Page 29 of The Bosun

“I don’t mind,” I lied to make her feel better. They weren’t trying to hurt me in any way, and I understood that. Still, it hurt, feeling like she was ashamed of me. I already had enough people ashamed of me for the actions of my life. I couldn’t imagine what Stella would think if she knew about my time in the military.

“We’re being mean and shouldn’t take it out on you. Sorry,” Pen gave me a half smile, half frown. “Where should we go after lunch?”

“Let me think,” I hummed. “The Catedral de Mallorca is a must. If we had time, I’d take you to all the little towns around here, but we’d need either scooters or a car to get to most of them. You need to come back so I can show you more.”

Stella placed her elbow on the table and rested her head in her hand. “Is that an invitation?”

“Yeah, I mean, it would have to be once the season’s over, but I’d love to show you around.”

“Well, if I get my life together by then, I might take you up on your offer.” She took the last bite of her croissant sandwich and closed her eyes. A dreamy smile filled her face.

“I hope you do.”

“And I have a feeling I should have left you two alone today. Maybe you could have gotten a hotel for a few hours.”

“While that would have been nice, I couldn’t have you wandering around by yourself.” Stella reached across the table and held Penelope’s hand for a moment. “If we’re meant to spend time together, we will. Hopefully, there won’t be interference by the crew tonight.”

“If you need the room, just let me know. I can sleep on a lounger.” Pen waggled her eyebrows at us.

“I’m sure we can find someplace else, so you’re not displaced from your bed.” I laughed. It was hilarious her friend was trying to get us to hook up.

“This is getting embarrassing,” Stella groaned.

“It’s all good,” I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I think it’s cute.”

“It looks like it’s going to rain. Maybe we should start to head back to the boat.” Stella’s tone stated she wanted to do anything but go back.

“What’s a few sprinkles?” Pen blew her off.

“She’s probably right. The wind has steadily been increasing, and it might get nasty.”

“Fine,” Pen huffed. “You two are no fun, which means you’re perfect for each other.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what it means when two people have common sense.” Stella bumped her hip with her friend.

Linking her arm with mine, Pen winked up at me. “Thank you for being our tour guide, even if it was only for a short while. You made the day most enjoyable, and tonight you’ll make Stella’s night.”

“Pen!” Stella shouted, her eyes narrowing as she gave her the evil eye.

“What?” She laughed, nearly tripping over her feet. “I’m just stating the obvious.”

“You’re putting way too much pressure on something that might not happen. Look at what happened last night.”

“Well, I won’t let anyone interrupt you two. I’ll make sure to keep them all busy. I’ll get Zelda and Scarlet on it as well. They’re team Stella needs to get laid.”

My body shook from the laughter I was trying to hold back.

“I feel like some teenage boy whose father takes him to a brothel to lose his virginity. Thank you, but I don’t need your help.”

Stella pulled on my arm until I looked down at her. “Please don’t think I’m desperate or that there’s something wrong with me. Yes, it’s been a while, but I’m not going to die if I have to wait. It’s not your job to break my celibacy streak.”

Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I pulled her closer as we walked. “How long has it been?” I asked quietly. That way, it was easier to pretend Penelope wasn’t alongside us.

“Two years, but it’s not like I’ve been actively trying to have sex. One year of it was while I was married.” Stella wrapped her arm around my waist and leaned into me. The simple movement felt so right that it scared me. “If you’re ever married, and your spouse doesn’t have sex with you, let me tell you right now she’s getting it from somewhere else.”

“Either that or you were never doing it right in the first place, and she’s giving it to herself.” Pen broke out into a laugh and slapped her leg. “Can you imagine?”

No, I couldn’t imagine going a year without sex, let alone two. I needed to make tonight good for Stella. Better than good. I wanted to ruin her for all other men. I wanted her to think of me every time she was with any man in the future.

---