Page 69 of Knot Your Sunshine
"Always ready, good sir." My attempt at matching his accent is terrible, and we both burst out laughing.
The engine purrs to life and we glide away from the dock, the boat cutting through turquoise water. Small islands dot thehorizon, each one a mystery waiting ahead as Noa steers us steadily toward them.
"So," I settle into the seat beside him, tucking windblown hair behind my ear. "Where are we taking this beauty?"
"That would ruin the surprise." His eyes crinkle with mischief.
"Give me a hint?"
"Hmm." He taps the steering wheel, pretending to consider. "It involves getting wet... well, somewhat wet."
My hand drifts to the bag where I packed spare clothes on a whim. Thank God for overthinking. "The ocean? Swimming? A secret beach?"
"Getting warmer."
I spot the ukulele tucked beside his seat. "Are you planning to serenade me on some romantic beach?"
"The instrument might make an appearance," he grins. "But that's not the main event."
"Snorkeling?"
"Nope."
"Cliff jumping?"
"God no. I want you in one piece."
"A waterfall?"
His eyes flick to me, impressed. "Very warm."
"Swimming under a waterfall?"
"So close." He just smiles, attention returning to the water ahead.
"Noa! Tell me!"
"Where's the fun in that?" He reaches over, his fingers brushing mine on the console. "Trust me, you'll love it."
The casual touch sends warmth racing up my arm. I leave my hand there, our pinkies barely touching, the connection both innocent and charged.
The wind whips my hair into a frenzy as we round a rocky point. Suddenly we're approaching what looks like virgincoastline. A small crescent of beach appears, tucked between towering rock formations.
"Here we are." He cuts the engine and drops anchor in the shallows.
"But where's here?" I lean forward, squinting at the beach, trying to spot what makes it special. "Come on, one more hint?"
"Patience, Ms. Everly." His voice warms with barely contained amusement. "Adventure awaits."
He slips his ukulele into a backpack, and together we wade toward shore, the water deliciously warm around our ankles. The beach is maybe fifty feet of pristine white sand, completely hidden from any angle except the water.
Noa leads me along the sand, his hand finding mine again. At the tree line, he pauses, pushing aside a curtain of hanging vines.
"Ready?" His smile holds secrets.
I take his hand and he pulls me gently into the green shade. Our bodies brush for a moment, chest to chest, and I swear I can catch a hint of his scent despite the blockers. Something earthy and warm that makes my pulse skip.
A narrow trail winds through dense foliage, and soon, the trees part like theater curtains, revealing a waterfall that steals my breath. It must be thirty feet high, white water cascading over black volcanic rock into a deep, clear pool.
