Harper looked at Mitch. “I guess we’re exploring first.”
“Works for me.” Then he raised his voice. “You should all probably put your water shoes on. Lots of rocks in the water here. They aren’t sharp, but they can be slippery.”
She had water shoes in her bag, but she hesitated before going to get them. “You’re a regular tour guide. Good to know you’ve got something to fall back on in case the whole writing thing doesn’t work out.”
He snorted. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Are you coming onto the island with us?”
He pulled the key from the ignition and pocketed it. “What kind of tour guide would I be otherwise?” He tipped his head toward the cabin door. “My water shoes are below. Be right back. Actually, just a second.” He raised his hand. “Willa? Lift that seat cushion and the compartment underneath has all the snorkeling gear.” He pointed to the cushion next to her. “Use whatever you want. It’s all been cleaned and sterilized.”
“Thanks!” Willa called back.
Harper went to sit and put her water shoes on along with Willa, Frankie, and Lucas.
Frankie was already done and getting sunscreen out of her bag. “Do you mind if I take Archie? He’ll want to be with Scout anyway, I’m sure.”
“He will. Thanks.” Harper got his leash out and handed it over. “Here you go.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Frankie said.
“So will I,” Lucas said. “He might even make a guest appearance on my live.”
Shoes on, Harper sat up. “I hope he brings you many new likes.”
“Dogs usually do. They’re great for social media.” He stood and got Scout’s leash on, then he and Frankie went off the swim platform and into the water. Frankie sank in to her waist.
She waved at Harper. “See you over there.”
Harper nodded.
Willa was trying on masks as Mitch emerged from the cabin. She had one that covered her whole face and had a snorkel built into the top of it. “Hey, this is cool. Can I use this one? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Go right ahead,” Mitch said.
Willa already in just her bikini, tugged the mask on and went off from the swim platform, too. She floated face down in the water and slowly worked her way to where the water was a little deeper.
The boat suddenly seemed bigger with just the two of them left behind.
“Ready to go exploring?” Mitch asked.
Harper nodded. “Are you taking anything?”
“Just my phone and the boat keys. But my phone’s in a waterproof case.”
“Hmm. Mine isn’t.”
He pulled his keys out and unlocked a small compartment next to the driver’s seat. “It’s not that big of a deal if you’re careful with it. Lucas and Frankie don’t have waterproof cases, either. You want to lock it up?”
There were no other boats around them but didn’t hurt to be safe. She took her phone from her pocket and tucked it into the compartment. “Thanks.”
“All right. Let’s do some exploring.” He went to the back of the boat and off the platform, then offered her a hand.
She took it and stepped into the water. It was cool but refreshing. She could feel the rocks under her feet and was glad for the protection of the water shoes.
He let go of her hand. “Once we get to that small beach, there’s a path that leads to the center of the island. That’s where the ruins are.”
“Lead on, o great and mighty tour guide.”
