Stavanger Bay saltwater running through my veins

Their eyes locked for a moment. He forgot to breathe. Was that - was that approval? Consent? Something about that look was so winsome that he was at a loss for any reply but a slow blink of his own cerulean gaze. And then, as a feather upon the breeze, it dissipated. 

"Shit pile?" Embry blurted, incredulous. How elastic, and... fun. "No, no, I take it back! I was just doing my job." 

They do, I swear, just ask Dalia. He raised a brow at this, but there was not a hint of doubt on his chestnut features. That's when the challenge was proposed; yet another system of bartering between them. How could he refuse? Look where it had already led him.

"You know, what?" he laughed, shaking his head. "It's worth it. You first, Queen of the beach."