Page 73 of Visions of You

I’d been running over the symptoms of decompression sickness, so I was confident when I shook my head. “I’m fine. Ted’s computer cleared after the first decompression stop. The second one was for my benefit. We should both be safe.”

Behind the console, Gabe’s shoulders became rigid. They stayed like that the entire way back.

Is he mad at me?

I spent most of the trip next to Ted, pleased his blue eyes were sharp and focused. I smiled at him. “Still feeling okay? No tingling or pain in your joints?”

He shook his head and smiled sheepishly. “My ego is the only thing bothering me. What I did was really stupid. I’m sorry.”

And I’ll bet you never do it again.

“Everything turned out all right, and that’s what matters.”

Gabe throttled down and idled into the canal. Several peoplestood on the brick path by the dive shop, including Warren and Evan. I was pleased to see such a serious response, though I thought it was a bit over the top. Ted and I needed to stay out of the water for the rest of the day to ensure the nitrogen was cleared from our bodies, but neither of us needed medical attention.

Guess it never hurts to be too careful.

I stood as Gabe slid the boat sideways toward the edge of the canal, his face tight and drawn. I nodded to Ted. “You should be fine, but if you feel anything unusual today or tonight—numbness, pain, difficulty breathing—contact the front desk immediately. DCS symptoms can be delayed sometimes.”

“I will. That was my first decompression dive. Can’t say I’m eager to do another.”

I laughed, trying to put him at ease. “It’s better all-around when they’re planned in advance.”

Warren and Evan came aboard as the other divers filed off, and we explained everything again to them, reassuring them we were both fine. Gabe moved stiffly and quietly around the boat, cleaning up but not meeting my gaze.

Ted clapped me on the shoulder as he faced Warren and Evan. “You have a real top-notch divemaster in April. I’m pretty sure she just saved my life.” Then he turned to me. “Thanks again, and I’m sorry I screwed up.”

“Stop apologizing! You’re welcome. Enjoy a nice, lazy afternoon. And no booze!” I added with a smile. With an answering wave, Ted joined Rick and the rest of his group as they headed back to their cottages.

“Good work, April,” Warren said. “That could have been a disaster.”

“Once I found him, everything was fine.”

“You need a lazy, relaxing afternoon too, okay?” Evan asked, tapping the fingers of his right hand against his hip rhythmically.

“No problem there. I just got the new book for my book club. I’ll sit on my patio and read this afternoon.”

After the two men stepped off the boat and headed back toward the resort, Wyatt approached me. “Go ahead and take off. I’ll take care of the gear. You were great out there, April.”

“Thanks.” I peered behind him. Gabe stood coiling a regulator, his shoulders still rigid. “Gabe, I’m heading into the dive shop.”

He nodded, pressing his lips tightly together, but didn’t turn around. He hadn’t said much since I came on board after the dive. Then again, he wasn’t exactly Mr. Happy Go Lucky on the best of days.

Stepping off the boat, I ambled down the brick path. I was proud of myself. Certainly not a novice to emergencies or rescues, I was very pleased with the boat’s and my response. And the outcome. I entered the dive shop and stopped, taking a deep breath of cold air.

I heard the door open behind me and Gabe marched right by.

He called out over his shoulder. “April, I need to see you in my office.”

Carissa stared at me blankly as I passed by the check-in counter. Gabe was already entering his office as I walked down the hall. I had just cleared the doorway when he whirled around in front of me. Reaching behind me, he slammed the door shut. Then he marched me backward until my back bumped into the door.

Hard.

An involuntary squeak issued from my lungs. Gabe grabbed my face with both hands. He kissed me savagely, raking his mouth over mine.

I could hardly breathe as he pushed me against the door. He pressed his entire body against me, deepening the kiss as he plunged his tongue into my mouth. I was so shocked by his ferocity I hardly knew how to react. I ran my hands over his tight shoulders before sliding them down to grip his biceps.

Finally, he broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine. His entire torso, from his stomach, to his shoulders, to the arms I gripped, heaved with the force of his breathing. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

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