Page 36 of Falling for Red
“That sounds really fun.” I hear the excitement in her voice, and it makes me grin from ear to ear.
“Bring a blanket and snacks, and know that if you have to pee, you’ll have to put your butt in the water.”
“Got it. Will pee now.” She giggles. “I’ll be right over.”
She hangs up, and I look at Bill, giving him a fist bump. “Thank you for being my wingman here.”
“This job is for insurance … I’m not concerned, so you two sit on the front of the boat, and Olivia and I will stay out of your way back here.” He pauses. “Olivia, do you have anyone special you want to bring out?”
“Special?” She laughs. “No.”
“Are you playing the field?” he asks in a laugh.
“I’m allowing men to buy me food since I’m so fucking underpaid.”
We both laugh. “Are you saying if I gave you a promotion, you wouldn’t be dating?”
“I would take the promotion over this never-ending line of losers I’m meeting online.”
Bill’s head turns, looking at me now. “Jake, do you know anyone?”
I cock a brow. “Why are you playing matchmaker?”
“I was at my grandson’s baptism this morning, and I want everyone to settle down and start a family. It’s the best part of life.”
Olivia and I glance at each other, finding this soft side of Bill odd.
“How old is too old for you, Olivia?” I ask, thinking she’s maybe twenty-four.
“I’m not an ageist unless he’s, like, fetishizing my youth.”
Bill and I chuckle. “Well … I’ll keep that in mind, but all of my friends are either married or in serious relationships.”
“Now back to business,” Bill says, clapping his hands for emphasis. “Olivia, run through the checklist to make sure we have everything onboard. Jake, test out each of the fire hoses and lights to confirm they are working properly.”
I waste no time getting to work.
“Claire,” I yell, seeing her on the pier. She waves, a blanket draped over one arm and a large tote slung over the other shoulder. Red hair, white shorts, and a blue sweatshirt.Patriotic, I think with a smirk.
I extend a hand to help her into the boat. We exchange a smile, and once she’s on board, I kiss the top of her head. “This is Bill and Olivia.”
They nod, Bill shooting me an approving glance. I lead her to the front of the boat, and we sit on the bow.
With my arm around her shoulder, I whisper, “I’m so happy you were able to make it.” I’m completely relaxed, wrapped in this picturesque moment—us cuddled on the bow as the sundips low on the horizon. Claire nuzzles into me, and the boat’s engines come to life.
Bill and Olivia untie us from the pier, and Bill steers us toward the middle of the lake where the barge will launch the fireworks. It’s one of the busiest days of the year out here. Boats glide past, each with its own soundtrack blaring. The water is choppy, sending the occasional spray of mist our way.
Claire smirks up at me.
“What?” I whisper.
“Earlier was fun.”
“Very.” I kiss the top of her head as the boat rocks, hitting another wave. “I could kiss you forever.”
She rests her head on my shoulder, and I squeeze her closer. A boat zooms past us, too close, and I groan. “Little shits.”
Olivia is already on the megaphone. “One hundred feet, frat stars!”
