Page 122 of Release Me

“Gigi built and captained the first one back in 1991 with the help of some friends, paying them in pitchers of margaritas,” I recite the marketing copy from the Sea Witch website as I steer. “People loved it so much, she built another one and hired a retired navy officer named Bob Dewar to captain it.” I spare a smile as I remember the kindly man who passed away from a heart attack when I was fourteen. He was as much a fixture around our lives as Frank is now. “Since then, Sea Witch has replaced the original tiki boats and added athird to meet demand. We sail seven days a week during the high season, weather permitting. People from all over America come to Mermaid Beach to enjoy the white sands. Families, college kids, business groups. Everyone has a good time here.”

I deftly weave past anchored pontoons and a yellow floating carpet holding four girls in bikinis, sun-tanning under a cloudless sky. Starfish Island at this time of year is generally a who’s who of hot bodies.

“And it ismuchappreciated.” Connor winks at them as we pass, earning their fawning giggles and double takes. His tank top came off seconds after we pulled away from the dock, and now his glorious body—he may be an ass, but he is attractive—is on display for all to see.

Ryan shakes her head at her brother before dismissing his antics, leaning in to steal a kiss from her boyfriend. They’re a cute couple. Of the three females, she seems the most levelheaded, mature. I haven’t heard much from Katie and Rachel besides them sharing tawdry Wolf Hotel gossip. It sounds like Katie works in the spa and Rachel rakes in tips from sleazy businessmen lingering at the hotel bar. Even Ryan was talking about how happy she is to have moved into Wolf’s finance department.

They all bow to the devil himself, save for Kyle—a self-proclaimed economics geek working for a hedge fund.

“We’re going to anchor near our Sea Witch sister tiki bar.” I point ahead to where Jeremy has made room among the revelers and is waving me in. Families usually stick to the far right of the sandbar, where it’s especially shallow and less rowdy.

I reduce my speed, and we coast in. Cutting our engine, I quickly drop anchor alongside his, securing it so we don’t drift.

“This looks so fun!” Katie exclaims, her bright eyes scraping over the row of guys doing shots nearby. To our left, another group tosses a football around in thigh-deep water, theemerald-green an idyllic backdrop. Far on the right side, where it’s slightly deeper, are clusters of pontoons with slides.

“We’ve officially stationed, so enjoy! But remember,no diving.” Every year, some fool inevitably goes headfirst into the water and is carried out on a stretcher. “Pay attention to the current and boats. And if you see marine life, appreciate it from a distance!” It’s always an exciting time when dolphins or manatees make an appearance.

“You hear that, girls? Go forth andget wet.” Connor gestures to the platform.

In seconds, Katie and Rachel leap in with giddy splashes, followed closely by Ryan and Kyle, who lets out a comical squeal.

“It’s refreshing!” Jeremy hollers with a grin fromTiki Two.

“That’s polite for ball-retreating cold.” Connor surveys the various groups before his focus snags on a brunette with rich brown skin, lying on her pool float, her ample ass on full display in a beige thong that may as well not exist.

I can only imagine the kind of dirty thoughts going through this guy’s head. “Sounds like your balls could do with a little retreat,” I mutter under my breath.

Ronan chuckles into his beer. “You have no idea.”

After a deep humming sound, Connor breaks his focus and snaps his fingers. “Tequila.”

Ronan groans. “It’s too early?—”

“Fuck that. You owe me.”

“Forwhat?” The incredulity on Ronan’s normally stony face is comical.

“You begged me to leave Miami so you wouldn’t be alone and, being the amazing friend that I am, I droppedeverything, abandoned my entire life back home, to come here. For you.”

“Are you kidding me?” Ronan slides off his sunglasses to stare in bewilderment at his friend.

Damn, this boy’s face has been blessed, as Gigi says. I could admire it all day long.

“I barely mentioned coming to Mermaid Beach and you had your bag packed. You’ve been throwing parties every night in that monster house.AndI got you a promotion!”

“Exactly. More responsibility! Since when do I want that? But I did it foryou!” Connor jabs Ronan in the chest with his index finger, earning Ronan’s chuckle. “And then we get here and you’re MIA the whole time. Seriously, dude,where have you beenfor the past two weeks?”

Yeah, good question!I busy myself with the ice trough, pretending not to listen as Ronan’s friend berates him. But at least I’m not the only one asking. And if I’m not the only one, then maybe he hasn’t been avoidingme.

Ronan pinches the bridge of his nose. “You know where I’ve been. Chained to my fucking desk, trying to figure shit out before Wolf fires my ass for incompetence.”

“As if. Red wouldneverlet him.”

Who is Red? Besides someone who has control over his billionaire boss.

His wife.

Of course. Ithasto be. She has striking long red hair.

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