by S. E. Rose
We arrive at the docked sailboat, which is quite impressive. A young woman named Vicky greets us and offers us a tour. She explains that she is the chef, cleaning crew, and also the second mate. She introduces us to the first mate, Thomas. The sailboat has six cabins. The captain has one, his two crew members share the other, and the remaining four are split by us. The cabins are small but comfortable. Each has an extremely small attached bathroom that is essentially a shower stall with a toilet and small sink. There are a galley and small salon as well. It’s tight quarters, but Vicky explains that we’ll mostly be up top or out on the islands.
I’m beginning to get antsy as I notice Thomas prepping for our departure.
“Oh, and here’s our captain, Logan,” Vicky says with a smile. Chris and I turn and I’m glad my brother is in front of me because my eyes widen as the hottest man I’ve ever seen in person walks toward me. And that is saying a lot because I’ve been in the presence of movie stars and male models.
How does one describe perfection? Well, Logan Winters is a good place to start. He’s tall, taller than my brothers, so he must be about six feet five inches. And the man clearly works out. The muscles in his legs and arms ripple as he saunters toward us. He has a jawline that makes me want to lick it. His lips are full and look perfectly kissable. His eyes are, in fact, bluish green. He’s tan, like the type of tan that tells you he works outdoors. He’s muscled in a lean but not too lean way. There is not one physical feature visible on his body that is not perfect in every way possible. If a man was carved from stone just for me, it would be this man now standing right in front of me.
He holds out his hand as he approaches us. I take the offered hand only because I’m pre-programmed to do such things.
He looks at me, and I notice the slightest hint of a blush cross his cheeks. “I’m sorry, Your Highnesses, should I have curtsied or bowed or something? I don’t really know the protocol,” he says as he grips my much smaller hand in his. It’s rough and calloused and for a fleeting second a million thoughts of how those hands would feel on every part of my body flit across my mind, and now I’m pretty sure I’m blushing.
“Oh, no. No formalities are necessary. This week, we are just Chris, Anna, and Auggie and some friends going on a charter,” my brother says with a laugh as he extends his hand.
Logan releases mine and shakes hands with Chris before Chris introduces the rest of our party.
“Did Vicky give you guys the safety drill?” Logan asks.
We nod.
“Well, then, let’s head down to the salon and we’ll go over the route for this week. I want to make sure you all see everything I had in mind,” he adds as he starts down into the cabin. We follow him. I notice Chris has Mia go first down the narrow steps that lead into the main salon area of the boat. He has a hand on her shoulder as he follows her down the stairs.
I internally grin. I love Mia. She’s perfect for Chris. I don’t know why they are keeping their relationship a secret. I pause and wonder if they have a relationship yet? They have to, there’s no way they aren’t more than they present to the outside world.
I watch Logan roll a waterproof map out on the large dining table.
“Have a seat,” he offers to my brother and me.
We sit, and he begins to point out various little islands and atolls, suggesting the best ones for various activities. Vicky lays down a menu for us.
“This was prepared based on the food suggestions you made upon booking the trip,” she says. “I can change anything you like now, or with twenty-four notice.”
We glance at it.
“The catch of the day will vary as we fish at each location,” she adds.
“Looks great, thank you, Vicky,” my brother says. She blushes and nods at him. I notice she glances quickly at Logan, and I somehow get the sneaking suspicion that Logan didn’t relay our “royal” status to his crew. They all seem super down-to-earth, and yet very good at what they do. I’m wondering if this wasn’t the vibe my brother had in mind when he went hunting for the perfect charter. It’s not a megayacht or some other ridiculous vessel that you’d expect royalty to be aboard. And quite frankly, that makes it so much more appealing.
Logan is patient with us as we confirm that the menu looks great and his suggested island stops are perfect. He explains where we’ll pick up Auggie and his bodyguard. Vicky brings us drinks, and we all cheers to a great voyage.
“Well, settle in and enjoy. It’s time to head out,” Logan says with a smile as he makes his way back up to the deck.
I stay for a moment with my brother and Mia who chat excitedly about the trip.
“I’m going to go watch the scenery,” I say to them. Pulling my phone out, so that it appears I’m going to take photos.
“We’ll be up in a minute. I just need to go over something with Mia,” Chris says.
“Right,” I say as I make my way up the narrow stairs. I roll my eyes. I’m sure it’s more like he wants to be over Mia. I pop up out of the cabin and see Thomas is adjusting the sails, while Logan is at the wheel. I stay out of their way and walk to the front of the boat. I settle myself down and watch as they steer us out of the marina. A few people wave to us as we head out to sea, and I wave back.
I hope my sunglasses and hat keep me from being spotted. I scan nervously for paps, but I don’t see any. I sigh with relief. I wait until we are out in more open water before I make my way back toward Logan. I need to stay cool, calm, and collected. I can’t get distracted by his good looks and charming personality.
“So, finding everything acceptable?” Logan asks me as I approach him.
I smile. “Yes, very much so, thanks,” I respond. “So, how’d you get into chartering?” I ask, trying to pry.
He laughs. “It’s a long story, but the short version is that I grew up sailing with my mom and grandparents. We spent a lot of time here on the islands, and when my mom died a few years ago, I inherited some money and decided to do this full-time,” he says.
“I’m sorry to hear about your mom,” I say to him.
“Thanks. It was very hard. We were close, but I’m luckier than some. She was able to see me through the majority of life’s major milestones growing up,” he says. “Sorry…I didn’t mean…” He trails off as he realizes I, too, have lost a parent at a much younger age.
I throw up a hand. “It’s alright, really. I was very little when my mom died. It was a long time ago,” I say.
“Still, it must have been difficult,” he says.
I nod. “Yes. I think losing your parent is always difficult, don’t you agree?” I ask.
“I suppose it’s tough no matter at what age,” he agrees.
“So,” he says, “are you enjoying your trip?”
I smile. “Yeah. It’s nice to get away for a while. I’m excited my brothers can join me.”
Chris chooses that second to poke his head out of the stairwell.
“Mind if we join you?” he asks.
“Come on up,” Logan says. “It’s going to be a beautiful night.”
Mia follows Chris up the stairs, and they walk toward us. I notice my brother’s face is a little flush, and I can’t help smirking at him, but he ignores me.
Logan points out various landmarks as we sail amongst the islands. It doesn’t seem long before Vicky is calling everyone in for dinner.
We eat in two shifts, staff eat after the guests who are joined by the captain.
It’s booth seating, and somehow, I get squeezed between Logan and Chris. I inhale Logan’s scent, and I’m suddenly not hungry. He smells like saltwater and fresh air, and there’s a hint of an expensive cologne that has my mouth salivating to lick his skin. I shake my head at my thoughts.
“OK?” Logan asks me. I look up to find him watching me intently. I feel a blush creep across my face.
“Just contemplating what we’ll see tomorrow,” I say as I push food around my plate.
Logan launches into a tutorial of the island we’
ll visit tomorrow. It’s a smaller island, and we’ll be able to snorkel. Chris asks a bunch of questions about what sea life we’ll be seeing. I try to take some bites of my fish. It’s very good, but it’s also incredibly hard to eat when I can feel the heat of Logan’s body against mine. As he speaks, his leg bumps into mine, and I want it to stay there, our skin pressed together.
“So?” I hear Chris ask. I look up at him.
“I think you should go to bed early, Anna,” Chris says.
“I’m sorry. Long day, what did you ask?” I ask, turning to Logan.
“Are there any fish or sea creatures you’d like to see this week?” he asks again.
“A shark,” I say without thought.
“I’m sure we can accommodate that,” he replies.
He then starts talking about all the sharks that are in the area. Mia asks questions about them, clearly nervous to be in the water with them. Chris reassures her that it’s fine.
I yawn as the second round of drinks are served after the meal. I look at my phone. “I hate to say it, but I think I’ll turn in early tonight,” I say.
Logan scoots out of the booth so that I can head to my cabin. “Let me or the crew know if you need anything,” he says as I walk past him.
“Will do,” I say as I go to my cabin and promptly pass out.
Chapter 9
The squawking of a seagull wakes me. I open my eyes and find sun streaming through the window of my cabin. I shower quickly and head up to the galley where Vicky has a buffet of breakfast food out on the small counter.
“Help yourself,” she says with a smile. “Our breakfasts tend to be informal.”
“No, this is great. Thanks,” I assure her. I take a bagel and lather some cream cheese on it before layering lox on top of each half. She hands me a coffee, and I take it out to the deck.
Logan is already up and steering us into a small alcove.
“Good morning,” he says cheerfully.
“Good morning,” I reply.
“Ready to paddleboard?” he asks.
I grin. “Yes,” I say.
“Good, I’m gonna drop anchor, and then we’ll tour around the alcove by paddleboards. We can bring the snorkel equipment. There’s a good reef right over there,” he says, pointing to a rocky outcropping at the edge of the alcove.
“Is it safe?” I ask him.
“Very,” he says.
I sit and watch while he and Thomas anchor the boat and get out the paddleboards. I notice there are only five paddleboards.
Pete pops his head up from the salon. “Morning, Susanna,” he says.
I glare at him because in such situations he knows he should just call me Anna.
“Good morning, Anna,” he restates.
“Is Anna a nickname?” Logan asks from the far side of the deck.
I blush. “Yes, it’s a nickname,” I explain.
He looks at me for a moment. “I like it. It suits you,” he says.
“Then by all means, please call her Anna,” Chris says with a laugh as he and Mia emerge from below deck.
Logan nods at my brother.
“So, paddleboarding?” Chris asks as he surveys the boards on the deck.
“Yep. I was just telling your sister about our morning. We’ll paddleboard around the cove, and then snorkel out by those rocks,” he says, pointing to the area he showed me a minute ago.
“Sounds like a plan,” Chris says. “Can I offer you a hand?” he asks Thomas.
Thomas hands him a paddleboard, and the two of them get the boards in the water and ready to go, complete with snorkels and fins tucked into the straps at the front of the boards.
Logan gives me a hand as I climb down the ladder and jump into the water. I manage to get on my board the first time, while Mia falls off hers twice before Chris takes pity on her and helps her on the board. Pete gets on last and the four of us begin following Logan. He points out various corals and fish as we paddle. It’s relaxing and fun. Chris jokes with me, and we mock fight with our paddles. It’s the first time in a while that we’ve just played together like children, not a care in the world. Chris uses his paddle to splash Mia and pretty soon everyone, including Pete, is splashing each other.
After about an hour, we make it around the cove to the reef. We put on our snorkels and fins and hop into the water. Logan points out sea creatures as we swim along the different types of coral. I’m able to point out some. Logan asks us where else we’ve snorkeled, and we launch into a discussion about different reefs around the world.
It’s lunchtime when we arrive back at the boat. Vicky has paninis ready for us and a coleslaw. We gorge on the food, before spending the afternoon hiking around part of the island. By the time we get back for dinner, I’m exhausted. We eat fresh fish for dinner. Afterward, everyone meanders up to the deck, and Vicky pulls out her guitar. There are drinks passed out, and we all sing songs as Logan steers us out toward a larger island where we’ll meet up with Auggie in the morning.
It’s peaceful as we sail along, the breeze blows through my hair, and I lie back on a cushion and enjoy the setting sun.
It only takes us a few hours to reach the larger island. I’m still lying on the cushion, staring up at the now dark night sky filled with stars and the moon as the dark shadow of the island grows larger on the horizon. It’s quiet and peaceful. It’s as my mind wanders that I’m struck by the fact that we are no longer out at the little island. In front of us is a large island with an airport. My stomach flips as I look back at Logan. I still have no idea how I’ll tell him about everything. I’m in need of a plan and quickly. I have five days left to figure out what to do. This will be the closest to civilization we get until we dock back on Nassau. I decide not to rush my plans. I’ll take my time and come up with some idea; there has to be a way.
I watch as Thomas and Vicky anchor us. I don’t go down below for a long time. I just lie there and contemplate my dilemma.
I don’t realize that I’ve fallen asleep until I feel someone touching my arm.
“Anna?” Logan says.
I open my eyes and find that the early morning sky is starting to lighten to a lighter blue. Although it’s still dark as the sun isn’t yet visible on the horizon. I rub my eyes.
“Sorry, I must have dozed off,” I say to him. It’s then I realize that there is a pillow tucked under my head and a blanket over me.
“I didn’t want you to get cold. I tried to wake you, but you were passed out. I didn’t think it was proper to carry a princess, not to mention it’s tough carrying someone down those little stairs,” he says with a laugh.
I giggle. “Well, I suppose carrying a princess is improper, but I appreciate it that you didn’t want to whack my head on a wall,” I reply.
“Can I get you some coffee?” he asks. “I was going to get a tender for us to go ashore. We can have a look around the historic part of the town, while we wait for your brother,” he says.
A flash of fear runs through me. M could be on that island. M could be anywhere.
“Are you alright?” he asks, kneeling so we are face-to-face.
I nod and swallow. “Sorry, uh, I’d rather do something in the water. Can we tour it by boat?” I suggest.
“Are you sure? There are some interesting old churches.” He frowns while he thinks, and it’s cute to watch. “Actually, I could relocate the boat, and we could take the dinghy over to a church on the far side of the island if you like?” he adds.
I smile. “That sounds perfect,” I say, feeling thankful that I’ve bought myself more time to figure out this mess I’ve made.
“Great, I’ll let Thomas know. Vicky just started breakfast, so you have time to shower and change if you like,” he says.
He holds out a hand and helps me to my feet. I lose my footing, and he grabs my other arm, hauling me against him. I feel a rush of electricity between us, like static cling but different. He freezes and pulls back. I see a fleeting look of confusion on his face.
&nbs
p; “I…are you alright?” he asks.
I nod. “Y-yes,” I stammer, attempting to get my bearings while processing what just happened.
“Good. I don’t want to be responsible for breaking a princess,” he says with a wink, lightening the mood.
“Wouldn’t be the first bump or bruise I’ve had,” I say.
He frowns. “Not from a person?” he asks, his voice deepening.
I laugh. “Well, aside from my brothers horse-playing with me, no, not from a person. I’ve been known to be a little klutzy at times,” I say to him.
“Well, I guess I’ll need to keep a better eye on you then,” he says, his voice gravelly and chills run through my body, dotting my arms with goose bumps.
“You should get inside and warm up,” he says, pulling the blanket over my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I whisper. He squeezes my arm before letting me go. And I’m left wishing his strong hand was still gripping me.
Chapter 10
I squeal with delight as a nurse shark swims by me, and I feel its smooth texture against my leg. But it’s the rays that have my attention. We’re feeding them pieces of fish. They are everywhere, rubbing their fins against us as they fight for a piece of food. I keep my hand flat just as I was instructed to and place it in the water. A ray comes up and sucks it off my hand like a vacuum.
I look up to find Logan watching me intently. I grin a big childlike smile. I laugh as a ray wing tickles my knee.
Logan brings me more fish, and together we place our hands in the water with the piece of flesh. A giant ray comes to claim it, and I giggle again. I hear Chris snap a photo, but I don’t even care, I’m so enthralled by these gentle giants.
“See, I told you they weren’t scary,” Logan says to me.
“I hate admitting that I was wrong, but I was soooo wrong! They are amazing! I could stay here forever,” I say to him.
He smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Anna,” he says. I don’t know why, but my nickname on his lips makes me quiver.
“Are you cold?” he asks, noticing my involuntary movement.
