Page 32 of Rescuing Mia
I just don’t know how yet.
Chapter Sixteen
RIGEL
The wind is a playful companion.It teases at our clothes and sends her hair into a captivating dance. As the wind plays its seductive symphony, I find myself increasingly captivated by this dark-haired enigma beside me, lost in the beauty and mystery of this woman whose presence commands the deck as much as the sea itself.
The atmosphere around us is alive with the muted sounds of other passengers. Laughter flutters from a group gathered by the bar, their cheer a soft undercurrent to the more dominant notes of the sea. The clinking of glasses and the murmur of stories being shared create a tapestry of human connection, all set against the vastness of the ocean around us.
She weighs her next words carefully, a sign I’ve captured her interest, even if just a little.
“So, Mr. Determined,” she finally says, her gaze meeting mine once more, “what happens if I prove too much for you?”
“Then I’ll prove that I’m up for it.” My voice is light and teasing, yet sincere in the undertone that suggests I relish the opportunity to rise to whatever occasion presents itself.
“Does this usually work for you? The whole smooth-talkingthing?” She shakes her head, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Her question hangs between us, a challenge of its own, and I respond with a confident yet easygoing grin.
“I find life tends to reward those who are bold enough to take risks. It’s not so much about ‘smooth talking’ as it is about being real, being honest, and seeing the possibilities in every interaction. I prefer that over cheesy pickup lines.”
“At least you’re honest about that.” Her freely given smile lights up her face, a signal that perhaps the ice is beginning to thaw. “Although, you are peppering me with ‘cheesy pickup lines.’ Really, you need to do better.” She uses air quotes for emphasis.
Now, this is a challenge I can’t resist.
By the end of the night, I hope to be sharing whispered secrets and the warmth of tangled sheets.
So, I dive right in with a singular goal in mind.
“Oh, I have plenty of those, but I was saving them for later.”
“Plenty of what?”
“Cheesy pickup lines.” I can’t help but bait her.
“Such as?” She’s genuinely intrigued, softening up to my advances.
“Well, since we’re on a boat, and I’m a diver, I think it’s only fair to warn you that I’m about to dive deep into your heart.”
“Oh my god, that was terrible.” She stares at me for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Do you actually use that line on women?”
“Ouch, you’re killing me here.” I clutch my chest in mock pain. “Okay, how about this one: If you were a fish, you’d be a ‘catch’.”
“Please stop.” She groans, shaking her head. “I don’t think I can handle any more.” Her laughter rings out, and I can’t help but press on, charmed by her reaction.
“Okay, but hear me out. If kisses were snowflakes, I’d be a blizzard, covering you in a flurry right here on this deck.”
“That’s it, I’m calling an end to the cheesy lines.” She groans playfully, even as a smile plays at the edge of her lips.
“Fair enough,” I concede with a laugh, “but just for the record:if we were stars, we’d definitely form our own constellation. It’s like a gravitational pull between us.”
“You’re impossible.” She rolls her eyes, yet the warmth in her voice tells me she’s enjoying the exchange as much as I am.
Her amusement fuels my daring, and I can’t resist adding, “If this ship were a treasure map, X would mark the spot right here because standing next to you feels like discovering gold.”
“You’re full of them, aren’t you?” She bites her lip to stifle a smile, clearly entertained despite herself. “Okay, hit me with one more.”
“Alright, last one for real this time,” I say, meeting her gaze with a twinkle in my eye. “Do you have a map? Because I just got lost in your eyes.”