Page 45 of The Bosun

I shook my head. “She has to say that as part of our friendship agreement.”

“No, I don’t. Trust me when I say this book is going to be big. You’ll be able to say you knew Stella before she was a famous author.”

Someone’s stomach growled so loud we all laughed at the sound before Lexie spoke up. “Hey, we were just getting ready to grill outside. Would you two like to join us?”

“We’d love to,” Pen answered a little too quickly, making us seem desperate.

Lexie linked her arm with her husband and beckons us. “Let’s head out back and get started before my stomach eats itself.”

We followed the gorgeous couple outside, and even though I had pretty much the same view, I sucked in a breath as I took in their backyard with the pool and ocean. Somehow it seemed so much better than mine.

“Wow,” Pen exclaimed. “This is beautiful. If I lived here, I’d spend all my time out here.”

“We try as much as possible, but we’re pretty busy with our careers and Delilah.” Lexie walked over and sat down in a little cabana-type area that had a fireplace, two couches, and chairs off to one side of the pool.

“And what does your husband do?” Pen blurted out. It had probably been killing her to hold in that question as long as she had.

Her eyes landed on her husband, who was lighting the grill. “He’s a model.”

Not surprising.

“Have you ever done a photoshoot with him?” Pen was all but eye-fucking Ryder as she took him in.

“That’s actually how we met. After that, Ryder’s career blew up. We try to work with each other as much as possible. It’s a bit of a juggling act with how in demand we both are. If one of us goes out of town, we all go.”

“How old is your daughter?” I asked. Even though I’d been married to a pediatrician, I was a horrible judge of age with children. I either guessed way too low or high.

“She’s almost three. I wish she was here for you to meet her, but she’s with Ryder’s mom for the weekend. She wanted to give us some time to rest. We’re leaving tomorrow to drive up to where she lives in Washington. We’ll be there for a few days.” She let out a sultry laugh. “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. You must think I’m crazy.”

“Not at all. I do the same thing sometimes when I meet new people that I—”

“Feel a connection with,” she interrupted.

“Yes.” My eyes widened that she felt the same way, even if I hadn’t opened up to anyone since I met Remy.

“Even though I don’t know you, I like you. I’m happy to have a neighbor that I like. Have you met your other neighbors?” When I shook my head, she continued. “I’m not a fan. They all seem like a bunch of rich snobs who think they’re better than everyone else.”

“Alright, ladies. We’ve got steak or chicken, which would you like?”

“What about hamburgers?” Lexie pouted, looking up at her husband.

“Or hamburgers,” he laughed.

“I can tell just from the way she looks, Stella wants a burger.”

I did want one, but I wasn’t sure how she could tell.

“I’ll have one as well,” Pen piped in.

“Alright, three burgers and one chicken. Do you want cheese?”

“I always want cheese,” I answered. Cheese made everything better.

“Me too,” Pen answered in a strange voice. What the hell was wrong with her?

“And I know you want cheese,” he leaned down and kissed his wife. When he stood up, Lexie swayed a little.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help but stare at your husband. I don’t mean to be rude. I’m sure you’re used to women not being able to keep their eyes off him.”

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