I shrug and open my mouth for a snarky comeback, but there’s a sudden splash that doesn’t come from either of us.
The hair at the back of my neck rises.
My eyes widen in terror, and I feel the blood drain from my face as a shiver of fear travels down my spine.
Now this is what horror movies are made of.
Xander reaches for me right as another splash erupts from behind me, and a fin appears in my periphery. Shrieking, I propel myself the rest of the way into his arms and wrap my hands around his neck, clinging to him for dear life—literally.
“Oh my God, oh my God,” I repeat over and over again, too petrified to turn around and be faced with—gulp—a shark.
“Hey, hey. Relax,” Xander coos in my ear, his wet cheek pressed against mine. “Look. It’s just a dolphin.”
“What?” I blink, my heart thundering too loudly to comprehend his calm words.
“A dolphin,” he says over another splash, but it’s farther away this time.
I peek over my shoulder at the friendly mammal, who flips its tail above the water a couple times like it’s greeting us, then dips back in with a rainbow-like movement.
Graceful and magnificent.
“Oh.” I let out a breath, and my smile slowly spreads.
A dolphin.
Relief seeps into every crevice of my body, replacing the fear running through my veins like an antidote.
I sag against Xander as we admire the creature in awe, remaining silent like we’re too worried our voices will scare it.
Once it swims away and joins the other dolphins in the distance, who jump out of the water in sync, I exhale again, but this time it’s with fascination. The kind of amazement I feel when I’m in the presence of something inspirational and peaceful.
It’s too special for words.
“I’ve never been this close to a dolphin before. It was…” I stare out at where they continue swimming, popping out of the water for air and growing smaller with the distance.
“Beautiful,” Xander whispers, sharing this experience with me.
I turn to face him, and immediately, our gazes lock. All of a sudden, my breath hitches for a totally different reason as I realize I’m wrapped around his body like a koala bear, my legs hugging his trim waist as my arms cling to his neck.
My stomach against his hard abs.
His strong arms holding me in place.
And his hands… Oh God, his hands.
I’m instantly aware that he’s gripping both of my ass cheeks—my bare flesh.
My bottoms shifted when I jumped, acting more as a thong than a conservative swimsuit, and his hands are now spread across each cheek like they belong there.
But it’s new.
Exhilarating.
When his gaze drops to my lips, a wave of excitement dances down my spine, and my senses heighten. Rushing adrenaline from what I thought was a near-death experience courses through me.
Is he going to kiss me?
My lips part of their own accord, inviting him in.
And I don’t let go.