Amanda’s birthday celebration was in full swing aboard her family’s gleaming new cruiser, which had departed from the marina packed with her laughing friends.
A group of guests who’d just returned on jet skis gathered on deck, their voices carrying over the water as they gossiped.
“That girl over there is incredible,” one of the men said admiringly. “She’s got a model’s figure—and her wakeboarding skills are flawless.”
“I heard she’ll be joining our team next term,” another added. “I’m actually looking forward to working with her.”
Leaning against the railing, Alex stiffened at the words, his boredom evaporating in an instant.
Wait—who’s joining the team?
His eyes followed their line of sight, and the moment he saw her—Naosa—he moved.
Without a word, he strode to the nearest jet ski, swung on, and tore off toward the neighboring beach.
Amanda shouted after him, but Alex didn’t stop.
The ocean wind whipped against his face as he crossed the water. Then he saw her—Naosa—gliding effortlessly over the waves on a wakeboard, her face lit with joy.
But another jet ski veered too close. The wake disrupted her balance, and she tumbled into the water with a splash.
The man on the ski circled back and offered a hand. Naosa ignored him, her expression tightening with quiet irritation as she swam toward Ashley’s cruiser.
But the man persisted, his smile too familiar.
Alex didn’t hesitate. He sped toward them, reached down as he passed, and pulled her up onto his ski—settling her in front of him.
“Don’t bother my girl,” he said flatly, pulling away without a backward glance.
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As they neared Ashley’s cruiser, Naosa shifted, ready to disembark—but Alex held her firmly in place and turned the ski back toward the open sea.
“Where are you taking me?” she called over her shoulder.
Then, a strange sensation washed over her.
The salt breeze in her hair, the steady warmth of Alex’s arms around her, the endless ocean ahead.
It felt… familiar—like a memory from another life.
Alex felt it too. The moment echoed his dreams—of galloping across sunlit fields with a girl in his arms.
Neither of them spoke for a long time.
Eventually, Alex eased off the throttle, and the ski drifted gently.
“I want to take you away—to a deserted island,” he murmured near her ear. “Just the two of us.”
Naosa turned to face him.
“How would we survive? I despise insects. I need a proper bed. Real food. A kitchen where I can bake bread. Can you provide all that?”
Alex burst out laughing.
“You’re surprisingly practical for someone being swept away.”
She smirked, amused.
“Clearly, you’re the romantic between us.”
“I’ll come up with a better plan next time,” he said with a grin. “Then I’ll whisk you away properly.”
They laughed together—until Amanda’s cruiser appeared in the distance.
“Your girlfriend is calling you,” Naosa said quietly. “I’ll swim back.”
Before he could react, she slipped from his grasp and dove into the water.
“Nao, wait!”
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The current was stronger out here. Before she could swim far, a scream tore from her throat—and she vanished.
Alex dove toward where she’d gone under and pulled her up, cradling her against him.
She sobbed, her left thigh red and already swelling.
A jellyfish floated nearby.
“That was incredibly reckless!” he snapped, fear edging his voice. “You got stung because you didn’t think!”
Naosa hit his chest weakly through her tears.
“It’s your fault! She humiliated me in front of everyone at work—and now this—it hurts so much!”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry,” he said quickly, holding her close. “Let’s get you treated.”
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They stopped briefly at Ashley’s cruiser.
The captain confirmed the sting was painful but not dangerous.
Still, Naosa cried the whole ride back.
On shore, Alex carried her across the sand, fetched ice and ointment from the lifeguards, and sat beside her on a blanket.
“Rest here a while. Don’t move yet.”
Naosa sniffled.
“Please… go back to the party. I’m fine.”
“I’m not leaving you.”
They sat in silence.
She drew her knees to her chest, resting her forehead on them.
Alex mirrored her posture—one hand on his knees, the other tracing idle lines in the sand.
Occasionally, their fingers brushed.
“…Is there someone you love?” he asked quietly. “Or someone you can’t forget?”
Naosa gazed out at the sea.
“…No. But I don’t want to think about things like that right now.”
Alex hesitated.
“Then… is there a chance for me?”
She was quiet for a long time.
“Why me?” she asked softly. “So many women admire you. You could be with anyone.”
Alex smiled gently.
“I don’t know. But it feels like… I’ve loved you for a very, very long time.”
He placed his hand lightly over hers.
“So… when you’re ready, consider me, okay?”
A breeze swept by.
Naosa didn’t answer—but she didn’t move her hand either.
“Put me first on your waiting list,” Alex said with a crooked smile.
Naosa laughed through her tears, wiping her eyes with her free hand—yet her fingers remained beneath his in the warm sand.
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