Is she shocked that I know her name? Or has she forgotten her own name?
Sometimes, spirits get so lost they don’t remember anything from their lives, but she wouldn’t cling to Lio so much if that were the case. I glance at Nash again, but he and Lio are still occupied with preparing the boat, so I whisper once more, “I canhelp you, Jessica. Please, let me help you. You deserve to find the light. You don’t have to remain lost.”
In a blur, she’s standing before me, pointing at Lio, opening her mouth, but water spills out of it again. Her emotions are urgent, desperate.
“I can’t understand you, but Lio is in good hands. You know that. You see it every day,” I try to reassure her, but she scowls and shakes her head, pointing at him again. “I know you don’t want to leave him, but he will be fine,” I tell her again.
She opens her mouth and screams. It’s garbled, water sputtering from her mouth, making me involuntarily close my eyes as her frustration washes over me.
Fuck, that’s creepy.
I let myself breathe a few deep breaths before I open them again, but she’s gone, and Nash is standing before me, holding Lio’s hand.
Nash flashes me that heart-melting grin of his, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “Ready for an adventure, pretty girl?” he asks, his voice warm and inviting.
I nod, my heart pounding in my chest for so many reasons. “Absolutely.”
Lio tugs at Nash’s shirt, his eyes wide with anticipation. “Uncle Nash, are we gonna see the big whales today?”
Nash ruffles Lio’s hair affectionately. “That’s the plan, Li-Li. Sloan and I are counting on you to spot them for us.”
These two are freaking adorable.
The sun is a golden orb in the clear sky, casting a sparkling path on the water as we board the boat. Nash steps into the wheelhouse, taking charge of the controls, expertly navigating us away from the harbor and into the vast expanse of the ocean. The boat rocks gently with the waves, the engine vibrating beneath our feet, and I can’t help but be in awe of the endless blue horizon stretching before us.
I crouch behind Lio, holding him around his belly to ensure he doesn’t fall over the railing, even though it is too high and probably couldn’t happen. He clings wide-eyed to it with an infectious excitement that mirrors my own.
It’s the perfect day.
As we sail farther from the shore, the salty breeze tousles my hair and carries the faint scent of the sea. Nash glides the boat gracefully over the gentle waves, and I lean over the edge, searching the depths for any sign of life.
The sea stretches endlessly, and I wonder if we’ll be lucky enough to witness a whale today.
I want this so badly.
The call of seagulls overhead and the rhythmic sound of the waves against the boat’s hull create a soothing melody. I close my eyes for a moment, allowing the serenity of the ocean to wash over me.
It’s as if time has slowed.
No worries.
No problems.
Suddenly, Nash’s voice breaks through my reverie, making me open my eyes again, seeing him standing beside us. “Siren,” he beckons. “Come here.” His eyes are filled with warmth as he holds out a hand to me. I take it before I grab Lio’s hand, and we crowd into the wheelhouse.
Nash sits Lio on the chair next to the window. “Here,” he tells him, handing over binoculars. “My favorite nephew is now in charge of the search.”
“I’m your only nephew, Uncle Nash.” Lio giggles but puts the binoculars up to search the ocean through the window.
Nash steps closer and turns me with his hands on my upper arms so I stand in front of the wheel. His strong, calloused hands come down to mine and gently guide them to the wheel while he steps in behind me, causing my breath to hitch. His chest pressesagainst my back, and his body heat radiates through me as he wraps his arms around me, encircling me in an embrace while I’m in charge of the wheel.
His warmth and the smell of his sea-salted skin make my heart race even faster. It skips a beat as Nash’s lips brush against the nape of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. His breath is warm against my skin, and I grip the wheel, my fingers trembling slightly.
“Enjoying the view?” he whispers, his breath tickling my ear.
I turn my head to meet his eyes, my cheeks flushing. “You shouldn’t act like that around your superior.”
“What? You want me to treat you with respect because you’re older than me? How about I call you Madam Siren or honorable pretty girl?” he teases, squeezing me against him.
