Page 71 of Daddy Down Under

I could see why. The waves crashed against the rocks below in a rhythmic pattern, creating a haunting melody that seemed to echo off the cliffs. The fading sunlight caught the spray, turning it into diamonds that danced in the air. I was mesmerized by the display. “It’s like the ocean’s putting on a show for us.”

Ocean stepped behind me again, his arms wrapping around my waist, and I melted back against him. “You know what’s funny? I’ve seen this sunset probably a hundred times, but watching you experience it for the first time makes it feel brand new.”

Something in his tone made my heart skip a beat. I turned in his arms, finding his eyes already on mine. The intensity in them stole my breath more effectively than any view could.

“Ocean…” I started, but he pressed a finger to my lips.

“Just let me look at you for a minute,” he whispered. “The way the light’s hitting your face right now… you’re glowing, baby boy. You look happy.”

I swallowed hard, caught between the raw beauty of nature around us and the equally raw emotion in Ocean’s eyes. “I am happy,” I admitted, the words feeling like a confession and a revelation. “Happier than I’ve been in… I can’t even remember how long.”

Ocean’s hand came up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing across my skin with a tenderness that made my chest ache. The wind ruffled his hair, turning the blond strands into a halo in the golden light. “You deserve to be happy,” he said, his voice carrying that quiet certainty that seemed to cut straight through my defenses. “To experience life beyond board rooms and balance sheets. To feel alive.”

As if to punctuate his words, a particularly large wave crashed against the rocks below, sending spray high into the air. The mist caught the sunlight, creating a momentary rainbow that seemed to arch between us and the horizon.

“I think…” I hesitated, struggling to put into words the realization that had been building all day. “I think I forgot what that felt like. Being alive, I mean. Really alive, not just existing.”

Ocean’s smile was soft, understanding. “The ocean has a way of reminding us. So does love.”

The casual way he dropped that word made my heart stutter. Before I could respond, he leaned in and kissed me, soft and sweet, tasting of salt air and promises. When he pulled back, his eyes held mine, serious despite his gentle smile.

“I know you’re scared. I can feel it in the way you hold back like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. But, Cash? I’m not going anywhere. Whatever happens tomorrow with the final results of the audit, whatever storms come our way, I’m right here.”

The intensity of his words hit me like a wave, threatening to pull me under. My chest felt tight, emotions I couldn’t name churning inside me like a riptide. Part of me wanted to run, to retreat to the safety of my carefully constructed walls. But a larger part wanted to dive in headfirst, let Ocean pull me into his depths.

“How do you do that? How do you just…say what you feel, without hesitation?”

He brushed his thumb across my bottom lip, sending sparks through my entire body. “Because life’s too short for hesitation, baby boy. The ocean taught me that. You never know when the perfect wave is coming, but when it does, you either catch it or watch it pass you by.”

The metaphor wasn’t lost on me. I closed my eyes, letting the sound of the ocean below ground me. “And this is our perfect wave?”

“Look at me.” When I opened my eyes, the intensity in his gaze nearly knocked me backward. “This isn’t a wave, Cash. This is a tsunami, and it’s already swept us both off our feet. The question is, will you fight against the current or let it carry you?”

I took a shaky breath, overwhelmed by the truth in his words. The setting sun painted his face in shades of gold and amber, making him look almost otherworldly. My hands trembled as I reached up to cup his face.

“I’m not a strong swimmer.”

Ocean’s laugh was soft, tender. “Good thing you’ve got yourself a lifeguard then.”

“Is that what you are? My lifeguard?”

His eyes darkened, and he pressed closer until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “I’m whatever you need me to be, baby boy. Your lifeguard, your anchor, your safe harbor in the storm.”

The possessive edge in his voice made my knees weak. I couldn’t look away from Ocean’s face, couldn’t break the spell of this moment.

“I think…” My voice cracked, and I had to swallow hard before continuing. “I think I’m already drowning in you.”

“Then stop fighting it,” he murmured, his lips brushing against mine. “Let me show you how beautiful it can be when you surrender to the tide.”

A gust of wind whipped around us, carrying the scent of salt and possibilities, and I made my choice. Instead of answering with words, I kissed him, pouring everything I couldn’t say into the press of my lips against his. His arms tightened around me, and I stopped trying to stay afloat and let myself sink.

Darkness fell as we started our drive back, and soon, it was pitch black around us. We ate more snacks from the hamper—Ocean insisted on feeding me—and drank the wine he’d brought, and I felt like I was floating.

I was in love. This was the real thing, and while Ocean hadn’t said the actual words, I knew he felt the same way.

I leaned back in my seat, watching the shadows dance across Ocean’s face as we drove through the darkness. The wine had left me pleasantly buzzed, but it wasn’t the alcohol making me feel lightheaded. Every time he glanced my way, my heart did a little flip in my chest.

“You’re staring,” he said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

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