Lying in the Sand Read Online Free PDF Page B

continue its journey.
    Like a shadow, the tiger shark came near.
    Coen panicked.
    The shark swam close to them, close enough for Sydney to touch. And as Coen predicted, Sydney reached out and touched its thick skin. Coen pulled the knife out of his pocket, ready to defend himself if he had to. But the shark passed them and kept going, like he didn’t even noticed them.
    Coen’s heart slowed down in relief.
    Sydney watched it swim away, still mesmerized.
    Unable to hold his breath a moment longer, he broke the surface.
    Sydney followed him a second later. “I touched a shark! I did it! My greatest dream finally came true.”
    Coen was not thrilled. “That thing was fourteen feet long.”
    “I know! So awesome!”
    Coen sighed, wanting to strangle his wife. “He could have killed you.”
    “I told you he wouldn’t.”
    “You don’t know what he’s thinking!”
    “Can you just stop throwing a hissy fit and just enjoy what happened.”
    “Enjoy what happened?” he snapped. “Sydney, you’re my wife. You think I can just stand by and let you risk your life. I don’t give a damn if a shark eats me. But I can’t let that happen to you.”
    She rolled her eyes. “God, you’re such a drama queen. What happened to the bad boy who did whatever the hell he wanted?”
    “He got married and took responsibility for another human being. Maybe you should try it sometime.”
    “Whatever.” She dove back underwater and returned to exploring.
    Coen rolled his eyes then followed her.
     
    When the sun started to set, it was time to get out of the water. Coen practically had to drag her out.
    “There’s still some daylight left.”
    “That’s enough for the day, Sydney.” He pushed her to the stairs and waited for her to climb out. Then he followed her.
    “Why can’t this be the north pole where it stays sunny for an entire day?”
    “That would be pointless. It’s too cold to swim.”
    She sighed. “How cool would it be to see a narwhal in real life?”
    “Pretty cool.”
    “Did you know the horn on their head is not a horn? It’s actually a tooth.”
    “Really?” he asked.
    “Yeah, it’s their left canine. Cool, huh?”
    “Wow. That is pretty cool.” It amazed him how much Sydney knew. She put most of their professors to shame.
    She tore off her mask and flippers then let her hair down. She was wearing a yellow bikini, and her curves didn’t escape Coen’s notice. He was just glad the captain stayed in his quarters and didn’t gawk at his wife.
    Sydney’s nipples started to show through her top.
    Coen grabbed a towel then draped it around her shoulders. “I’m still pissed at you.”
    “What did I do?”
    He dried her off then kept the towel around her. “You almost got yourself killed.”
    “Are we still talking about that shark?”
    “And your recklessness. Just because you have a peaceful intent toward animals doesn’t mean that feeling is mutual.”
    “Coen, I’m not going to live my life in fear. I refuse to do it. If it’s time for me to go, there’s no other way I’d rather die.”
    That just pissed him off even more. “Well, as your husband, I’d appreciate it if you tried a little harder to take care of yourself. Because I give you that respect.”
    She sighed. “We came here to snorkel. What was I supposed to do?”
    “Don’t jump in the water when there’s a damn tiger shark!”
    “Fine.” She sighed. “I won’t.”
    “Thank you.” He walked away then dried himself off. His arms and chest were darker from being in the sun all day. The Australian weather was perfect. It was warm and a few cloud sprinkled across the sky. He put a shirt on then told the captain they were ready to head back to shore.
    Sydney was sitting near the edge, still looking into the water.
    Coen sat beside her and felt the boat move.
    They said nothing on the way back, just looking into the water and the waves. The water here was warm, just as warm as it was in Hawaii. Coen wasn’t sure if they