+ Excerpt +

He pulled a map out of his back pocket and handed it to me. “The brochure says there are trails all over the island. Did you want to pick a particular path or did you want to explore?” His light blue eyes held a challenge—to take a risk not only with this hike but with him.

I tucked the map into my pocket as my heart rate picked up in anticipation. “Let’s explore.” For the first time in forever, I’d enjoy whatever this was without a plan of action. I’d go wherever the path took us.

There was no better feeling than the breeze in my hair, the sun on my face, and the sight of palm trees and tropical flowers. It was beautiful. “I’m so glad my friends insisted I come.”
He squeezed my hand. “Me too.”

The path was a combination of dirt, sand, and the occasional seashell. It was unlike any hiking I’d done before. It wasn’t challenging physically, but everything I’d done on the island was pushing my limits emotionally. We walked in silence for a half-hour or so, enjoying the sights and quiet.

“You hear that?”

I tilted my head, stilling my breath, to hear a trickling creek. “There’s water?”

“Yeah, there’s a tidal creek that flows through the island.”

We walked a little farther before the path opened up to the narrow creek. Soft light filtered through the trees overhead and mangroves bordered the water. The air was cooler here.

“So beautiful,” I said softly, afraid to speak too loudly and ruin the beauty of the moment. Ryker guided me over to a rock and pulled me to sit next to him.

 I grabbed the water bottle from my bag, twisted off the cap, the water glided down my parched throat.

“Thank you for a perfect day.” I tilted my head back slightly to enjoy the feel of the warm sun on my face.

“It’s not over yet.” His eyes held a promise.

A promise of what, I didn’t know, but I sure as hell wanted to find out.