“Alright, goggles on.” Ivory secures them on her head, looking way hotter than anyone in goggles should. “You’re a pro already. Mouthpiece in.”
“Mouthpiece in,” she garbles while shoving it in her mouth.Stop looking at her mouth, moron. She already thinks you might unalive her in the middle of the ocean.
“Follow me, and just watch my movements. Easy flicks ofyour feet, not big pushing motions,” I say before putting my mouthpiece in. Ivory nods in acknowledgement and then we are off.
I slowly swim beside her so she can track the way my body moves in the water to copy the movement. It’s sloppy at first but Ivory is a fast learner and catches on as we swim away from our villas taking in the world underneath us. The ocean is a beautiful masterpiece. There is a kaleidoscope of colors waiting to be discovered on the ocean floor. We pass schools of fishes and tons of rocks and reefs. Seeing something in the distance, I reach for Ivory’s arm to get her attention.
She jolts out of whatever trance she was in. I give her a thumbs up and she nods. I nod back then point with my hand in the direction of a sea turtle. Ivory gasps and then chokes on water, so I pull her up above the water.
Coughing, Ivory removes her snorkel and lifts her goggles to her head. “Oh my god, that sucked. I got it in my nose and my throat.”
“Sorry about that. I saw the turtle and didn’t want you to miss it.”
“No, I’m glad. I just wasn’t prepared. This is so cool.”
“Should we keep going?”
“Definitely!”
I love adventure. These types of activities are my bread and butter. But seeing the adventure and curiosity spark in Ivory’s eyes could easily become my undoing.
“Here you go.” Turning, I take the beer bottle extended in my direction.
“Thanks.” I smile at her as she sits down beside me on the pool deck where we’re watching the sunset after snorkeling for a couple hours this afternoon. Ivory was a natural. We had a greattime exploring the reefs near our villas. I’m enjoying our laughter and banter. More than that, I’m enjoying her company, so I asked if she would grab dinner with me. Ivory surprised me when she smiled widely and agreed.
“Juan said we could go order food whenever.”
“What are you thinking for tonight?”
“Those conch fritters have been calling my name, but I feel like I should eat a salad or something healthier.”
“You could get both. Or I can split the fritters with you.”
I could probably use a salad myself. Typically, my nutrition is a lot better than it has been on vacation. Not being in training is messing up my routine and so is fending for myself. Once spring training hits, I have a private chef prepare my meals ahead of time. It saves me time in cooking and preparation, and doubles to keep me on track. My body is a well-oiled machine and it takes a lot to keep it running in top performance shape. Part of that is eating the right combination of nutrients and protein. The less I have to think about it the better.
“That works. What are you going to get?”
“Their empanadas are fire. I can’t get enough.” I push my stomach out and pat it for effect. Ivory laughs at my puffed-out stomach, reaching over to poke it before she can stop herself.
“Is that why I’ve seen you running on the beach in the mornings?” Color me shocked that she’s been paying attention to me. I like it. When she realizes what she said, she ducks her head and sips her drink.
“Keeping tabs on me?” I throw her a wink but let her off the hook. “Yeah, I haven’t been as diligent with my training program since we have been here. I need to keep in shape for my job.”
Ivory studies me. Her green eyes pierce deep and her eyebrows wrinkle with the question before she voices it.
“You said the other day a coach was the one that taught you the control trick.” So she did catch the brief mention of my coach when we were walking the other day. Both times we have seen each other, Ivory has been basking in her small slice ofpeace. I didn’t want to ruin that by acknowledging the truth about who we are.
“Yeah, I…uh, actually have a confession.” I haven’t purposely kept my connection to her father a secret. He was a damn good baseball player and he’s a hell of a coach. I respect Mike Crenshaw. So far, we’ve had no issues. My impromptu vacation may ruin the rapport we’ve built.
“You’re a serial killer?” Ivory deadpans.
“Shit, I guess my cover is blown.” I smirk and bump her shoulder. “No…I, uh, I know your father.”
Ivory whistles, shaking her head. A mask falls over her face. “I don’t know that I can overcome this horrendous secret.” I look at her for a minute, trying to make out if she is serious. Her eyes crinkle around the edge, and her lips twinge the tiniest fraction.
“You knew, didn’t you?”
Ivory doubles over and busts out laughing. Tears form in the corners of her eyes. “I put it together a few days ago when I talked to him.”
