Page 12 of The Bosun

“So he’s important.” Scout nodded. “And having someone fall overboard or drown would be bad.”

“It’s bad anytime someone drowns.”

“Of course, I didn’t mean…”

“I know, but it would be for everyone in general, not just Remy.”

Sitting side by side, his gaze scanned my face. “You like him, don’t you?”

Speak of the devil. Remy walked down the steps to join us on the platform. I watched as his jaw tensed as he looked back and forth between us. Was he jealous? Jealousy was hot on the officer in charge.

“What’s not to like?” I smirked up at Remy.

Keeping his eyes on the horizon, Remy asked. “It looks like your friends are coming back. Do you still want to drive the PWV?”

“I’m going to be driving?”

“What did you think was going to happen?”

“That you’d drive, and I’d be behind you.” I gave him my best I’m not nervous, but I really am, smile.

A mischievous smile spread across his rugged face. “How would you learn if I’m doing all the work?”

“Oh, I’m a visual learner. I promise I can learn from behind you.” The moment it came out of my mouth, I heard how it sounded.

When Remy and Scout smirked, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

“I still think it’s best if you’re up front. That way, if you want to ride tomorrow, you’ll have firsthand experience.”

I didn’t know why I was fighting it. How bad could it be to have Remy’s arms around me? In fact, it might be better.

“Let’s do it,” I said as I stood watching Zelda and Reagan zip up to the boat with wide smiles on their faces.

“Stella, darling,” Zelda called as she dismounted the jet ski as if she did it every day, “I’m glad you could join us. “Why don’t you go for a ride while we get another drink?”

She turned to Remy and Scout. “Maybe in an hour or two, we could find a place to snorkel. Something we can all do together.”

“I’ll ask the Captain where a good place is. We may need to set it for tomorrow if it’s too far.”

Zelda stuck her bottom lip out like doing that was actually going to get her what she wanted.

Reagan stepped onto the platform, and her eyes went wide. Her cheeks puffed out, and her hand went over her mouth as if she was holding back from throwing up.

“What’s wrong? Are you seasick?”

Her lips curled up in a sneer at Scout before she let out a shriek. “His feet are the ugliest things I’ve ever seen.”

All eyes zeroed in on poor Scout’s feet. They weren’t the most horrendous thing I’d ever seen, but they also weren’t the prettiest either.

Scout held his ground as we all stared at him, so I tried to lighten the mood. “Maybe I can paint your toenails later and pretty them up,” I suggested.

“Yes, you can give all the guys pedicures,” Reagan eagerly nodded her head. “Maybe you can do it right now.”

“Actually, I’ve been waiting for you to get back so I can get out on the waves. Why don’t you give them pedicures?”

Reagan gagged and started to shuffle backward in disgust. “There’s no way in hell I’m touching anyone’s feet. I don’t even touch my own, let alone others.”

The more she shuffled, the closer she got to the edge and falling into the water.

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