Page 51 of Revv

He looks at my hand, then at me. “Thought you weren’t scared.”

“I’m not. I’m keeping you close in case a shark shows up.”

His brows lift. “So you can hide behind me?”

“So I can shove you at it and swim back.”

He laughs, one hand still gripping the side of the board to keep me steady. “Cold, Mama.”

“Survival. Plus, I am too cute to die.”

Another wave rolls under us. I wobble, and his free hand closes around my thigh before I can slide off.

The grin drops from his face.

“Easy,” he says, steadying the board. “I’ve got you.”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t have to pretend with me.” His thumb presses lightly into my skin, his eyes holding mine. “Being scared of the ocean is honestly pretty fucking valid. It deserves your respect. Shit can turn dangerous fast if you get careless.”

I glance toward shore. It looks farther away now, the crew smaller beneath the orange light.

“I don’t like not being able to touch the bottom.”

“Yeah, I get that.” His voice stays calm. “But I’m right here. You’re not going anywhere.”

A wave catches the side of the board before I can answer. I lose my balance and slide toward the edge.

Revel moves fast, catching me beneath the arms and lifting me before I hit the water. He sets me back in the middle of the board, hands firm at my waist until I’m steady.

“See?” he says quietly. “I’ve got you.”

The sun hangs low behind him, throwing gold across the water. He stays beside the board, chest against the edge, his arms draped over it while his hands settle near my thighs.

“You can let go now.”

“I could.”

His fingers brush the side of my leg.

“But then you might fall again.”

“That was one time.”

I narrow my eyes, but he only grins and drags his thumb slowly along my wet skin.

The touch is light.

Still, my breath catches.

His eyes drop to my thigh, then lift back to mine.

“That doesn’t look like fear.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I’m not.” He shifts closer, the water lifting him against the board. “Your body’s doing it for me.”