Page 3 of Adrift

“No, we’re running a full deck. I detest compromising service, but I won’t let safety be an issue. Not ever. They’ve already pushed us to launch earlier.”

“Good.”

“I’m happy to have you on board, Haley. Seriously, my brother Charlie spoke so highly of you. He made it sound like you didn’t need any stews.”

“Thank you. And tell him thank you again for the reference.”

“Will do. Although you’re liable to see him before me. That’s the way it goes with a seafaring family.”

I nod. I wouldn’t know jack about family, seafaring or not.

“Oh, here. You’ll need your radio. My cabin’s that door there.” He pulls a radio from the top of the chart stand in the back of the wheelhouse and points to the door next to the stand. “Open it up and look. You should know every inch of this vessel.”

I clip the radio to my belt. I don’t think too hard about how knowing every inch of this vessel starts with the captain’s quarters. He’s not flirting with me, is he? He gives me the most brilliant smile, his blue eyes shining in the early evening light. I have to look away. I duck my head into his room, a good-sized cabin. Even for a captain. I’m not going to hold out hope that the crew quarters in the belly are as good, though.

I have to get out of his room. The scent is amazing. Whatever his cologne is, it’s definitely better than two charter seasonsago when the captain thought being at sea meant not taking showers.

A little wave and I run down the interior stairs. Leaving his space makes me feel empty. It’s cozy with the dark tones.

Now for the fun part of exploring the yacht. I open the first door.

I’m not attracted to my captain. I’m not attracted to my captain.

Damn, I’m so attracted to my captain.

My body whips around the corner to what I assume will be the main salon or a hallway to the main galley, but instead I run smack into a hard surface. A hard surface that towers over me.

“I’m Haley,” I stammer at him as his hand circles my waist to keep us both from tumbling over.

Chapter 2

Bosun

Zane

Damn. The sexiest girl I’ve ever held in my arms is looking up at me. Never mind that she practically knocked me down the stairs to the galley. Her feet settle and I let go. But I don’t want to.

Don’t shit where you eat.I play the words over and over in my head. It never ends well. Like never. Boat romances are awesome for keeping you busy and happy... until they’re not. And this is going to be one weird season. A huge boat for an owners-only tour.

Yeah, I lift my hands off her. “You good?”

“Yeah. Shit, I’m sorry. I guess I’m excited about touring the boat. I’m Haley.” She holds out her hand and I shake it, my cock twitching like a bastard at touching her again.

“Yup, you already said.” A smile crosses my lips. Damn this girl. She’s going to kill me. From her eyes to her shape. I really like girls with curves. “Zane Morris. Bosun.” I finally let go of her hand, but her other one is still on my arm from where I caughther. Neither one of us has moved our feet, and the scent of her coconut shampoo is still swirling around me.

“Haley Brewster, chief stew.” Her lip’s between her teeth, and her cheeks are flushed.

Shit, Haley might get me to forget my rules this season.

Bank over banging.Not eloquent, but a memorable rule. It’s rule number three. “I guess we’re going to be working together a lot this season.”

“I guess so.” She lets go of my arm, and already I want to pull her back to me.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, don’t start screwing yet. At least wait until the guests have arrived.” Waldo keeps his barking laugh going.

Haley and I explode apart. I’d scowl at my secondary deckhand, but he’s too clueless to even pick up on it. “Waldo Wiseman, meet Haley Brewster.” I motion to the chief stew like a game show host.

“Charmed.” He grabs her hand and gives it an over-the-top kiss.He’s been living in Maine, though he said he’s from Ohio.

---