“Yep.” Nick and Nancy are chatting up a storm with Eva nearby. It makes me feel dumb and monosyllabic, and even more desperate to escape to the quiet.
“Is that why you’re such a curmudgeon?”
I snort, instantly losing the stiffness in my shoulders. “What? Who says curmudgeon?”
“If you’re being held hostage, blink twice.”
“It’s just coffee.” I roll my eyes and reach for the cup. Our fingers brush as I take it from her, a scowl pulling at my lips.
“You live on a tropical island bursting with flavor. You could be drinking pineapple juice every day. Mango. Dragonfruit. Coconut. And you’re choosing mugs of black despair? Isn’t there a locally famous coffee?”
“Kopi luwak? The coffee made from civet shit?” I ask, eyebrow raised.
“Okay, maybe not that one.” Her scrunched face of disgust is disturbingly cute. I have to say something to prove I’m not an uncultured caveman.
“I drink local beer.” I blurt, and her eyes flick down toward my abs like she finds that hard to believe. I swear she licks her lips.
“It’s none of my business.” She shrugs and steps away. “But I also won’t be asking you for a lunch recommendation, no offense.”
As she catches up with the group, Eva looks back at me with a knowing smirk that makes my face grow hot. There’s no way I’d want to be trapped at lunch with Nick and Nancy for an hour. I’m glad to see the back of them and enjoy this hour of peace and quiet alone.
I stomp off to the employee room, making such a racket that Victoria flies from the room like her arse is on fire. I take a sip of the coffee Junie made.
She’s right; it tastes like shit. But I drink every drop.
Chapter 6
Junie
I have no idea why, but Scuba Steve hates me.
Eva seems to disagree, but she kept her opinion strangely close to her chest today. She’s never been one to shy away from telling me exactly what she thinks, but she’s been acting suspicious ever since we left our first diving lesson.
We finally got to check on Jimmy after class. He’s been introduced to the other turtles in the rehabilitation tanks and he's already doing much better. He seemed faster, more lucid, and from what I could tell, happy. It warms my heart that I was able to help in some small way.
I’m becoming obsessed with the sanctuary. Despite Steven’s dour attitude, the work they do is so inspiring. And even though we only swam in circles around the pool today, scuba diving seems awesome too.
I was constantly flustered by Steven’s nearness. His hands, somehow warm after hours in the water, brushed against mine as he adjusted my dive vest, and my heart nearly beat out of my chest.
But breathing underwater is surreal. Floating weightless and watching my breath plop to the surface in tiny bubbles feels outof this world. I can’t wait to get into the ocean tomorrow—but I’m a little disappointed that he won’t be there to scowl and glare at me.
“Sorry we’re spending the last few days of our vacation studying.”
Eva and I are lying on our stomachs in bed, dive books spread open with highlighters purchased from the resort’s gift shop.
“Are you kidding? This is awesome. I can’t wait to try it in the ocean tomorrow. Steven’s a really great instructor.”
“Mm, do you think so?” I ask, pursing my lips and focusing on my book.
“He’s so patient and passionate about the ocean. And God, he can’t stop looking at you.”
My head whips toward her. “What are you talking about?”
“Junie, come on. It’s him, isn’t it? That’s who you want to have a one night stand with! I think he’s perfect for you.”
I let my head flop down into my training book and groan.
“Eva, he can’t stand me. He’s not interested.”
