Page 7 of Adrift

I laugh. “You’ll probably get some money back too.”

“Exactly, you understand. Steven, my ex, wanted me to give it to him. But I snagged it before he moved out.” She pushes the dresser drawer shut with her lush ass, then gives it a little extra tap, and my dick hardens.

Shayla clears her throat. “Your ex sounds like a real douche.”

“Indeed.” It might be the only thing I agree with Shayla on. I would have kept Haley and the suitcase. I tap the top of her doorframe. “I’m here if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” She’s twisting her long light brown hair into a bun. And now I’m staring like a creep.

Right, the minions.

Back at the table, Thing One is stirring a cup of coffee. His test is face-down on the table. Thing Two might have sweat running down his neck. I definitely do, but for a whole different reason. This is going to be one hell of a long season if I don’t get my cock under control.

Chapter 4

Swamped

Haley

“Oh, Shayla, never in my life have I been this tired. Wait, that’s a lie. I had a twin have a twenty-first birthday on board once. Ten twenty-one-year-olds. The provisioner had to come out three times with more Moët 1942 and Grey Goose.” I shiver at the memory and stare at my plate. I’ve given up on eating the cold, bland pasta. Instead, Shayla and I have melted into a lump on the bench in the crew mess booth. Shayla’s head is in my lap, and I’m petting her hair like a dog.

“I’m pretty sure my soul left my body a long time ago,” Shayla moans.

She’s a lot. But so far, she’s been absolutely fantastic at her job. And even better yet, she’s taken every direction I’ve given her—even if she disagrees with it––without talking back. I just hope it continues. Having a strong second can be a blessing and a curse. Big time. But that’s not something I can make a list for.

I push the cold spaghetti around the plate. It wasn’t worth eating when it was warm. But I didn’t have to make it, so I’m not complaining.

“Ladies, I hope you’re about to go to bed.” Captain Sam’s deep voice shakes me awake, and my feet land on the floor.

Shayla bounces and jerks up, bumping her head on the underside of the table. “Shit.”

“Are you okay there?” He’s on her in a second, his fingers running through Shay’s long blonde strands. And I want it to be me.What in the hell is wrong with me?

She turns her head and gives me a wink. “Oh, right there? Am I bleeding, Captain Sam?”

“No blood. You’ll live.” He pats her head and steps away.

But Shayla clings to him. I can’t quite see—did she grab his ass? I might be down to one stew in the morning.

The captain turns to fill his coffee cup, and I give her my best death stare.

She laughs and slides off the bench. “Well, goodnight all. Or I guess I should say good morning.”

The captain raises his mug at me. “You too! Get some sleep.”

“When do you sleep?” It’s a silly question. Good captains don’t sleep. And if he’s anything like his brother, he’s a great captain. I just asked it to keep him from making his escape.

“I don’t.” His cheeks round up, and his eyes get a mischievous twinkle.

And now I’m wondering what his ass feels like.

“Get to bed, Haley,” he growls.

I hold up my trusty notebook. “I will. I just have a few more things to write down before I forget them.”

He laughs. “I get it. I’m the same way. Thanks for going the extra mile. But don’t forget you need sleep too.”

“Yes... I won’t.” I’ve had other captains with whom I’ve had a good rapport and would have joked, “Yes, Dad.” But CaptainSam is more of a Daddy. Heat rises to my cheeks. I don’t need to check a mirror to know there’s a blush spreading over my face. I’m sure my chest is blotchy all the way up my neck. “I’m twenty minutes out from hitting the sheets.” And now I’m blushing harder, thinking about him in my sheets.

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