by Jen Talty
“Um, Darcie. Looks like someone wants to talk to you.”
She stepped away from the railing and turned. “Oh. Hey.” She stared into Reid’s intense blue eyes. They always reminded her of the ocean the first thing in the morning as the sun brought light to the depths below.
“Can I steal you for a few moments?” Reid asked.
“Sure.”
“I’m going to go prep the slide,” Kirk said. “We’re getting close to our anchor spot. I’ll make sure everything is ready.”
“Thanks.” She fiddled with her hair, tightening her ponytail. “Why don’t we sit over here?” She glanced toward the bridge, knowing Jim was sitting in his chair, watching her every move. When she dated Jim, for lack of a better word, he’d shown a different side of himself that she wished he’d let the rest of the world see. He could be sweet and charming when he wanted to be, but instead, most saw the arrogant ladies’ man who thought he knew everything. “How do you like your accommodations?”
“They’re awesome. While stoked they get the master, our youngest team members aren’t thrilled they’re sharing a bed,” Reid laughed. “But Preston and I are too old to share rooms, even if they are twin beds.” He rested his arm over the back cushion. He’d changed into a pair of long red boardshorts and a white T-shirt. “It never gets old pulling that kind of shit on the new guys. One of them will either end up on the floor or the sofa, but we’re hoping they get drunk enough and don’t care so we can sneak in and take pictures.”
“Men. You’ll get naked with each other. Shower together. But you won’t sleep in the same bed.”
He leaned a little closer. “Women. You’ll sleep in the same bed, but you don’t like to get naked with each other. I don’t get it.”
She shook her head. “Not to mention that’s really childish.”
“You know what they say about men and boys.”
“That I do.”
The yacht slowly banked to the right, heading into the cove where it would anchor for the night. She’d been all over the world and had seen some incredibly exotic places, and every single one amazed and touched her soul.
Her back yard was no different.
“I’m glad you came and found me. I wanted to ask about Deception Pass and what happened to it because it was taken off the activities list and replaced with a scuba diving trip with friends.” She raised her hands and made quotation marks with her fingers. “Why would you need your so-called friends to come and get you when we could have tendered you wherever you wanted to go? Within reason. We can also recommend some great places for scuba diving.”
“We didn’t know our buddies would be here. We just thought it would be fun.”
“That’s how you’re going to play this? Because I know when you’re lying to me.”
“Fine. Preston blindsided me with Hans, but I’m not fucking around. Hans is a potential business partner. He invited us out on his boat, and he loves scuba diving at night. He’s a wannabe extremist and kind of a pain in the ass. However, we couldn’t say no without being rude."
“Let me ask you this. Do you want to do business with this Hans guy?”
“Not the point,” he said. “But it’s one less thing for you to worriy about.” He tapped her nose.
She jerked her head back. “Don’t do that.”
“Sorry. I’m a creature of habit, and I always did that when we were dating.”
“Not when I was working, and my boss is glaring at us.” She nodded toward the bridge.
“Well, then I should shove my tongue down your throat and stick my hand up your shirt and really give him something to gawk at.” Reid tapped his index finger on her knee. “I can’t get over the fact you went out with him and that he cheated on you.”
“I would have broken up with him at the end of the season, so it doesn’t really matter anyway.” She tilted her head, wiping the few stray hairs that had blown across her face. “Be honest with me about Deception Pass.”
“I am. Although, I’m not the one who got the call. This entire trip is all Preston. If it were up to me, I’d be…nope, I take that back. I like the view where I’m sitting right now.”
She tried not to smile, but her mouth denied her mind’s wishes.
“Your cheeks are turning pink.”
“They are not.” If they weren’t before, they were flushed now.
“I like how I can still make you blush.” He pushed his shades up on top of his head. His blue eyes sparkled in the bright sunshine. “And I wish I could take you in my arms right now and just enjoy this little piece of heaven, but I know that’s not possible, and not just because you’re working.”
She swallowed, her heartbeat.
“Because of the timing of Hans and when he’s meeting us, the kayak trip is cancelled and I’m going to need to get at the internet modem by tomorrow morning. Can you make that happen, please?”
“I will let you know for sure at dinner tonight. I’m moving some of my deck crew around on their jobs so I will be on anchor watch.”
“I appreciate it.”
Her earpiece crackled. “Darcie. Darcie. Captain Jim. Time to drop anchor and then I need you to come to the bridge.”
She stood. “Duty calls.”
He lifted his thumb and made a gesture over his shoulder. “I guess I should go pretend to have a good time while I try not to stare too hard at you.”
“We don’t want you to strain your eyes.” She patted his chest.
“I’ll talk to you later.” He turned and strolled toward the stern of the yacht.
He paused. “Do you remember when you were working on that one boat. What was the name? Rapture?”
Every inch of her body ignited in flames. She fanned herself. “I do.”
“I came to visit, and we stayed in the guest cabin and had some wild sex that night. The cabin was amazing. It was similar to the one I’m in now. It’s even on the right side of the vessel.”
“It’s called the starboard side.”
“I’m on the starboard side. Just saying.” He winked.
It was only two nights. She could get through two nights without sneaking into his bedroom. Yep.
She could do it.
She had self-control.
She groaned.
Chapter 7
Reid swirled his whiskey on the rocks, watching the liquid melt the cubes. He loved the way ice rattled inside a glass.
“Can I get you anything else?” Milia asked from behind the bar.
“I’m good, thanks.” He’d like a few hours alone with Darcie, but he didn’t think that was on the menu.
“Are you going to join the rest of your friends?” She pointed to the hot tub where the boys had ended up. He glanced at his watch. It was close to eight-thirty. “Nah. I’m just going to wait for dinner. I’ve had enough water for one day.” His phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen.
Jagar.
He looked around and decided to take the call on the top sundeck. He jogged up the stairs, taking them two at a time. He couldn’t think of any good reason why Jagar Bowie would randomly call him, even after they’d had a decent conversation. “Hello? Jagar? Is something wrong?”
“I should be asking you that.”
“I’m not following.”
“Why am I getting anonymous tips that you, and only you, plan on doing some never-done-before stunt off Deception Pass tomorrow night?”
“I don’t know. But it’s not coming from me.”
“Do you remember Matt Montgomery? The guy I was with in New Orleans?”
“The one who hit me, or the one who stuffed his taco in my face?”
“The one with the taco. Why?”
“Just trying to get all the players figured out,” Reid said. While the memory was quite painful, he had to admit that it warmed his heart that Darcie had such good friends and family who’d had her back after he broke her heart.
“Well, he’s a cop in the city, and he’s hearing chatter as well. So I need
you to tell me what the fuck is going on.”
“Jagar. I don’t know.”
“Really? Because either you’re planning something really fucking stupid that’s going to freak my sister out, or you and your little friends are planning something outlandish and trying to throw those of us who might stop it off your trail.”
“I’m doing neither. And while I wouldn’t put it past Preston to send the press on a wild goose chase, he wouldn’t use me to do it. I mean, we’ve skirted the authorities before. We would know how to do it, and that’s not what’s going on here.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Reid did a three-sixty, making sure no one was within earshot. “You’re going to have to.”
“Why? And why are you whispering?” Jagar asked in that overprotective tone.
Reid couldn’t blame the man.
“You can’t tell anyone this, okay?”
“As long as you’re not getting my little sister involved in anything illegal.”
Reid pinched his nose. This wasn’t going to go over well, but he didn’t know what else to do. “I think Preston is trying to push me out of the company. I’m trying to prove it.”
“What does that have to do with what I’m hearing?”
“I’m not sure. Every once in a while, a few reporters get bored and like to print bullshit about me or Preston, so it could just be that. But it could also be Preston doing whatever it is he has planned for me. I just don’t have a good handle on it, yet.”
“How do you know Preston is out to get you?”
“I can’t really talk. This might be a superyacht, but it’s not that big.” He leaned over the side, satisfied that his co-workers weren’t concerned with his whereabouts. “I’m hoping to have a better understanding tomorrow when I hack into my company’s computer system.”
“Why wait?”
“Long story. But your sister is helping me create a ghost WiFi account on the yacht this evening.”
“I don’t like you bringing her in on this. What does she know, exactly?” Jagar asked.
“More than I want her to, but I did lie to her as much as I could. She and Preston don’t like each other as it is, I didn’t want tensions running any higher on this vessel than they had to be.”
“She hates it when people are dishonest, but I think you did the right thing,” Jagar said. “What can I do to help?”
“I wish I knew. I’m flying solo.”
“No. You’re not. Can you send me an email or text with some details of what you think is going on? I know people. So does my wife. Just make sure whatever you send me isn’t illegal. If it even skirts the line of breaking or bending any laws, then we’ll have to rethink.”
“Why would you help me after everything that happened between me and your sister?”
“Family is everything to me. My sister has spent the last year more lost than she’s ever been, and that’s because she doesn’t have you. And I saw what her not being in your life has done to you when I saw you in New Orleans. The two of you belong together. I know it and I think you do, too.”
“I don’t know anything right now.” His pulse increased when he saw Darcie out of the corner of his eye, headed up the stairs in his direction. “I’ve got to go. Your sister is about to be in ear shot.”
“If you don’t let me help, I’ll clue her in.”
“That’s unfair,” Reid said.
“You bet. Talk soon.”
Reid stuffed his cell into his pocket and took a hefty swig of his whiskey, sucking in one of the ice cubes and crushing it between his teeth.
“Who were you talking to?” She curled her fingers over his biceps and gave his muscle a gentle squeeze. “Did you get news about the person in your office?” she whispered as she peered over the railing.
He should perpetuate the lie. He should keep her in the dark about everything. But when she found out, she’d never want to talk to him again, and that meant he’d have no chance of ever winning her back.
Ever.
“Your brother, Jagar.”
“What the fuck? Why?” She took him by the hand and led him down the stairs.
“Where are we going?”
“Shhh.”
He followed her all the way to the bow of the boat where they had conversed earlier.
“It’s safer to talk up here. No one can really hear us unless they are standing in front of the bridge, and we’d see them.” She nodded over her shoulder. “Or walking up the sides, so we just need to keep an eye out.”
“Good to know.” He took another sip, wetting his whistle. “Is Captain Jim in the cockpit?”
“I’m sure he is,” she said, sitting down on the bench. “But I don’t care if he sees us.”
He joined her, not liking that his back was to the bridge. “What do you think he makes of us being up here together?”
“You and I have a long history. I don’t think anyone who knows us would question us having a private conversation. Now, tell me. Why the fuck were you talking to my brother?”
“Maybe we should backtrack to the fact he paid me a visit this morning.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Why would he do that?” She shook her head and picked at her thumbnail.
“Whenever you do that, I want to kiss you, so maybe you shouldn’t.” He reached out and grabbed her hand. “He’s just looking out for his sister. That’s all.”
“I wish my family would stop fucking meddling in my damned life. It’s really starting to piss me off.”
He cupped the back of her neck. “I know it feels and looks like meddling. And this morning, I’d agree. He shouldn’t have just shown up at my hotel. But I’m in trouble. Big trouble. And he can help. So, I’m sorry. I’ll take what you think is meddling but is really just caring about you because Preston is doing some weird shit. And I have to get to the bottom of it.” His voice trembled, and his pulse raced out of control. He took in a deep, controlled breath, hoping to keep himself from hyperventilating.
The reality of what Jagar had told him about the rumors smacked his brain like the rain pelting a tin roof. Preston wasn’t out to push him out of the company.
No. Preston wanted to publicly ruin Reid, forcing him to leave the company with his tail between his legs.
“Okay. Now you’re scaring me.”
“I don’t mean to, but I lied to you earlier about why I needed to have access to the internet without anyone knowing.”
“Lied? How?”
“It’s not an employee I’m concerned about. It’s Preston.” He drew in closer, his lips only inches from hers. He held her gaze, searching for a reason he shouldn’t kiss her, other than the fact that she was working, her boss was probably watching, and he knew it would be a mistake.
A big mistake.
For her. She’d be risking her job. Her security. Her heart.
But for him, it would mean the world.
She was his everything, and if he had her on his side, he knew he’d survive Preston and whatever he had planned.
He dropped his hand to his lap and pulled away.
No way would he put her in that kind of position.
“Preston? What is going on with him?” she asked.
“I don’t want you to be in the middle of all this. It’s bad enough I just roped your brother into it.”
“Jagar doesn’t get involved in shit unless he wants to be in the thick of it, or unless it’s his job,” she said. “And as far as I’m concerned. I don’t know what’s going on, so until you fill me in on the details, I don’t get to tell you if I want to be a part of it or not—outside of fucking with the WiFi.”
“Right now, that’s all I want you to do. I’d never be able to live with myself if anything happened to you.”
She took his hand and stood. “We need to get back,” she said. “But you have to promise me that you will fill me in as we go. I can’t be flying blind. Okay?”
“I can do that. I promise.”
“That means if you find anything in the morning when I shut Preston off from the internet, you have to tell me what he’s up to, no matter how bad it is.”
Reid couldn’t take it anymore. He didn’t care who was looking. He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers in a sweet, tender kiss. It didn’t last very long, but it was the taste of a potential future. “I swear, I will tell you everything. No more lies. No more omitting the truth.”
God, he hoped he could keep that promise.
It would be the only way he could have half a chance with Darcie when this was all over.
Of course, they had a shit ton of logistics to work out, but if he had to move to fucking Seattle, he’d do it.
She was worth it.
He should have fought for her to begin with.
Reid sipped his whiskey, watching the moonlight dance on the dark water. A brisk breeze came across the stern. He understood the lure of the seas. He never questioned Darcie’s desire to be on it, nor did he want her to give it up.
He just never wanted to be second fiddle. He’d played that role to Erin’s depression.
“Why are you looking so glum?” Preston stumbled across the deck and plopped himself down on the lounge chair next to Reid. “We just had one of the best meals of our life, and we’re floating on a fucking gorgeous yacht, what is the problem?”
“There isn’t one.” Reid watched Darcie tie off the tender before she disappeared below deck. He leaned back in his chair and went back to staring at the stars.
“Oh, I know what crawled up your ass now.”
Reid chuckled. He absolutely didn’t want to hear anything Preston had to say when he got like this. “You’ve had too much to drink to get all philosophical,” Reid said.
“Oh. I’m not doing that. I’m just going to call the kettle black.” Preston waggled his finger. “Darcie has you all fucked up again.”
“Not even close,” Reid said.
Preston could be a real dick when he was sober, but drunk, he had a real knack for having diarrhea of the mouth and saying shit that just pissed people off. And he knew how to push Reid’s buttons, but he didn’t usually do it with Darcie. Actually, Preston almost never mentioned her, which Reid thought he did out of respect.
