Keeping its eyes locked on hers, it began to move upward, as though showing her the right direction.

Quinn felt the burn again, breaking the magic of the moment and reminding her that she was still lost underwater, her lungs straining under the pressure. Using her arms and feet, she kicked up, and her head broke the surface. She coughed, sputtering water and mucus everywhere. Her eyes burned from the salt, but she still couldn’t rub them. She treaded water as fast as she could.

When she could catch a breath, she turned, looking for the turtle, then for Liam. She wasn’t a swimmer, but she knew enough to kick her feet and keep her hands going. It was enough to keep her from going under again.

The turtle was gone, and Quinn felt a sense of loss, but Liam saw her and began a mad stroke to cross the distance to her.

He reached her in seconds, grabbing her and holding her up higher out of the water, then pushing her toward the shore. “It’s a riptide. Swim that way!” He pointed in a parallel line to the shore.

She dog-paddled, keeping her limbs moving, though now they burned like fire in the cool water. She was exhausted, but Liam stayed next to her, giving her a nudge when she slowed. It was shocking how far out the wave had taken her.

Her breath slowed when the water retreated down to her chest and she could feel the sand under her feet again. She swallowed, proud that she hadn’t completely lost it, though without the guidance of the turtle, she felt sure she would be dead.

She continued to move her arms back and forth, wary that the water would deepen again without notice.

“You’re fine now,” Liam said as he guided her toward the beach.

But she couldn’t stop thinking of the strange encounter under the water.

Liam looked stricken as they waded out onto the beach, then fell to the sand to rest. “I’m so sorry, Quinn. I don’t know how I lost you like that.”

She smiled gently, forgiving him instantly. He probably thought she was angry, but the truth was she felt triumphant. She’d conquered a fear, and more than that, she’d felt something shift inside her. The ocean—and the turtle—had made her feel welcome, both sending warmth down to her very soul, as though telling her they were glad she’d finally come home.

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

They sat side by side on their towels, and Quinn felt a new appreciation for the warmth on her face, as well as for the solid ground beneath her. She wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees as she gazed out at the clear blue water. Now the waves appeared graceful and hospitable, instead of dark and sinister.