Page 22 of Sail Away
“Jim’s lucky he’s still a captain.”
“It was a hot mess. And truth be told, we all could have been told to take a hike. But Kim quit that morning, and whatever she said to the powers that be saved all our asses. Though there are times I wish I had tossed them under the bus.”
Reid shook his head and pursed his lips. It was the same look he’d given her when she did something he disapproved of, and it made her want to smack the back side of his head.
“What?” she asked.
“Did you threaten to have her fired?”
“No. Just him. And trust me, I’ve contemplated doing it, but I’d end up losing my rank as boson, so it’s just not worth it.” She fingered the hair hugging the back of Reid’s neck. It should feel weird to be so comfortable in his arms. It was like that perfect wetsuit that molded to your body and no one else’s.
She waffled on the verge of a raging river filled with an angry current, wanting to continue lashing out at him so he knew just how much he’d hurt her… and a flowery meadow with a slight breeze, bringing the scents of summer to her nose.
There certainly was a fine line between love and hate.
“I’m sorry he cheated on you. That sucks, and you deserve better.”
“I do.” She wiped away some of her lip gloss that had managed to make its way to his cheek. “Do you have a girlfriend? Is that why you’re refusing me?” The one thing Reid could always be called was honorable. He’d never cheat. Not in a million years.
“No girlfriend. And trust me, I’m not rejecting you.” He cupped her face. “Maybe when the charter’s over, we can go get a bite to eat? Talk? See where we are?”
“Are you still living in Houston?”
He chuckled. “Actually, this city cowboy moved out to Galveston Island. And get this. I live on the water.”
“I’m shocked. Do you take the time to sit still and enjoy it?”
He kissed her nose. “I’ve even read a book.” He took a step back and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I better leave before I get into myfuck itand go for itattitude, which I told myself I wouldn’t toss to the wind until I was forty. And I haven’t hit that mark yet.”
“You’re not that far off, old man.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” He winked. “I really appreciate your help, and please don’t say anything to Preston. You know how he gets.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got your back…” The last word hung in the air. A thick lump grew in her throat. There was a time when the only person who really understood her, the one who would be there for her at the snap of a finger, had been Reid.
He used to tell her all the time that no matter where in the world she traveled, he’d always have her back.
“I’m glad we had this time to chat,” he said. “I’ll see myself out.”
“Good night, Reid.” She watched as he made his way onto the dock and strolled down toward the marina.
He glanced over his shoulder five times.
She knew that for a fact because she counted.
The sex had always been good. Great. The best she’d ever had. And he’d told her that making love to her had been the ultimate extreme experience for him. It had been the most hysterical and yet most romantic moment of her life.
She closed the door, locked it, and ditched her clothes for a pair of boxers and a tank top. When it came to the Wi-Fi situation, she had two choices. Either ask Jim to help her, or Kirk or Craig.
It had to be Jim. He wouldn’t like it, because he didn’t like Reid much, but Jim owed her. And based on Reid’s plea for help, it was the least she could do for an old friend.
She pulled up Justin’s contact information.
Darcie:If you’re up, give me a call. If not, call me first thing. Thanks.
A second later, her phone vibrated. She snagged her water bottle and flopped onto her bed as she answered the call. “That was quick.”
“Anything for my favorite fill-in babysitter. How goes the yachtie life?”
