by Jill Sanders
She crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. “I don’t like surprises.”
He squinted over at her. “Yes, you do.”
“How do you know?” she asked.
“Because last Christmas I watched you very closely,” he answered with a chuckle.
“That was Christmas. This is now.”
“We’re there,” he interrupted her, then he nodded as he turned into the parking lot.
“What…” She leaned forward as her eyes ran over the rows and rows of boats. “You have a boat?”
Boats were something he’d enjoyed since he was a kid. Some of the only good times he’d had with his mom and dad had been on a boat.
“I bought one a few months back.” He parked the car.
“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”
“Rafe knows.” He turned towards her.
“But… not me? Why?”
He shrugged and reached over to play with her long braid. “It never came up.”
“What else aren’t you telling me?” she asked.
He smiled. “We’ll have the next couple of hours to talk about all sorts of things,” he promised.
Her eyes narrowed. “Where… are we going?”
He shifted. “If Emily did as I asked…” He reached back and took her backpack then unzipped the front small pouch and smiled when he pulled out Jamie’s passport. “Good, she didn’t forget.”
“Emily was in on this?” Jamie crossed her arms over her chest.
“I had to keep as much of this a surprise as I could.” He stuffed her passport back in the front of the bag, then got out and took her bag and his.
He waited for her to join him, then locked his car and started walking down the docks.
“You haven’t told me where we’re going.” She caught up with him easily.
“I haven’t?” He smiled as she fell into step with him.
She reached over and smacked his shoulder, almost sending her bag falling to the ground.
“Hey, if you’d rather stay…”
Her eyes narrowed as she kept pace. “Fine, play your games.”
He nodded to his boat. “There she is.”
In bold red letters across the stern was the name he’d given the vessel he used to relieve his everyday tensions.
Pressure Point
“You bought a yacht?” She turned to him in disbelief.
“It’s not really a yacht.” He shrugged. “It’s more like a mini-yacht.” He’d been proud that he could finally afford the vessel after coming into his inheritance, and he had jumped at the purchase. He’d already gotten a lot of use out of it and was thinking of longer trips he could take up and down the coast. He’d held off telling Jamie and Emily because he’d wanted to get more comfortable with going out first. He’d taken Rafe out a few times, but for the most part, he’d gone out alone.
Holding out his hand, he helped her cross onto the stern.
“This is amazing.” She turned around and took everything in.
“I called ahead and had them get her ready for us.” He followed her onto the stern. “We should have a fully stocked kitchen.” He nodded to the cabin area. “Just some basics for our trip.” He set the bags down.
She moved over to him and, before he could blink, her body was pressed up against his. Her eyes locked with his own and he felt his body react instantly to her closeness. She was less than a breath away when she asked, “Where are we heading, sailor?”
Her eyes moved down to his lips and he could almost taste her.
“South Bimini,” he answered, knowing he couldn’t keep it from her too much longer.
Her eyebrows shot up. “Isn’t that… hours away?”
“Almost two.” His hands kept her body next to his. “We’re not in a hurry.” He glanced at his watch behind her back and calculated. “Plenty of time.” He leaned down and covered her mouth with his.
He felt her relax and sighed as her body melted against his. He took his time, running his hands over her back as her nails dug into his shoulders. He could tell what he was doing to her, and she was doing the same thing to him.
He doubted they would have enough time to get to the island before sunset if they continued down the path they were going now. Pulling away, he waited until she blinked, and he watched her eyes clear.
“I’ll put this stuff down below.” He bent down and grabbed their bags.
She followed him below, where he secured their bags in a small closet area.
“Wow.” She looked around. “This is nice.”
The cabin was small, just enough room for one person, maybe two if you didn’t mind bumping into one another. It was a sleek design with a double bed at the bow, where he had set blue pillows of every size. Above, there was a large circular viewing porthole for stargazing. There were several other portholes around the cabin, flooding the inside with light. One side of the cabin was a small kitchenette while the other had a long bench sofa with a table. There was a small bathroom, including a glass shower, a sink, and a toilet opposite a waterproof closet with all his necessities. Under the four wooden stairs sat a cozy TV area with U-shaped cushions.
“It fits its purpose.” He moved closer to her.
“Have you gone out in her before?” she asked as she opened the door to the toilet area and looked in.
“A few times.”
Her eyebrows rose as she looked over at him. “Do you know anything about navigating?”
He chuckled. “I’ve been on boats most of my life. This is a short trip compared to others I’ve taken before.”
“Solo trips?” she asked, shutting the bathroom door and looking around the small kitchen area.
“Sure.” He moved past her as she stuck her head in the fridge. “I’ll go get everything ready to leave.”
“I’ll help.” She followed him up.
He glanced back at her. “Do you know anything about boating?”
She smiled. “I’ve been on boats most of my life.” She repeated his words. “My last boyfriend had a couple boats.”
“Couple?” he asked, remembering her talk about her ex-boyfriend several times. They’d been high school sweethearts before she’d moved to Miami.
“Sure.” She shrugged. “Rob used to take me out all the time.”
“Were they this size?” he asked, not sure why he needed to know. He tried to picture her in a rowboat with another man.
“No.” She glanced around. Instantly, he felt a little better. He didn’t know why he felt in competition with her ex, but something deep down wanted to be better than a man he’d never met. “They were all much bigger,” she said with her back to him.
His ego took an instant hit.
Chapter Seven
She didn’t know why she enjoyed seeing Blaine struggle with the knowledge that Rob’s toys were bigger than his. Okay, so she knew they’d agreed to tell the truth, but she couldn’t stop messing with him. He looked too damn sexy when he was irritated.
Blaine’s boat was nice, much nicer and bigger than anything Rob had taken her out in.
Besides, they had been landlocked. Every time she’d gone out on a boat with Rob, it had been on a lake or a river. She’d never been out on the open seas before. Her parents had taken her on a few cruises, but as Blaine pulled out of the docks, she wondered how she was going to relax while there was nothing and no one within sight.
“You okay?” he asked, his eyes zoning onto her hands as she gripped the railing in front of her.
“Sure.” She took a deep breath. “Fine.”
“We can turn around?” he said, causing her to jerk her hands free.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’ll get used to it.”
His eyebrows shot up. “I thought…” He must have seen the truth in her eyes because his smile grew. “Bigger than mine, huh?”
She closed her eyes and silently wished for a drink.
“Shut up.” She grunted when the boat jerked with a wave.
“We�
�ll be out of the bay soon. Then things will smooth out.” She felt his hand on her arm.
“Keep your hands on the wheel,” she barked out, only to have him laugh at her. “Tell me you brought booze,” she groaned.
His chuckle was his only reply, so she peeked through her eyelashes at him.
He was navigating around a larger ship, and she quickly closed her eyes again.
“Okay, this part might get a little choppy, so stay sitting down,” he warned.
“What part?”
“We have to get out of the channel.” She watched as the water turned. The waves were crashing, trying to push them back into the bay. Even though there were two long walls on either side of them, they only seemed to force the water directly at them.
She closed her eyes again and didn’t open them until she felt the boat settle completely.
“Told you,” Blaine said. “Nothing but open water from here on out.” He leaned back and actually sat down while the boat continued at full speed.
“How do you know where we’re going?” she asked, not wanting to chance standing up.
He nodded to a small GPS screen on the dashboard.
“I guess I could tell you I looked at the stars, but…” He glanced over at her. “You okay?”
She nodded and felt her entire body relax. “Yeah.” She released her death grip from the railing.
“Sit back and enjoy. We’ve got about two hours until we get there,” he said easily.
They were sitting inside a small closed-in area, and she desperately wished for the wind on her face. Several long benches were just behind them, covered in blue and teal pillows. The area was more exposed to the elements.
Scooting her body down and staying low to the deck, she made her way towards the back and sat on the long sofa bench with the sun on her face. Thankfully, she’d braided her hair, since the wind would have made a mess of it.
This time when she closed her eyes, there was only pleasure behind it. The sun, the smell of saltwater, the feeling of the wind, it was all intoxicating. The motor was quiet enough that she could even hear an occasional seagull above them.
Her eyes moved to Blaine’s back and slowly she relaxed even more. She propped her feet up and lay back on a pillow to enjoy the ride.
She woke from a short nap when the engine cut. For a moment, she’d forgotten where she was.
Then her eyes focused, and she saw Blaine smiling down at her.
“I didn’t want you to get a sunburn,” he said.
She sat up and shifted, looking around. For as far as she could see, there was nothing but water.
“How much further?” she asked, stretching her arms over her head. The nap had done wonders to clear her mind.
“About half an hour.” He handed her a bottle of water. “I thought you’d like to see the dolphins.” He nodded and she jumped off the cushion to glance at the water.
There were over half a dozen of the sleek dark-gray creatures playing around the boat as it gently rocked with the water.
“Oh.” She grabbed her cell phone out of her pocket and started filming. “Look at them!” She laughed when they circled the boat. “I’ve never seen them so close.” She continued to videotape and laugh as they played around them.
“They aren’t usually this playful.” Blaine laughed. “Here, I bet we can take a selfie with them in the background.” He took her phone from her and they both turned towards the camera.
He nudged her closer and then wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he moved the camera until several dolphins could be seen behind them.
He took several shots when one jumped out of the water behind them. They were laughing as the dolphin jumped in the air and Blaine hit the button.
“I’ve never had an experience quite like that before,” she said when he handed her cell phone back to her.
“Neither have I.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“Want something to eat?” he asked. She noticed the food on the small table. He’d remembered everything, including champagne. “I thought we’d have some lunch out here.” He glanced around and smiled.
She’d never had lunch in the middle of the ocean as dolphins swam around her before.
They ate turkey sandwiches and fresh fruit, and drank champagne as the fresh salt air washed over them. It was perfect. The most perfect lunch she’d ever have.
She helped clean up after they were done and then sat next to him as they finished their journey across the water.
When the island came into sight, her eyes were glued to the horizon. The closer they got, the bigger it looked. The beach stretched wider as they approached a small inlet.
“The docks are on the back side,” Blaine added. “We’re looking for the Fisherman’s Village Marina. It’s at the end of the channel.”
The wide waterway turned narrow as he continued on. Other boats passed them. For a long while, there was nothing but water, with the land on the left of them. Then the channel opened up and a large dock sat directly in front of them.
“Our slip is number four.” He nodded. “Think you can help out?”
“Sure.” She felt a little nervous but excited as well. “What can I do?”
“When we come in, steer.” He moved aside as the engines cut. “Aim for the middle.” He nodded to the area as he nudged her in front of the wheel.
“But…” She turned to him, but he was already gone. He stood at the front of the boat as they approached the pier at an alarming rate. Even with the engines cut, they drifted too fast, closer and closer.
Her heart raced as images of crashing into the dock flashed quickly in her mind.
“Left,” he called out. She turned the wheel sharply, and he called out. “Not so much.” She corrected. “Good, straight ahead.” He waved his hand.
When the dock was less than a foot away, she understood what his intentions were. He used his arms and legs to force the front of the boat away from a thick wood pillar. He threw a thick rope over it, then moved quickly to the back of the boat, which had drifted to the right, and kept it from hitting the back just in time.
“There.” He turned to her with a smile. “That was easier than when I did it alone.”
She sat down on the seat and took a deep breath. “Wow.” She looked around. The water was so clear she could see the bottom.
“Have you ever been to the Bahamas?” he asked as he secured the boat.
“No. Mexico, Europe, Australia, and a few other places, but not here.”
“Welcome.” He stepped down and took her hand. “We’re a little early. The car won’t come for another half hour. We can walk around the shops.” He motioned towards the pier. “If you want.”
She nodded. “What about our stuff?”
“It’s a secure dock.” He nodded to the man who was walking towards them.
By the time they stood on the dock, the man in all white was beside the boat. “Welcome, Mr. Fisher.”
“Thanks.” Blaine shook his hand. “We’re a little early.”
“I can have the car come for you,” the man suggested.
“I think we’ll walk around for a while first and do some shopping.” He took Jamie’s hand.
“That’s good. I can have your belongings loaded into the car which should be here soon to take you to the house.” He motioned towards the boat.
“Thank you,” Blaine added, handing the man some cash. “They’re below, two bags in the closet.”
“Very good.” The man nodded as they walked away.
“House?” she asked as they walked away.
Blaine glanced over at her. “I know a guy who knows a guy who owns the place.”
“Who?”
“Just a guy.” He shrugged. “Come on, let’s shop.”
By the time the car came for them, she had two bags full of stuff. She had bought a new sundress and sandals and a matching turquoise ring and bracelet for herself, as well as a cute top and green scarf for Emily.
“You’re the one who suggested shopping,” she said when he gave the bags a look.
He chuckled. “I didn’t think you’d find this much to buy.”
“I’m a girl.” She dismissed him and watched the scenery flash by.
The “car” was a glorified golf cart, which slowly made its way down a narrow road. Their overnight bags were already secured on the back rack and they sat together on a bench.
“We’ll have our own golf cart at the house so we can get around the island,” Blaine told her as they made their way down the roadway.
“Are there any real cars on the island?” she asked as they passed a few other carts.
“A few.”
“How many times have you been here?”
“A few,” he repeated with a smile.
The golf cart turned and climbed up a steep driveway. A soft yellow house with a full wraparound porch sat above the others, overlooking the ocean.
“It’s huge.” She turned to Blaine.
“It can sleep up to eight.” He nodded and gathered their bags, then tipped the driver, who disappeared quickly.
“Who did you say owns this place?” she asked as she looked around.
“I didn’t.” He took the bags and started walking.
“Is it a secret?” She fell into step with him. They crossed a wide cement porch. There were teal chairs set up along the front, along with a wide porch swing.
“No.” He glanced down at her. “The code is 5492.” He nodded to the keypad for the front door.
She punched in the code and opened the door wide.
The place was gorgeous. The main room had high ceilings and a massive wall of windows that overlooked bright teal water. A large deck with a private pool sat on the back of the house.
She walked around the teal furniture and looked out further. A set of stairs led down to a small private beach.
She turned around and looked at the rest of the house and noticed Blaine was watching her instead of looking around the place.
“You’ve been here before,” she said.
“I told you I have,” he agreed.
“You said you’ve been to the island before, not here, here.” She motioned around the house.
