Page 66 of Mr. Red

“I could help. I’m not completely useless, you know.”

“Don’t worry, I know how useful you are.” He turns one side of his mouth up in a crooked grin.

I don’t mind the talk, but I pretend to be offended.

“Oh, really.” I jut my hip out and cross my arms over my chest.

He keeps his grin in place as he removes all the lines and takes a place behind the helm.

He replies with a deep, husky voice I’m sure is sin. “You know you like it.”

I turn my back on him so he can’t see my smile and how excited his tone is making me. I’ve never met someone that can vibrate your entire body with their voice. It’s addicting.

Fuck. I’m falling for him. Hard.

He concentrates on driving and gets us out of the marina. It seems like he’s good at everything. Except yoga. I chuckle to myself.

I stare out at the open sea as the wind blows my hair. Istill have no idea where we’re going.

Dear brain, please come back. I miss you.

I head to the stern of the boat where Matt is steering. He looks like the sexiest captain I’ve ever dreamed about.

“Where are we going?” I touch his shoulder.

“Just cruising around. Open sea is something, isn’t it?”

I take a deep breath and focus on looking past him. He’s glowing a clear red, reminding me of a rose. It’s showing me he’s passionate about sailing and doesn’t mind the close company.

“What if I was scared of the ocean? Or big boats? I could be allergic, you know.”

He turns his head over to me with one eyebrow raised. “Allergic to boats? Pretty sure that’s not a thing. Besides, you were in the ocean the first chance you got and had no problem going surfing. Figured you would be fine with sailing. This boat doesn’t tilt, so you’ll be okay.”

“What are we supposed to be doing?”

“Youare supposed to be relaxing. Sitting at the front or by me.” He grabs my waist and kisses the top of my head. “There’s nothing for you to do right now. You aren’t in charge of the plan, the boat is clean, and you aren’t at work.”

“You’ve been working.”

“So have you. You’re supposed to be chilling.Youare my guest on vacation. Give it up, Miss Scarlett. Relax.”

“You sound like my friends.”

“Scarlett, I got you.”

I look up and give him a small smile. I should just let go and dive in. Him saying to relax does nothing for my fidgeting hands; they’re looking for something to do. He senses my hesitation.

“Why don’t you go inside and get a drink and some food? I’m going to get the sails up so you canreally feel the wind.”

I’m going to do more than that. I’ve brought some items I’ve been saving for an occasion like this one. There’s a particular item he won’t be able to resist. I hope I can pull it off.

Chapter 35

Matt

Scarlett has been inside for a while. Probably exploring; there’s a lot to see. I’ve gotten the sails up and am on the upper deck, steering. Not a boat in sight today.

Then she saunters up the stairs. She’s in the tiniest bikini I’ve ever seen. The black triangles of her top cover her nipples and not much else. The so-called bikini is a fucking thong. She’d better not wear that in public; I’d have to gouge every guy’s eyes out.

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