and I’d never forgive myself for that. I’d never let you give up everything, either.”
“We won’t have to. The future is in our hands. It’ll be up to us to make time to be together. We’ll just have to plan a little.”
In the past, their plans were whims and ideas of things they wanted to do. Even the trip they’d so-called planned to Silver Island in college hadn’t included anything more specific than renting a cottage and a boat and searching for the Pride. And yet meticulously planning her life had been a critical part of what had pulled her through her heartache. Could she live without solid plans? She wasn’t foolish enough to ask for more, when he was already giving all he had and respecting her need to remain in Colorado.
“By plan I assume you mean make a call a few days before and say, Hey, I’m coming into town?” she teased, loving that he was really trying and thinking things through as best he could, given their situation.
His face went serious, and he said, “Shit. Yes, probably.” He sighed and pushed a hand through his hair, turning away. “That’s not enough for you, is it?” He looked at her and said, “You’re a planner now. I’ll plan. Dates, times, everything.”
She loved him even more for offering to do the impossible.
When he opened his mouth to speak, she silenced him with a press of her lips.
“It’s enough for now, Zev. I want us, so I’ll learn to color outside the lines again. You don’t have to do all the work in this relationship. We’re a team, remember? Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?” She walked backward toward the door, crooking her finger.
He followed her out of the control room, past the equipment room, which was filled with tanks, wet suits, and other supplies, to the dive deck.
“That I’ll end up naked on a boat with the man of my dreams?” She walked to the edge of the deck and said, “Or that I’ll forget my careful ways and dare you to join me in something ridiculously irresponsible, like this—” She whipped off her shirt and jumped in the water.
When she broke the surface, Zev was flying through the air naked as a jaybird. He plunged into the water a few feet away. He popped up beside her and pulled her into his arms, kissing her hard.
“God, I love you,” he said, their legs bumping as they kicked to keep afloat. Their laughter filled the air between steamy kisses.
“It’s freezing!” she said through chattering teeth.
“I’ll keep you warm.” He grabbed her butt.
“You bring out the naughty girl in me, Mr. Braden.”
“If you’re looking for an apology, you’re not going to get one.”
“I was going to say thank you. I’ve missed her.” She wrapped her legs around his waist, making him do all the kicking, which he did without hesitation.
“Oh, babe. I’ve missed all of you, but you need to know that I love you when you’re careful.” Kiss, kiss. “I love you when you’re wild.” Kiss, kiss. “Most of all, I love you when you’re naked in my arms.”
“Braden! That you?” a raspy voice called out.
Carly scrambled around Zev, hiding behind his back and peering over his shoulder at the man standing on the dock. He looked like a younger, sun-kissed Jeff Bridges with gray-brown hair that brushed the collar of his Hawaiian-print shirt, which was opened three buttons deep.
“Who is that?” Carly asked urgently. “You said no one would see me!”
“Roddy Remington—Randi’s father. He owns the marina.” Zev waved and said, “How’s it going, Roddy?”
“Fair to middling, you know,” Roddy said, casually slipping a hand into the pocket of his worn jeans, like he had all day to stand there.
Carly clung to Zev’s shoulders, shivering.
“Randi said you were coming in for the day,” Roddy shouted. “But I didn’t expect you quite so early. Who’s your friend?”
“This is Carly,” Zev hollered. “My girlfriend.”
Small talk? Really? Although she loved hearing Zev call her his girlfriend.
“Well, now, I guess there’s a first for everything.” Roddy laughed heartily and waved, calling out, “Hello there, darlin’. I’m Roddy, master of this marina and friend to all.”
I’d like you to be a little less of a friend right now. Carly lifted one hand, wiggling her fingers in a tentative wave. “Hi.”
“Bring that pretty little lady in here so I can meet her.” Roddy motioned with his hand for them to come in.
“Nononono,” Carly whispered. “I’m naked over here…”