Page 20 of Safer Together
As soon as he has spoken that last word, he kisses me, a hard kiss, which is over far too quickly. It leaves my head spinning.
Thankful to be hand in hand, we walk down the jetty together. The closer we get to the boat, the more I can make out. Other people are already on the boat, drinks in hand, they too appear to be dressed like Elliot and me. Suits and beautiful dresses.
When we are only a few feet away from the ramp leading us onto the boat I see Kat approaching us. “I think I see Kat, babe.”
A second later, he replies “I see her too.” He squeezes my hand and calls out “Kat, you look lovely.”
She smiles in response. “I do enjoy wearing something other than suits on my days off, you know, Elliot.” By the time she has finished the sentence she is standing right in front of us, wearing a beautiful emerald-colored cocktail dress, that is sitting approximately an inch above her knees. Her flame-colored hair sets it off beautifully.
“Angela, it’s so wonderful to see you again. Love the dress, by the way.”
I smile in response, thankful once again for Elliot’s choice. “Thanks Kat, you too. That color green really suits you.”
If possible, her smile becomes even larger. “Thank you. It’s new.”
Elliot chimes in “Yes, yes, you both look great. Now, where is Drake? Did you leave him onboard?”
Kat’s gaze moves from me to Elliot. “He sure is. We were getting a drink at the bar when I saw you guys coming so I ducked off to greet you. Let’s go and get this Christmas party started, shall we?” She sweeps her hand in front of us, and then leads us in the direction of the bar.
As we walk up the slight incline of the ramp and onto the boat, I notice that we have the attention of quite a few attractive young ladies, all huddled together. They all look our way as we walk past, making our way to the bar, where we meet Drake.
“My man, so good to see you. How’re things in the electronic market?” Elliot reaches out and brings Drake into one of those man hugs. You know, the ones where they slap each other on the back. This leads me to believe that these two must not just know each other through Kat, but are good friends as well.
“Things are good brother. About to release a new product that will be revolutionary.” Drake throws his hands up in the air and smiles.
“That’s awesome, man. I hope it’s a huge success for you.” Elliot then takes a couple of steps back from Drake and reaches for my hand. “Drake. This is my girlfriend, Angie. Angie, this is my best friend, Drake.”
I smile up at Drake “Hey, Drake. It’s nice to meet you.” His smile is warm, friendly and genuine. With jet black hair and gorgeous green eyes, he stands a little taller than Elliot, but not imposing at all. I like him immediately.
Drake leans in and gives me a peck on the cheek. “Hi there, Angie, it’s nice to finally meet you, too. I feel as though I already know you, though, with how much this one talks about you,” he says, jerking his head in Elliot’s direction.
“Oh really?” I reply and begin to laugh softly.
Elliot holds his free hand up in front of himself, in a defensive position. “All good things, babe, I promise.”
He gives me one of the most endearing smiles that I have ever seen, one that makes him look even younger. I raise one of my eyebrows at him, pretending I don’t believe him.
“Back me up, Drake.”
Drake walks up to his friend and places his arm around his shoulders before turning back to me. “It’s true, Angie. It was all good things. Honestly, I feel as though I already know you with how much he goes on about you.”
I squeeze Elliot’s hand that is already in my own. “Well then, as long as it was good, I guess that’s okay.”
We stand in a huddle at the bar for a while together. Kat points out a few key members of the team when they come into view. Mostly, though, we just stand by our men while they talk technology. It turns out that Drake is working on some new computer program that is a backup fail-safe for banks. One that overrides all other security codes and measures if there is a break-in. Listening to him speak about all this techno mumbo jumbo, he sounds really smart.
Throughout the night I meet lots of people. I am introduced to one of Elliot’s foremen, Michael. An older gentleman, still with a full head of hair and a beard, with more salt than pepper tones. A real estate agent named Shaun; he keeps an eye out for properties in the New York area that suit Elliot’s needs. He looks to be a few years older than me; he is cleanly shaven and going bald on top.
I am introduced to several of his office workers and their partners, not really catching any of their names, though.
We later sit down and enjoy the three-course meal. Alternate drops, similar to what you would be served at a fancy wedding. We sit with Kat and Alex along with another couple, Samuel and Melanie; Samuel is Elliot’s office manager, overseeing everything that happens while Elliott is away on business, his wife Melanie, a registered nurse who works at a private hospital in Manhattan.
After dessert, we all leave the table. Kat and Drake in search of the bar and Samuel and Melanie are trying to locate one of the builders who is doing some remodeling on their own home.
Elliot leads me out onto the back deck of the boat and pulls me close to him. My back leaning against the hard muscles of his front, his arms wrap around the tops of my arms in a hug, we are the only ones here. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asks.
I nod, knowing that he can see and feel my response. “It has been a lovely evening, Elliot.” I shift my face slightly to kiss the top of his arm. We look out at the water, enjoying the relative darkness and privacy when I hear the door behind us open, a voice calls out.
“Hey Boss, thanks for a good night.”
