Page 17 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

“You okay?” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

I nod, managing a small smile. “Just a little overwhelmed. I’ve never been to anything like this before.”

He grins, spinning me out and then pulling me back in. “Well, you’re doing great. You look like you belong here.”

I laugh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Hollister.”

And if I’m not careful, right into my bed.

The yacht party continues in full swing, the night air filled with the soft melody of a jazz band and the tinkling of champagne glasses. I find myself at the railing, the cool night air a welcome relief after hours of mingling and forced smiles.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Brogan’s voice startles me out of my reverie.

“Just thinking about how surreal this all is,” I reply as I turn to face him. “A few days ago, I was covered in sawdust renovating your beach house. Now…”

“You’re the belle of the ball,” Brogan finishes, his tone light but his gaze serious.

“Just like Cinderella before she has to return home before midnight and go back to the real world?”

He takes a step closer, his hand gently cupping my cheek. “I’d say Cinderellaafterthe shoe fits her and he takes her home with him.”

For a moment, I allow myself to imagine it, even if it’s all pretend. A life with Brogan, navigating this world with wealth and privilege. Can a gardener’s daughter really fit in?

“Willy,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my lips as he lowers his face towards mine. “You belong wherever you want to belong. And I want you here, with me.”

My heart races as Brogan leans in, our lips inches apart. It’s all an act, my brain screams even as the world around us fades away, the sounds of the party becoming distant and muffled. But act or not, there’s no denying how much I want to get carried away in a dream, just for one night.

“Brogan, darling!” Mrs. Hollister’s voice cuts through the moment like a knife, causing us to jump apart. “I hate to interrupt but there’s an urgent matter we need to discuss. Preston’s waiting for us in the private lounge.”

I step back, the spell broken, reality crashing back in. Brogan looks torn, frustration evident in his eyes.

“Mother, I’m in the middle of–”

“I’m afraid it can’t wait, dear,” Mrs. Hollister interrupts. “It’s about the new development project. I know how much you despise the family business, but I need your input, too, now that your father is gone.”

Brogan frowns. “Oh, alright.”

“Oh, and Beatrice will be joining us,” Mrs. Hollister adds. “Her father’s considering an investment.”

At the mention of Beatrice, I feel a pang of jealousy but I push it away. This is all pretend.

Brogan turns to me, apology written all over his face. “Willy, I’m so sorry. This shouldn’t take long.”

I force a smile, trying to hide my disappointment. “It’s fine, Brogan. Go ahead. I’ll just... mingle.”

As Brogan reluctantly follows his mother, I’m left alone, but I don’t mind it. It allows me to watch the other guests and marvel at the opulence of the yacht. Whether I belong in this world or not, I can always take notes for future projects.

But as time ticks by and with no sign of Brogan, I wonder how much longer I need to wait. Suddenly I overhear a commotion near the lower deck.

“Gentlemen, please come with us quietly,” a security guard is saying to a group of well-dressed men. “Illegal gambling is not tolerated on this vessel.”

One of the men protests, “We were just having a friendly game of poker!”

“A friendly game with ten thousand dollar buy-ins?” another guard scoffs. “You’ll be escorted off the ship immediately.”

As the group is led towards a waiting tender, an idea strikes me and I approach one of the guards. “Excuse me, I’m feeling a bit unwell. Would it be possible for me to join this tender back to shore?”

The guard looks me over, then nods. “Of course, miss. Please, this way.”

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