Tides of Trouble

The ocean was restless that evening, waves crashing against the jagged rocks as the sun dipped below the horizon. Isla Carter sat on a flat boulder near the tide pool, her bare toes skimming the cool water. Since tearing her ACL last summer during a beach volleyball tournament, she had avoided the ocean—an injury that left her sidelined in more ways than one.

It was supposed to be a peaceful moment, just her and the salt air, but of course, he had to show up.

“Didn’t take you for the type to sit on the sidelines,” Kai Lawson said, wading toward her. His sun-kissed skin glistened, droplets of seawater clinging to his chest.

Isla tucked her knees to her chest, refusing to let him get under her skin.

Kai sighed, leaning on the rock beside her. “Come on, Minnow, don’t tell me you’re still mad at the ocean.”

Her jaw tightened. “I’m not mad at the ocean. I just don’t trust it anymore.”

It had been a year since the injury, but the fear still lingered—the helplessness, the betrayal of her body. She wasn’t ready to go back in, especially not with him watching.

Kai’s smirk faded, something unreadable flashing in his dark eyes. “You used to love the water.”

“Yeah, well, people change,” she replied, sharper than she meant. She was tired of pretending.

Kai was quiet for a moment, then spoke softer. “You’re not scared of the water, Isla. You’re scared of not being able to control it.”

A sudden wave crashed against the rocks, sending water into the tide pool. The force knocked Isla off balance.

Her body tipped forward.

Before she could react, she was slipping—falling—straight into the water.

Panic surged as she kicked instinctively, but her knee buckled, pain flaring. Water filled her mouth, heart pounding.

Then strong arms wrapped around her.

Kai.

He pulled her up in one swift motion, steadying her against his chest. “I got you,” he murmured, his grip firm.