CHAPTER NINETY SEVEN - THE LAST MOVE

Max glanced over at her, a playful grin on his face. "What, you thought I'd just be bumping into things all day?" He chuckled, adjusting the wheel slightly to keep the boat on course. "I've been sailing since I was a kid. It's one of the few things that's always been a constant in my life, you know?" Ava nodded, her gaze drifting out over the water. "I can see why. There's something...peaceful about it." She took a deep breath, letting the salty air fill her lungs. "It's a nice change of pace from everything back at the office." "That's exactly why I wanted to bring you out here," Max said, his voice softening. "You've been working yourself to the bone these past few weeks, and I could see it starting to take a toll. You needed a break, Ava. We both did." Ava turned to face him, her expression grateful. "Thank you, Max. I...I really appreciate this." She gestured around them at the open expanse of water and sky. "It's exactly what I needed." Max reached out and gently squeezed her