Tides of the Heart

ed deep into the pockets of her jacket, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the water met the sky. The salty breeze whipped through her dark hair, sending strands flying wildly around her face, but she barely noticed. This small coastal town, with its u

rcles, with an impressive list of research publications to her name. But despite her professional success, something within her had shifted over the last year, leaving her feeling adrift. Her engagement to Matt had crumbled, leaving her heart broken and quest

ic emotions swirling within her. She wasn't sure what "this" even was, but it felt necessary. The ocean, with its endless expans

as they played in the shallows, their carefree joy a sharp contrast to the inner turmoil Elena had been wrestling with since her arrival. It was a stark reminder of how different this place was from the life she had known-the city whe

ies, with a bushy gray beard and eyes that twinkled with wisdom, Professor Daniels had always been a steady presence in her life, especially after her engagement had fallen apart. He had offered her this opport

-just a few tables, a collection of instruments, and large tanks filled with seawater and marine life-but it was enough. It was here that they would study the effects of climate change on marine ecosyst

broad-shouldered, and wore a faded navy cap that shielded most of his face. His movements were measured and precise, each one executed with the grace of someone who had spent a lifetime on the water. For a moment, their eyes m

and following her line of sight. "He runs the local cha

ind. She wasn't here for distractions, especially not in the form of a rugged, mysterious boat captain with

k to the man on the dock. There was something about him-something elusive, something intriguing-that kept her thoughts captive, even though she knew better than to let her

aning casually against the frame, his presence filling the room. Up close, Elena could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes, the rugg

your equipment crates," he said, his voice deep an

pearance. "Oh, yes. One of the crates was too heavy fo

lked into the lab with ease, his boots making a soft thud against the floor. His eyes sc

e instruments in front of her, trying to keep her voice steady

his shirt as he carried it across the room and set it down at the back of the lab as th

reveal more than she had to. She wasn't sure why she had come here, not exactly. Maybe it was to escape, maybe to find

s if he understood more than she had said aloud. "Well, the ocean has

d back into the lab, breaking the moment. "Ah, Aide

before he turned toward the door. "Yep, we've met," he said, his voice

er breath. She turned back to her work, but Aiden's presence lingered in her mind, like the aftertaste of something sweet, bitter, and undeniably unsettling. She had no bu

lking along the beach. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore calmed her racing thoughts. The night air wa

t notice the figure approaching

ht special?" Aiden's voice reached her

than she had realized, his features rugged but softened by the warmth in his eyes

voice steady despite the sudden flutt

u're not from a place that

er gaze drifting back t

s crashing of the waves. It wasn't uncomfortable, though. There

y of changing people. It might not seem like it at first,

intrigued. "Is that

ssing over his face. "Maybe," he said, his voice quieter no

shing as quickly as it had come. "Anyway, I'll leave you to your quiet. Just r

the beach, her mind racing with questions. What had Aiden meant by that? And why did

der whether the ocean had brought her here for more than just the research.