From down the aisle, someone called out to Cam.They turned to see Gray approaching, looking far more relaxed in a polo shirt and shorts compared to the stiff suit he'd worn the day before.
Cam extended his hand in greeting."Great to see you again.You're heading out soon, right?"He clapped Gray on the shoulder with an amiable smile.
"Yeah, I only booked a travel day and the weekend for this, but it's been amazing.I'm taking all the ideas we talked about yesterday back to Dr.Terry.She's going to be over the moon.Riley, have you heard of Dr.Terry?"
"Heard of her?"Riley's eyes widened."I have all her books and papers and--" She stopped, realizing she sounded like a fangirl.
Gray laughed, amused."That's her!Rockstar researcher.She was my PhD advisor, and I started in her lab this year.It's been incredible, but the work I want to do needs the ocean."
"Well, we've got an ocean," Riley blurted out, her enthusiasm bubbling over.Her eyes went wide as she realized what she'd said, but she couldn't help herself.This was the research she wanted for their facility and team.
Cam nudged her."Riley's enthusiasm, though slightly awkward, isn't unfounded.We've got so many ideas for potential projects.The hard part is getting anyone to come to the island."
Gray raised an eyebrow."Right, because a tropical island is such a tough sell?"
Cam and Riley shared a look and laughed."You'd be surprised.People think it's all sandy beaches, Mai Tais, and bikini time--"
"I look terrible in a bikini," Gray cut in, grinning.
Cam burst out laughing."See?There's our problem; we've been marketing this all wrong.Gray in a bikini would seal the deal!"
Riley flushed, torn between laughing and wanting to redirect the conversation."What Cam means," she said, trying to reign things in, "is that people have a misconception about island living.It's not all lounging on the beach.But we have an incredible team, and our dolphins can do anything."Her voice brimmed with pride.
Gray nodded, his enthusiasm clear."I told Cam yesterday the funding deadline is coming up, and this opportunity is so unique no board would say no."
"We'll do you one better," Cam said, shaking Gray's hand."Riley and I can send over a list of ideas we've brainstormed.We've noticed some gaps in the research, and your expertise will help us fill them."
They said their goodbyes, and Riley waved as Gray walked off.
"What do you think?"she asked Cam as they headed down the long hallway to their next lecture.
"I don't know if pink's his colour," Cam teased, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as she smacked him.
"You're terrible!But seriously, do you think we can get a researcher to work with us?"
Cam's tone turned more serious."I think this Gray fella might be the real deal.Let's brainstorm some solid ideas on the flight home, and I'll start sending stuff to him right away."
Present day
As Riley maneuvered the boat back to the island, her thoughts kept wandering.She replayed their first meeting again, comparing it to the man she'd left at the dock that morning, and smacked herself in the forehead!At the conference, Gray had longer, curly hair with blond streaks and a full beard.Now, his hair was shorter, the blond was gone, and the beard had disappeared.He looked 10 years younger, and not recognizing faces had come back to haunt her.Now, those muscles—tank top, shorts, and a six-pack she hadn't expected but looked like was there—she would not forget them anytime soon.
She groaned, cutting the engine."What the hell is wrong with me?"She'd need to apologize for being so abrupt and make it up to him.Maybe a team welcome drink in the Square?A houseplant?What could she do to convey to him, Sorry, I'm an asshat?
As she restarted the boat, an idea sparked.Perfect.It would put a smile on his face, maybe even win him over after her abruptness at the dock.
Chapter 15
The Lagoon
ItwasasRileyhad predicted about an hour later, and as Gray stepped off the boat, he still couldn't quite believe it.He was finally here at the Lagoon, with his project not only completely funded but also granted a full month to work on it.Beaming, he took in his surroundings, already feeling the excitement build.
Suddenly, a massive grey shadow appeared in front of him, and—SPLASH!Cold water doused him from head to toe, leaving him sputtering as he wiped his face.What the hell happened?Looking down, he saw two grey shapes zipping back and forth in the water.Was that—
"Oh no, not the best first or second impression!"Cam's voice boomed as he strode down the dock, eyes twinkling with amusement.Gray blinked and saw them—two enormous dolphins, the culprits.
"So sorry, Gray!Meet Abaco and Anejo," Cam gestured toward the dolphins, who were now popping their heads up, staring at Gray with what seemed to be amusement."They like to be little shits sometimes and surprise guests by, well, doing exactly what they just did.But don't worry, you'll dry off fast.Come on, let's head to the lab and get you introduced to everyone."Cam gave him a friendly slap on the back as they walked up the ramp, Gray still marvelling at the Lagoon, an endless expanse of water off the man-made canal.It felt surreal.
Cam led him into the building."We were taking our morning coffee break."He pushed the door open.
