“It took some time, but yeah. I figured it out. I realized I didn’t have to be a rescue swimmer to be a part of the Coast Guard. That’s when I applied to the academy. There really wasn’t another option for me.”

She dared a glance up. “But why?”

He didn’t look at her. He seemed to be deciding whether or not to answer her question. “Because I was tired of the ocean winning.”

Louisa didn’t have to look at him to know his jaw was locked in a tense square. As she suspected, he saved lives to prove a point. He saved lives because he was trying to make up for the one who’d died to save his.

“How many people have you saved?” she asked.

He didn’t answer—not right away.

“Cody?”

“I don’t know.” He rolled up his sleeve and revealed six hash marks and a set of initials—his father’s—tattooed on the inside of his bicep. “But I know how many I’ve lost.”

She started to say something, but no words seemed appropriate.

“We’re back.”

She glanced up and saw they were at the marina, and something inside her shifted. She could swim from here to the dock if their boat capsized and went under. She’d be fine. She was safe. Because of him.

“You can probably petition for another partner,” she said as they reached the slip and he began to tie up the boat.

“Rules are rules, Chambers.” He half smiled at her, and her heart stuttered at the sight of it. “I’m stuck with you.”

“I think we can make an exception.”

“I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge.” He gave the rope a final tug. “And you just might be my biggest challenge yet.”

The words wound their way around her heart like warm hot chocolate weaving its way to an empty stomach. Maybe she shouldn’t allow them to give her hope, but she did. They did. They filled her right up, and for a moment, she even forgot what a fool she’d made of herself.

He stepped out of the boat and onto the dock, then reached both hands in her direction.

“Some challenges are more trouble than they’re worth.” She took his hands and stepped out, thankful to be on land again.

“Not you, though,” he said. “You’ve always been worth every bit of trouble.”

She tried not to read into his comment, which could clearly be taken as flirtation. This time, though, that didn’t upset her.

“I’ll take you home,” he said after he’d gathered their things.

“I’m fine,” she protested, but deep down, she wanted him to take her home. Maybe get reacquainted for a while. Maybe reacquaint herself with his lips?

“Louisa?”

“Hmm?”

“You’re zoning out again.” His brow was a deeply set line of worry.

“Sorry.”