Music drifted across the yacht, blending with the sound of waves as it cruised through the impossibly blue waters of Turks and Caicos.

What had started as a laid-back afternoon had somehow turned into a full-blown party. Someone had connected their playlist to the speakers, drinks were being passed around, and a handful of your friends had already claimed the upper deck as their dance floor.

Somewhere along the way…

You’d quietly slipped away.

Michael only noticed after someone asked if he’d seen you.

He glanced around the crowded deck, checked the lounge area, then the bow.

Nothing.

With a quiet shake of his head, he slipped away from the music and wandered toward the stern.

Sure enough.

There you were.

Leaning against the railing, watching the wake stretch endlessly behind the yacht.

He came to a stop beside you, resting his forearms against the rail as he looked out across the water.

“…Figured you’d end up somewhere quiet.”

You glanced at him, a knowing smile tugging at your lips.

“What?” you teased. “Aren’t you supposed to be busy with all those party girls?”

A quiet breath escaped him, somewhere between a sigh and a laugh. Then the corner of his mouth lifted just enough to betray the hint of a smile.

His gaze drifted briefly toward the music before settling back on the sea.

“…They’ll find someone else to talk to.”