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Chapter 37
Dahlia
“This really isn’t necessary,” I laugh as Ryker guides Zane’s boat farther onto the ocean. A blindfold over my eyes makes it difficult to see anything, but the salty sea air fills my lungs and brings a smile onto my face.
It’s been a month of dealing with my grandfather’s estate, meeting with lawyers, saying goodbye to Rocky—and my old neighbors, since Angelica was just too attached to take him away. Overall, it’s just been a season of trying to figure out what’s next. Ryker has stood by my side through it all.
A steady presence. Though I did have to tell him—more than once—to take it easy given he was still healing. Something he was not overly thrilled about.
The memory makes us smile, and brings me back to the present.
Tonight is ours.
Our first official date.
I mean, we’ve eaten dinner together every night since I first asked for his help in that gym, but then it was takeout at my apartment or other random, quick bites.
Tonight, it was completely planned.
And he kept every detail from me.
“It is necessary,” he calls back. “We’re nearly there.”
Minutes tick by before the boat begins to slow. And then, he shuts the motor off. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
Ryker lifts me into his arms, and I laugh, clinging to him as he carries me down the steps and toward the deck of the boat, where he sets me down.
His fingers brush against the back of my neck, sending shivers up my spine, before he trails up and undoes the tie of the blindfold. My heart hammers, and the air leaves my lungs in a gasp when I take in the sight before me.
The entire deck has been adorned with tiny, twinkling fairy lights. Dozens of little personal stars, shining just for us. “Ryker. This is beautiful.” I turn toward him now, so happy to see him grinning at me in that adorable way he does.
“Good. It’s Zane’s boat. He lent it to us tonight.”
“Where are we?”
“A cove. It’s actually my favorite diving spot.” He pulls me in and wraps one arm around my waist while the other cups my cheek. Then, he leans in and presses his lips to mine. Heat spreads through my body, flashes of lightning that incinerate every thought in my mind aside from how much I love the feel of his lips on mine.
“You are too good to me,” I whisper.
“Nah. You deserve everything, Dahlia. And I plan to give it to you.”
Tears swim in the corners of my eyes at the sheer force of the emotion burning in my heart. In my soul.
This man right here is everything to me.
“So, what’s first? Private night swim? Or dinner?”
“Private night swim? In the ocean?” I arch a brow. “Isn’t that risky?”
He grins. “I’m a Navy SEAL, Miss Swanson. I’ll keep you safe.”
I laugh, then step in closer again to place my hand on his strong chest. The feel of his heart beating beneath my palm is one I will never tire of. “I know you will,” I reply. “So, how about a night swim first?”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” he says, then steps back and strips his shirt off.
My mouth dries, blood hammering in my veins as I drink in the sight of him. It’s more than just looks, though. I mean, don’t get me wrong. Ryker Granger is absolutely gorgeous. But he radiates strength and kindness.
