She took a tentative step on the wood. After a few more steps, Xander could see the confidence growing in her eyes. She joined him near the end of the dock.
Xander smiled, pleased to regain possession of her hand.
Niyah looked around as if astonished. “You built this?” she asked.
“I did,” he confirmed, moving closer, shortening the distance between them. “I’m good with my hands,” he whispered near her ear.
“I can see that.” Niyah turned toward the speedboat. “So, how does carpentry correlate to Corporate America?”
“In no way, shape, or form,” Xander admitted with chuckled. “It’s just a hobby.”
Niyah turned to him with a smile that warned his heart. “I am impressed, Mr. Creed.”
Xander shrugged. “That’s what I’m trying to do, Dr. Reed.”
With a grin, she asked, “Did you build the boat too?”
“Nah. Not my wheelhouse. But do you wanna take a ride?”
“A ride?” Niyah repeated with a grimace. “No, I’m good.”
“Aww, come on. It’s a beautiful evening. We can watch the sunset from the lake.” Xander frowned at her hesitation. He didn’t like the scared look in her eyes. “Are you afraid?”
Niyah looked down. “I don’t like big bodies of water.”
Xander grinned. “It’s a lake, not the Pacific Ocean.”
“I’m aware,” she responded, rolling her eyes.
Xander rubbed her upper arm. “Can’t you swim?”
“Yes, I can swim, Xander,” she replied with a sigh. “I-I just don’t like the things that live under the water.”
Xander chuckled. “You mean like…fish?”
“Don’t laugh! Yes, I mean fish along with frogs, snakes, and salamanders.”
“Are you serious?” Xander blurted through laughter.
“Yes,” Niyah admitted with a giggle. “It’s all kinds of scary shit out there in the water!”
Xander walked over to the wall and pushed the button to open the automatic doors, unveiling a breathtaking view of the lake. “We’re not going swimming. If you're so afraid of the little mammals beneath the lake, I suggest you stay in the boat.”
After grabbing the keys from a hook, Xander got in the boat and held his hand out for Niyah. After a few seconds of contemplation, she relented and placed her hand in his. Xander helped her in the boat and led her to the bucket seat near the front of the boat. There she would have the best view of the sun setting below the horizon.
“Comfy?” he asked her.
“I’m fine.”
Xander stood at the helm, started the engine, and raised the anchor. After easing his way off the dock and out into the warmth of what was left of the sun, he headed to his favorite spot for alone time. Living in a house with his four brothers, their parents, and countless staff was great most of the time, but unbearable at others.
Xander glanced back at Niyah and laughed when he saw her holding on for dear life. It didn’t take long to cross the lake and enter a corner filled with pink and white waterlilies. He steered slowly through the water garden until he reached the perfect spot. To his surprise, Niyah left her seat and joined him at the helm.
“Beautiful,” she marveled through a soft breath.
Xander smiled. He couldn’t describe the feeling it gave him knowing that she appreciated the beauty and tranquility of his little hideaway. “It is,” he agreed. “I used to come her a lot when I was living with my folks.”
“Who could blame you?”
