The water was cool and refreshing as you floated, the yacht a distant blur behind you. The ocean stretched out in every direction, endless and vast, and you couldn’t help but feel a sense of freedom. You loved the deep water—the way it felt like you were weightless, free of any constraints.

James’ voice broke through the calm, reluctant as always. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

You grinned, your gaze flicking back to him. “You should join me. It’s amazing out here.”

He stood at the edge of the yacht, staring down at the water, his expression skeptical. You could see the hesitation in his eyes, the way he didn’t like the idea of being this far from solid ground. But then, with a long exhale, he started to strip off his shirt and shoes.

“You’re lucky I love you,” he muttered as he climbed down the ladder and dipped his toes in.

You floated a little closer, keeping your eyes on him. Slowly, he slipped into the water, wincing as the coolness surrounded him. He didn’t go in with the same ease you did, clearly still a little uneasy about the depth, but he was trying.

As you swam around him, the excitement in your eyes visible, he started to relax, his tense shoulders softening. You could see the moment he gave in to the ocean, letting himself be held by the water.

“You look happy,” James observed, watching you with a small smile tugging at his lips.

You nodded, your face lighting up. “I am. This is perfect. I love it out here.”

For a moment, he just stared at you, and then, with a quiet chuckle, he shook his head. “I guess I’m happy, too.”

You floated closer, grinning. “You’re lucky you love me, huh?”

His smile deepened, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yeah, I guess I am.”