Page 29 of Last Date
“Oh, come on, Kip. It’s okay to be flattered. He likes you.” Helen sat down again, smiling. “Maybe I think he’s a fink for how he’s treating poor Elon, but he knows how to romance a guy. I’ll give him that.”
“What am I supposed to do with the flowers?” I asked, scratching my head.
“Well, they’re already in a vase with water.” Charlene tapped her chin. “I think you should put them on your desk, but take them home tonight so you can enjoy them there too.”
I grimaced. “But, it’s such a huge arrangement. I’m not sure I have room on my desk.”
Eyeing the flowers, Helen nodded. “That probably cost him a pretty penny.”
Charlene smirked. “He might expect you to put out, boss, so he gets his money’s worth.”
“God, be quiet.” I laughed. “I’m not sleeping with him because he gave me flowers. It’s a first date, for goodness’ sake.”
Charlene lifted one shoulder in a graceful shrug. “Well, if the chemistry is there, who cares if it’s the first date or the tenth?”
I straightened, frowning. “You know what we’renotgoing to do? Discuss my sex life.” I moved to pick up the arrangement, surprised at how heavy it was. I puffed my way into my office, the flowers tickling my nose. Once I set them down, I spent a few minutes positioning the vase so I could still see out to the front of the shop. I fingered one of the white lilies, smiling. It really was a gorgeous bouquet. It was impossible not to feel a little flattered by Allister’s attention.
I’d do my very best to just go with the flow on this date. With any luck at all, this evening would be a night to remember.
Chapter Six
I was frazzled as I rushed home to get ready for my date. I’d hoped to leave work early but had ended up staying even later than usual. As I entered the house, my mind buzzed with all the things I had to do. I still needed a shower, and the girl who would be watching Spot for the evening would be arriving any minute.
Spot watched me curiously as I raced into the bedroom, stripping off my clothes. He wrongly assumed we were playing and almost tripped me, tugging on the hem of my jeans. “No, Spot. God, you’rereallynot helping.”
I showered and shaved in record time. I’d have loved to have a drink to steady my jangling nerves, but I didn’t have time. Allister probably wouldn’t appreciate me arriving for our sunset cruiseaftersunset.
I drove swiftly to the marina, where Allister’s yacht was docked. The scent of fishy sea air filled my nose as I parked my car in the parking lot. I climbed from my vehicle, heart racing. I smoothed my hand down my tie, worrying I might be overdressed for the occasion. I’d worn jeans to balance out my outfit, just in case.
Making sure my truck was locked up, I weaved my way through the other vehicles in the lot. Some guy was going around to the various trash cans, picking through the trash for plastic bottles. I was surprised when I recognized Bob Tiegerman as the person searching the garbage. He was so engrossed in his task he didn’t notice me pass by, which was fine by me. He was an odd one for sure.
Shielding my eyes from the fading sun, I watched seagulls circle overhead. I reached the wooden dock, still feeling anxious about the night ahead. It wasn’t too crowded on the dock yet; maybe most people were inside the restaurants this time of the evening. I knew the marina would be packed later, especially since there was going to be a fireworks show.
The dock rocked gently as the waves slapped against it, and the boats tied to the weathered structure bobbed and rolled on the placid swells. Most of the boats in the harbor were small to medium size. That made spotting Allister’s yacht easier. It was down toward the end of the pier; a glorious display of gleaming white lacquer and rosewood.
I was thrilled to be getting on a boat again. While I loved sailing, I hadn’t done much of it in the last five years. When I’d been a teenager, I’d had a little gaff rig catboat I would tool around in. I’d spent many weekends with my dad, exploring the nearby beaches along the coast. After he’d died, I’d focused on helping my mom more and enjoying my free time less. In other words, I’d been forced to grow up.
I made my way down the dock, and as I neared Allister’s yacht, a guy in a gray hoodie passed me. He had his head down, and he was taking long strides. To be honest, I didn’t think much about him at the time. My thoughts were consumed with the evening ahead. I hoped Allister and I had things to talk about. We definitely came from very different worlds.
Most of the boats were tied up bow to dock, but theMy Waywas lengthwise along the dock. There were stairs leading from the dock up to the main deck, and I slowly made my way up them. I was greeted at the top by a young blonde girl in a navy blue uniform, holding a crystal flute of champagne.
“Welcome aboard, Kip. I’m Selena.” She smiled and handed me the fizzy drink. “Allister wants you to know he’s waiting for you in the main saloon. It’s at the top of those stairs, to the left.” She gave a graceful flick of her wrist toward a set of wooden stairs with brass railing.
I took the champagne. “Thank you.” I hoped she didn’t notice my hand was shaking slightly. I hated how nervous I was but couldn’t seem to calm down. If I was honest with myself, I felt out of place stepping into Allister’s opulent world. I led an unpretentious life, but it was obvious after two minutes on the deck of Allister’s yacht, modesty wasn’t his style.
“My pleasure,” she cooed. “There’s no need to knock. Allister is expecting you.”
“Oh, uh… great. Thanks.” I lifted my glass in a toasting motion and took a sip. The fruity burst of sparkling wine swept over my tongue. It was delicious, and I couldn’t help but make a yummy sound.
Her composure slipped slightly, and her lips twitched.
I grimaced at my poor manners. “Sorry. This champagne is really good.”
“Of course. Only the best for Allister and his special guests.”
Special guests.
No doubt Allister had entertained many “special guests” on this yacht. On the one hand, it felt nice to be among the chosen few, but on the other, the whole thing felt a bit rehearsed. As I moved toward the stairs that would take me to the main saloon, I once again questioned why I’d accepted Allister’s invitation. He was attractive, there was no denying that, but I wasn’t really looking for frivolous liaisons. That wasn’t really how I rolled. Knowing that’s all this probably was, whyhadI agreed?
