunlight tap dance across the water.
***
Andy knew he should have kept his distance, but, despite his efforts, he felt drawn to her. Letting her steer the boat was the perfect excuse for him to get his hands on her, and he enjoyed every moment that he was able to touch her smooth caramel skin and catch the floral scent of her shampoo when the wind hit just right. Once they got close to the harbor where the skipjacks would be sailing out, he slipped an arm around her waist to gently move her from the controls.
He could feel her watching as he took over and carefully maneuvered around the other boats that were slowly gathering. It was possible to enjoy the race from the shore, but most locals preferred to watch from the water. With commercial fishing being the main source of income in the area, most people either had a boat or had access to one.
He slowed near the starting point of the race and momentarily directed his attention back to Samira. She was standing off to the side, taking in her surroundings.
“You see that boat?” he asked, pointing at the small, white boat with the orange flag on top that sat anchored straight ahead.
“Yeah.”
“They’ll fire the cannon signaling the beginning of the race. They’ll also call the race as the winners come in. They’ll start there,” he said, pointing to his right. “Then they’ll make the first turn around that buoy. Finally, the race will finish at that buoy,” he explained as he finished up by pointing in the opposite direction.
“I never was very good at following the race,” Samira said with a laugh.
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you follow along.”
Several of the skipjacks were raising their sails. Crew members used their entire bodies to reach up and pull down on the ropes. With each tug, the sails rose higher and higher until they finally caught the wind and unfurled. Some sails were solid white, like freshly washed sheets. Some had visible patches where rips and holes had been repaired. Some sails had designs. The one off to the side of them had sails that looked like an old map.
Andy looked over at Samira who was also watching in excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and he couldn’t resist the urge to touch her. Before he could stop himself, he took her hand. Instead of protesting, she curved her full lips into a smile before redirecting her attention to the other boats.
A slight breeze eventually stirred, and with the sound of the cannon, the race began. Andy watched, but his focus was on maneuvering his boat in order to have the best vantage point throughout the race. Every now and then a boat would pull up close, so the crew could wave and shout their greetings.
“Are you friends with everyone on the island?” Samira asked.
She was sitting at the back of the boat, leaned back with her arms stretched out behind her, smiling up at Andy. A few curls had come loose from her bun and drifted carelessly in the wind. It was all he could do to ignore the urge to kiss her.
“Not everyone,” he answered with a smirk.
Samira held his gaze for a moment before turning her attention back to the race. He could tell she had something on her mind, but he would wait until she was ready to say whatever it was. Hopefully there would be plenty of time.
