Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy

Chapter 8 Shared Secrets and New Memories

*Shelby*

Michael held out his hand to me, and I took it. He helped me off of the swim deck and onto the back of the jet ski.

“Let's go find those dolphins," he said.

We took off, and I had to grab around his waist to stay on the jet ski. I nearly jumped when his skin met mine.

It was only then that I realized that Michael was shirtless. I instinctually wanted to slide closer to him, to press my body against his muscular back.

I constantly had to work to fight that urge.

'He is your friend's dad!' I screamed at myself internally. I switched my attention back to the water. The water was crystal clear and calm.

Looking off the side of the jet ski, I could see to the bottom in some places. We passed over colorful sea life that was so captivating that it almost took my mind off of Michael's muscular back.

Almost.

“There is a cove just up here where the dolphins are known to spend time. A boat would have a hard time getting back there, especially one the size of the catamaran, but this jet ski will be a perfect fit," Michael yelled over the sound of the running jet ski.

“I can't thank you enough for trying to help me. It really means a lot."

We continued at a fast pace in the direction of the cove until we got close enough that I could see the narrow inlet.

Michael slowed the jet ski, and we coasted into the cove. The circular cove was surrounded on all sides by beaches that eased into cliff faces.

The cove was completely cut off from everything; I understood why the dolphins would find this place appealing.

Michael cut the engine, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore took over.

“I have never seen anything like this," I said, staring around. “The water is so blue."

“I stumbled upon it when I was a teenager. My dad was teaching me how to sail. He thought the best way for me to learn was to figure it out by myself." Michael chuckled under his breath.

"He sent me out on a small sailboat all alone, and I got caught in a current and pushed in here," Michael said, a bit more seriously.

“That must have been terrifying," I said.

“It was. I sat on the boat for a long time, using every curse word I knew, and aimed them all at my father."

"After that, my anger started to turn to panic; I had no idea how I was going to get back or if anyone would be able to find me in this cove. Then I noticed the water rippling next to me," he said.

"It was a big group of dolphins, and I watched them play in their family unit and forgot about myself and my problems with my father. After they swam away, I was calm enough to figure out how to get myself back to the dock," Michael said, staring into the water.

“That is an amazing story," I said watching the creases on his brow relax. It seemed as though the memory was very bitter sweet for him.

“It was a big turning point for me. I watched my parents be unhappy with each other for years, and their unhappiness trickled down to how they treated me," he said with a sigh.

"The dolphins seemed so happy and were so in tune with each other. I swore to myself I would have a different kind of marriage and family life than my parents did."

We sat quietly for a long time, the sound of the soft waves lapping against the side of the jet ski.

I found myself still pressed against him, though I let my arms drop. I caught myself constantly looking at him.

It was undeniable at this point, I wanted Michael.

I couldn't help but wonder if that is why he wasn't with Lauren's mother, but I didn't dare ask.

“My parents tried to take me to see dolphins in the wild. They planned an amazing trip for my sixteenth birthday. They were going to take me to San Diego, and we were going to stay in this cute little beach house."

“But you didn't get to go?" Michael asked.

“They were going to surprise me with it, but they never got the chance. They got in a head-on collision with a drunk driver on their way home from picking up takeout. I found the tickets and travel plans in an envelope in my mom's nightstand," I said.

I felt comfortable sharing part of my past after Michael was so open with me. A very small number of people knew about my parents passing, but I felt safe with him.

“Shelby, I am so sorry," Michael said and then paused, clearly not knowing what to say.

“Thank you. It was a few years ago, but I still miss them every day," I said. The silence returned as I continued to scan the water.

“Michael, look!" I nearly threw myself backward off of the jet ski because I saw a ripple of green-grey under the water.

“It looks like you are going to get your wish, Shelby," he said with a huge smile on his face.

It seemed as though he was enjoying my excitement more than watching the dolphins.

A large pod had entered the cove and was swimming all around the jet ski. The water was so clear that I could see each dolphin individually.

Some were playing a game of chase with each other. There were mamas with their babies swimming close to them.

Others were even brave enough to come close to the jet ski, investigating what we were.

“They are common bottlenose dolphins. Oh, look over there, Michael!" I squealed in delight as two younger dolphins that were racing each other jumped out of the water.

“I so badly want to get in and swim with them, but I am afraid it will scare them away," I said.

“Their beauty is best observed from a distance. If you try to move too fast, it can ruin what is happening in the now," he responded quietly.

He said it so quietly that I wondered if I wasn't supposed to hear him.

We sat and watched the dolphins play for almost an hour until they were ready to go, and they made their way out of the cove.

“That was the most incredible thing I've seen in my entire life," I said breathlessly.

“I was thinking the same thing," Michael responded, but he was staring at me.

“I don't know if I have ever been this happy before. I'm so happy I could kiss you," the words escaped my mouth before I could stop them.

Michael laughed, “Don't get my hopes up."

I smiled but quickly looked away. I must have been blushing scarlet. Michael kindly gave me a few minutes to recover and for my face to stop burning.

“Would it be horrible if I said I am not ready to go back and join the rest of the group yet?" I asked.

Michael laughed loudly, “It might be, but I agree with you."

He started the engine again, but instead of making his way out of the cove, he took us to the beach at the far end of the cove.

He grabbed my hand and helped me down into the water. It was up to my waist when I jumped down, and I waded to the beach while Michael anchored the jet ski.

I slipped off my soaking wet cover up and let my feet sink into the hot sand. The sand clung to my feet and legs as I sat down and rested my weight on my elbows.

Michael walked over to join me and stretched out next to me. We sat in silence and let the waves hit our feet.

“Did you ever go sailing again after what happened when you found the cove?" I asked.

“I didn't sail again for a long time. I resented my dad, so I purposely hated everything he loved. He loved to sail, so I refused to do it," he said with a small smile.

"That's actually why I started my own business ventures in air travel. Flying always terrified my father, so I picked a business he would have no interest in."

“But you did sail again, right?"

“I did in my late twenties, only when my dad was out of town. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he was right," he answered.

I laughed lightly with Michael and returned my attention to the cove. I wanted to take a mental picture of everything.

I hoped when I looked back on today I would be able to remember exactly how I felt.

“I don't know how I will ever repay you for such a perfect day," I said.

“You don't owe me anything. I'm just glad you are enjoying yourself."

“I will find a way," I said defiantly with a smirk.

“You are not what I expected, Shelby," he said.

I laughed, “I hope that's a good thing."

Michael slid his hand toward mine and brushed my pinky finger with his. A jolt of hope rushed through me.

I wanted to grab his hand but settled for the brief touch of our fingers against each other.

“It is a very good thing. To be completely honest, I was dreading this trip after Lauren invited all of her friends. But, my time getting to know you has been well worth it," Michael said.

I slowly slid my hand away from his after he mentioned Lauren. It was so easy to forget that Michael was Lauren's dad when we were alone together.

However, that did not change reality. Was I awful for finding him so irresistible?

“It's probably best if we head back. We are all having dinner together at one of my favorite restaurants on the island. I think you are going to love it," Michael said while getting to his feet.

“Do you want to drive the jet ski back? I would be happy to teach you if you'd like," he said with a hint of mischief behind his smile.

I slid my coverup back on. “I don't know. I've never driven anything like that before. Are you sure you trust me not to tip us both in the ocean?" I said with a shy grin.

“I trust you. Plus, I'm a strong swimmer," he said with a wink. He reached his hand down to help me to my feet.

Before grabbing his hand, I picked up a small pink shell sitting next to me on the beach and slipped it into the pocket of my cover up.

I wanted something to remind me of the day and seeing the dolphins.

I wanted something to remind me of Michael.