“Okay. Is everyone ready to board the boat?” our guide asked.
Bryn took a step back, and we followed the others on board. The water was so clear; I couldn’t wait to see what it looked likebeneath the surface. But for now, I was content to enjoy the ride with Bryn nestled in my side.
It wasn’t long before we pulled up to a cove that felt more like a private beach. A few people stood along the top of the cliff, but otherwise, it was all ours.
“Wow.” Bryn scanned the scenery, from the rocky cliff walls to the brilliant turquoise water.
After we’d anchored, our guide pulled out a bin of snorkel gear as well as some paddleboards. The boat rocked gently on the waves, but the water was pretty calm overall. I grabbed a mask and snorkel for Bryn and myself, and by the time I’d returned to our seats, she’d removed her cover-up. I was grateful for my sunglasses because my eyes felt as if they were going to pop out of my damn head.
Her swimsuit wrapped around her breasts, the fuchsia and hot pink popping against her tanned skin. But it was the way she was standing—the confidence and poise—that made her seem even hotter.
The boat rocked on the waves, and someone bumped into me. It was enough to shake me out of my thoughts.
“Ready?” I asked, holding up a mask and snorkel.
Bryn grinned, pushing up on her toes to kiss me on the cheek. “Thanks, babe.”
I tried not to let my surprise show. Either the term of endearment was part of the façade, or it had slipped out. I could only hope it was the latter.
She removed my hat, tucking it safely in her bag along with her sunglasses. She’d braided her hair, letting it flow over one shoulder. For a minute, she looked the same as she had nearly ten years ago. And I felt as if we were back in college again.
I jumped into the water, grabbing on to one of the nearby paddleboards. Bryn approached the stern of the boat and then turned so her back was to me. She slowly descended the ladderthere, and I tried not to groan aloud at the sight. I was grateful my lower body was concealed beneath the water because her ass was fucking phenomenal.
She swam over to me, latching on to the opposite side of the paddleboard. “Seen anything yet?” she asked, eyes blinking at me from behind the face mask.
“Been waiting for you,” I said.
She grinned as I placed my snorkel in my mouth. And then we both held on to the edge of the board as we peered beneath the water.
Bryn pointed to something, and as it approached, I realized it was a turtle. It was so graceful as it swam through the water. We stayed that way for a while, pointing things out to each other and just taking it all in. Every so often, we’d resurface and talk about what we’d seen. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
After a while, Bryn climbed on top of the board. She lay on her back, eyes closed.
“You okay?” I asked.
She smiled. “I’m great. This was just what I needed.”
I placed my hand over hers. “Good.”
“All right,” our guide called out. “If anyone wants to jump from the cliff, now’s a good time to go for it before it gets crowded.”
“I think I’m going to do it,” Bryn said, shocking me.
I hadn’t expected her towantto do it. And I knew Ishouldn’tdo it. Coach would kill me. And yet, I found myself saying, “Me too.”
“Frasier, no.” She turned on her stomach, water droplets clinging to her skin. She shook her head. “You can’t. You could get in trouble with the team.”
According to my contract—and that of pretty much every player in the league—we were prohibited from engaging in other sports that might impair our ability to play hockey withoutwritten consent from the club. It was a little late to ask for permission. And it was the off-season. If I couldn’t do it now, when could I?
“It’ll be fine. Besides, it’s not technically a sport.”
“Even so?—”
“If you’re going,” I said, cutting off her argument, “I’m going.”
She hesitated a moment then nodded. “Hop on so we can paddle over to the rope we need to climb up.”
I was grateful Bryn and I had worn shoes in the water because the rock looked rough, and I didn’t want it to tear up our feet. I climbed on the paddleboard behind her, leaving about a foot of space between us. She scooched back so her ass was cradled between my legs, and I just sat there for a moment in shock.
