Page 10 of Sail Away
Reid stopped seeing that psychologist and never called another one.
“I’m the boson onThe Weatherby, the vessel you’ve chartered for the next three days.”
“No way. I didn’t know that, or I might have had second thoughts. No offense,” Preston said. “And not because I have any problem with you. However, the last time the two of you were in the same space, it ended with my boy here looking like someone used him as a punching bag.”
Darcie winced. “Someone kind of did.” She let out a slight laugh. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
“No worries,” Reid said. God, he missed that sweet noise that cut through the rest of the evening chatter like a motorboat gliding across the calm Sound on a quiet night.
“That was a while ago, and I think we’re both past it,” she said.
“I agree.” Though he wasn’t past being in love with Darcie, and the way his pulse raced out of control was proof of that fact. “Where are you headed? Maybe you could have a drink with me.”
“You mean us,” Preston interjected.
“No. I mean me,” Reid said.
“Thanks for the invite, but it’s my parents’ wedding anniversary, so I’m off to their house for a big party. My brother Troy was able to make it in, so I best make an appearance or I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“How are all your siblings?” Reid asked. After Erin died, he’d vowed that he’d never get tangled up in anyone’s family again.
Until Darcie sailed into his life and turned everything upside down.
“Jag got married, and his wife is pregnant.”
“Holy shit. Well, good for him,” Reid said. “He’s a good man.”
“He’s the best,” Darcie said. “Since I’ve got the two of you together, I want to talk to you about Deception Pass.”
“We can talk about that tomorrow,” Preston said.
“My captain said it was an important part and that the charter hinged on the activity. And, well, it’s not going to be easy. So, I need to know where we stand.”
“You always were a straight shooter,” Preston said. “I can respect that. I am, too. So, we’re going to do it no matter what. It really doesn’t concern you.”
“But it does, Preston. And you know it. I can’t turn my back and pretend I don’t know.”
“Actually, you can.” Preston was always one to skirt the rules. He was the complete opposite of his sister, and sometimes Reid wondered if Preston pushed the limits to see if that great big hole that’d swallowed his sister would swallow him, too. “You know we won’t take unnecessary risks.”
“We understand the conditions have to be right,” Reid said, knowing he needed to defuse the situation. He would have to continue playing the equalizer between these two because Preston wouldn’t back down.
And Darcie would push his buttons.
But really, the jump wasn’t a big deal.
Reid understood it had more to do with the number of suicides the bridge had each year and the fact that a thrill-seeking company ran bungee jumps regularly at a bridge nearby, one at a safer location. “If the wind is too strong or anything is out of place, we’ll call off the jump.”
“So, no matter what, you’re with Preston on this?” she asked with an arched brow.
“I’d rather we have the proper permits, but yes. I’m all in.” Reid didn’t want to take Preston’s side. As a matter of fact, he wanted to tell the man to fuck off, but Reid was walking a fine line, and he couldn’t show his hand.
Not yet anyway.
Preston puffed out his chest. “I’m sure you can figure this out for us.”
“You’re putting me and my vessel between a rock and a hard place if we can’t get the paperwork,” she said.
“Then let’s get what we need in order to make all of us happy,” Preston said. “I’m sure you and your captain can work some kind of magic for us.”
